There are some acres of ground about the institution which is kept in an admirable order by the inmates, but no space has been set aside or adapted for an exercise ground for the prisoners. This is a matter which should receive attention. The open air is wholesome, and men should not be deprived of this privilege even if they are felons.
This institution was one of the last to adhere to a striped costume, which has finally been superseded by suitings of plain colors.
They ought to add a bakery to their cooking department. We believe this prison would profit by the employment of a professional cook.
The warden manages to find employment for nearly all of the prisoners in some sort of domestic service, tho no special industries are maintained.
A liberal application of the privilege of parole is noticeable in this county. The results are very satisfactory.
General efficiency the same as the year before.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Early in the season of 1917 some men were paroled to work on the county farm. The satisfactory results are reported in our account of the Wardens’ Meeting. The authorities have been so well pleased with this experiment that it is probable next season will witness some enlargement of these activities. Some of the men have been employed in finishing rugs, but this industry last summer was lagging.
They bake an excellent quality of bread, and prepare a menu somewhat above the average. Their experiment with cocoa nibs was not satisfactory; the men greatly prefer coffee. At some institutions, cocoa is being served occasionally as a substitute for coffee, and the inmates appear to enjoy it. A drink made from cheap cocoa nibs may not have much nutriment, but real cocoa possesses considerable nutriment, while coffee has no value as food, but may act as a stimulant.
Estimated efficiency now rated at 75 per cent.