“The large force of men--about 125--employed in the preparation and serving of the food are carefully selected and regularly examined twice a month by the prison physician. The men are required to keep themselves as neat and clean as waiters in a respectable outside restaurant. The kitchen is a model of what an institutional kitchen should be. In the dining hall, the long slate slabs, miscalled tables, at which the men have been required to feed for countless years, are being replaced by attractive tables seating ten each, at which the processes of serving and eating may go on in a civilized fashion.” Investigation of N. Y. Prison Association. In the 72d Annual Report of the Prison Association of New York we find an exhaustive study of the rations at the State penal institutions. Two assistant secretaries have given a large amount of time and attention to this matter and we propose to make some quotations from this report. “The principal defects may be presented under the following headings: 1. Insufficiency in the amount of food allotted. 2. Wrong relative amounts of different classes of food, making it difficult to serve balanced rations. 3. Unsatisfactory method of distribution of food among the prisoners. 4. Inadequate system of food allotment and estimates at the central office.” Their observations at Sing Sing confirm the report of Warden Kirchwey. “With a view to varying the daily menu as much as possible a new dietary was established early in the year by Dr. Emily C. Seaman, of Columbia University. A new kitchen was provided in what was formerly known as the old boiler room, with concrete floor, and walls and ceiling enameled white. New equipment was installed, including potato steamers, aluminum kettles, steam kettles, an electric meat chopper, electric potato paring machine, large gas range for roasting meats, and large coffee urns. Those employed in the kitchen and mess hall are dressed in white duck suits. Tables with white enameled tops and chairs with backs are being installed in place of the old tables and stools. The new arrangement is reported to have improved the quality and cleanliness of the food served.” A Scientific Ration. In order to make our contention clear, it seems necessary to impart some technical information.