147

        Now, assuming that the amount of protein absorption from the constant part
of these diets is the same in both—this is probably a correct assumption as the
decrease in bulk due to one oz. of arhar dal would have little effect, and is quite
different from a reduction in the much more bulky rice—we see that an increase of
one oz. of arhar dal causes an increased protein metabolism from 9.63 grms. to
10.49 grms. nitrogen.

        This works out at an absorption of the protein of arhar dal of just over 85 per
cent.; a figure closely approaching the normal to be expected for a fairly digestible
vegetable protein.

        Exactly similar results were obtained in Buxar jail by reducing the mung dal
from 6 ozs. to 5 ozs. and finally to 4 ozs. per man daily—when the diet consisted
otherwise of Burma rice 12 ozs., wheat ata 10 ozs. and 6 ozs. of vegetables. A
steady fall in the level of nitrogenous metabolism took place; so that we
may accept it that the 6 ozs. of dals sanctioned in the jail dietaries is the correct
amount, when given in combination with the optimum amount of Burma or Country
rice and wheat or makkai ata.

        (ii) Investigation to obtain the varying degrees of nitrogenous metabolism on
diets of Burma rice, wheat ata, mung dal and vegetables—when all constituents of
the diets are constant, except the mung dal.

Buxar Jail.

TABLE XXI.

SCHEME OF DIETS.

Diet I.

Behari prisoners observed for five consecutive days.

U 2