f the sick, children under
three years of age, and certain other special cases, are dieted in
accordance with certain dietary tables as framed and settled by the
board. The order contained a great number of different rations, it
being left to the discretion of the guardians as to the final
settlement of the tables. For adult inmates the dietary tables are for
each sex respectively, two in number, one termed "plain diet" and the
other "infirm diet." All male inmates certified as healthy able-bodied
persons receive plain diet only. All inmates, however, in workhouses
are kept employed according to their capacity and ability, and this is
taken into consideration in giving allowances of food. For instance,
for work with sustained exertion, such as stone-breaking, digging,
&c., more food is given than for work without sustained exertion, such
as wood-chopping, weeding or sewing. Table II. shows an example of a
workhouse dietary.

In the casual wards of workhouses the dietary is plainer, consisting
of 8 oz. of bread, or 6 oz. of bread and one pint of gruel or broth
for breakfast; the same for supper; for dinner 8 oz. of bread and 1-1/2
oz. of cheese or 6 oz. of bread and one pint of soup. The American
poor law system is based broadly on that of England, and the methods
of relief are much the same. Each state, however, makes its own
regulations, and there is considerable diversity in workhouse
dietaries in consequence. The German system of poor relief is more
methodical than those of England and America. The really deserving are
treated with more commiseration, and a larger amount of outdoor
relief is given than in England. There is no casual ward, tramps and
beggars being liable to penal treatment, but there are "relief
stations," somewhat corresponding to casual wards, where destitute
persons tramping from one place to another can obtain food and lodging
in return for work done.

In the British navy certain staple articles of diet are supplied to
the men to the value approximately of 6d. per diem--the standard
government ration--and, in addition, a messing allowance of 4d. per
diem, which may either be expended on luxuries in the canteen, or in
taking up government provisions on board ship, in addition to the
standard ration. The standard ration as recommended in 1907 by a
committee appointed to inquire into the question of victualling in the
navy is