172 BULLETIX 414, TJ. S. DEPAETMEXT OF AGRICULTURE. 
On the basis of 45 men to each camp the county , which paid directly 
for the food would save S73.50 per month and 8882 per year, and 
could if it desired expend this sum in improving the camp. 
In all of the foregoing diet tables there is a striking similarity in 
the character of the food, but except in a few instances quantities are 
not given, because accurate detailed information could not be ob- 
tained. An intensive dietary study to determine the fuel value of 
the food actually consumed and the amounts of the food constituents, 
while of great interest, was beyond the scope of this investigation. 
Most of the diets would be improved by the addition of a few inex- 
pensive food materials, such as vinegar, pickles, stewed dried fruits 
and uncooked green vegetables from time to time as opportunity 
affords. 
Vinegar, for beans and certain vegetables, and pickles are actually 
craved by many of the negro convicts. While these materials add 
little, if any, fuel value to. the food, they contain certain acid sub- 
stances of which the body may be in need. In cases where they 
would add greatly to the satisfaction of the men there can be no reason 
for not providing them. 
Stewed dried fruits, cooked unripe green fruits stewed with sugar, 
and fresh fruits are a valuable part of any diet. They are pleasing 
to the taste, add variety, and contain important mineral salts. They 
may be used in the place of desserts, and should be served daily in 
some form. 
Fresh uncooked green vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, radishes, 
tomatoes, and the like, form healthful additions to the diet and should 
be served whenever practicable. It is very essential, however, that 
they should be washed thoroughly in clean water and not come into 
contact with dirty hands or filth before being served. 
DIET TABLES FOR CONVICT CAMPS. 
The following diet tables (18 to 25) have been designed for the pur- 
pose of meeting the peculiar requirements of convict camps so far 
as it is possible to do so. It is believed that these tables are composed 
of the cheapest food materials that can properly be used in the feeding 
of convicts, and that the amounts and proportions are such as to 
insure a well-balanced diet of sufficient food value to maintain a man 
at hard muscular labor. The food requirements of individuals differ 
considerably and are also influenced markedly by the amount of hard 
labor actually performed. It is not to be expected that men on yard 
work about the camp will require the same amount of food as those 
engaged in pick and shovel work on the road. Actual experience 
alone can determine the exact requirements of the camp as a whole. 
