152 FORESTRY IN SPAIN. 



but the asonanle returns only every other line, and makes 

 no rhyme. It is sufficient that the two last vowels are 

 the same. In illustration are given quotations from 

 classic dramas, in one of which sirve and vides ; in another 

 tema and era ; in another vara* and casas, plantas, and 

 probanza, are asonantes ; and he goes on to say : without 

 being acquainted with this beforehand, a foreigner might 

 frequent the Spanish theatre for years without perceiving 

 the existence or effect of the asonantes ; and though lie 

 be put into the way he will often have much trouble to 

 trace them when he hears them on the stage. But what 

 is so difficult for him to catch at does not escape a 

 Spaniard for an instant, however unlearned he may be. 

 After the second verse of a long string of asonantes he 

 discovers the final vowels which govern ; he listens at the 

 proper places, and an actor could not with impunity dis- 

 appoint him : this is a rare quality, owing to the delicate 

 organisation of the people, and to the habit of declama- 

 tion which the most obscure and vulgar acquire. I leave 

 to my readers to classify the song. 



In accordance with what I have stated in regard 

 to the usage coming down from what some would call 

 the olden time of 18-47 and 1848, provision is made for 

 excursions to neighbouring forests, and even forests at a 

 considerable distance from the school, being made by the 

 students in company with one or more of the professors 

 including provision for meeting the expenses of all on 

 such excursions, and for excursions being made by the 

 professors into the forest lands of other nations for pur- 

 poses ot observation and report. 



Of what may thus be done, and has been done, an 

 illustration is supplied by a Report already mentioned, 

 published by official anthority, entitled ' Mernoria Rela- 

 tiva a la Excursion Verificada por los Aluminos de tercer 

 Anno de la Escuela Especial de Ingenieros de Montes a 

 los Montes Publicos, Bunas y Alcornocales de la Provincia 

 de Gerona por el Verano de 1882, Escrita por Don, 



