808 JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



astery was founded in the twelfth century, and ever since its estab- 

 Hshment the forest has been tended by the monks, at least in a cursory 

 fashion, along forestry principles. 



It consists chiefly of silver fir, together with pure stands of chestnut, 

 beech, pine, and a little oak. It has a large forest garden, with over 

 3,000 tree species, from all parts of the world, and seven experimental 

 nurseries. It is situated about 34 miles from Florence and at an eleva- 

 tion of about 3,200 feet, overlooking the beautiful Arno Valley. It is 

 within easy reach of several other important forests of central Italy, 

 such as La Verna, Mandrioli, Camaldoli, and Boscolunga, along the 

 higher reaches of the Apennine Mountains. 



Under the laws of 191 1, the school was moved to the Cascine 

 Gardens, in the outskirts of Florence, where there are three well- 

 equipped buildings now occupied by the school. The official name was 

 changed to "Reale Istituto Superiore Forestale Nazionale," which, 

 literally translated, means the Royal Superior National Forestry Insti- 

 tute, but in the parlance of educational circles in this country it should 

 be translated as the Royal Forestry College, 



It still retains Vallombrosa as a summer headquarters, where students 

 spend from July i to July 15 and from September 15 to October i of 

 each year, the interim between being spent in visits to other Italian 

 forests on trips of inspection. 



There are two ranger schools in Italy, both of which are maintained 

 and supported by the government out of the general forestry appro- 

 priation. These are located at Citta Ducali, in the Abruzzi, near Aquila, 

 and the other at Vallombrosa. Both of these ranger schools offer one- 

 year courses, and there are three degrees given, namely, those of forest 

 guard, forest brigadier, and forest marshal. The ranger students go 

 first to the school at Citta Ducali for a period of one year. When they 

 have completed this course they enter the forest service as guards. 

 Those who wish and are competent to rise to higher ranks are selected 

 for the purpose, and after a period of three years in the forest after 

 graduation from this school are sent to Vallombrosa for one year, after 

 which they receive the degree of forest brigadier. A few of the most 

 proficient men receive the degree of forest marshal. Before the war, 

 there were 150 students in the class at Vallombrosa and 300 in the class 

 at Citta Ducali. While at the latter school the men receive 1,200 lire, 

 or about $240, per annum, but this has been increased to 1,600 lire, or 

 $320, per annum. At Vallombrosa the ranger students receive 1,800 

 lire, or approximately $360, per annum upon graduation as brigadiers, 



