It has been carefully computed that the average weekly consumption of an adult workman in fair circumstances in north and central Italy consists of 750 grammes (1½ Ibs.) of fresh meat; 4,700 grammes (about 9½ Ibs.) of bread; 900 grammes (17⅛ Ib.) of wheaten "pasta"; 1,400 grammes (nearly 3 Ibs.) of maize, either in the form of polenta or of bread; 350 grammes (¾ Ib.) of cheese, or a litre of milk; 850 grammes (3½ Ibs.) of rice; 350 grammes (¾ Ib.) of dried fish or salt meat; 2,000 grammes (4 Ibs.) of vegetables and green stuff; 4 litres to 5 litres of wine; and a small quantity of alcohol.
