CONVICT LABOR FOE ROAD WORK. 157 
2 splints, No. 1 each. . $0. 50 
8 ounces sulphur ointment '. per pound . . .75 
1 smooth-dressing forceps 50 
1 dozen surgical needles 50 
1 ounce toothache drops 25 
RATIONS FOR CONVICTS AT ROAD CAMPS. 1 
INTRODUCTION. 
To maintain the body in the highest state of health and efficiency 
it must be supplied with those foods best adapted to build up the 
wasted tissues, furnish energy for the production of muscular activity, 
and yield heat for the upkeep of the temperature. 
When a good variety of animal and vegetable foods is at hand in 
sufficient quantities, the instinct and taste of the individual gener- 
ally may be relied upon to guide him in the selection of those foods 
best adapted to his needs, but when, through lack of means or depri- 
vation of freedom, he is compelled to submit to certain limitations 
of his food necessity, rather than natural desire, may determine how 
his body shall be nourished. It is highly important, therefore, that 
those who are to restrict or supervise the feeding of any group of 
individuals should have some knowledge of foods and their relations 
to the human body. 
Among the most important constituents of food are the substances 
known as protein, fats, carbohydrates, and mineral salts. 
PROTEIN. 
Protein is usually considered of first importance in food values, 
because it is the only constituent of food which contains nitrogen, the 
element essential for the building and repair of the nitrogenous tissues 
composing the body itself. Protein is contained in largest quantities 
and in forms most available to the body in lean meat, fish, cheese, 
eggs, milk, peas, beans, oatmeal, and wheat flour. It is noticeable 
that protein is in the greatest amounts and the most useful forms in 
the more expensive articles of food, and that fat meat, syrup, green 
vegetables, and molasses are not included. These latter foods, while 
by no means without great value in other ways, do not alone, with 
the possible exception of some green vegetables, supply the body with 
sufficient protein for its needs. 
The results obtained from much careful study of different races and 
groups of individuals have led an investigator of wide experience in 
India to conclude that all successful people have habitually consumed 
protein in large amounts, whereas those who have adhered to a low 
protein standard have not progressed correspondingly physically, 
mentally, or morally. The following saying concerning the Brahmans, 
1 Credit is given to the Office of Home Economics of the State Relations Service of this department for 
aid in the preparation of this part of the bulletin. 
