630 SCHOOLS OF FORESTRY. 



Vlnstitiit Agronomiqiie. — There has been recently established at the 

 conservatory of arts and trades in Paris, under a law of July 27, 1872, 

 an agronomic institute, having for its object the elevation of the grade 

 of agricultural science in its relations to the various bi-anches of animal 

 and vegetable production. Pupils are not to be admitted under 18 years 

 of age, and they must bring the diploma of a bachelor of science, or pass 

 an examination showing that they possess the attainments corresi)oud- 

 ing with this degree. The course of instruction is to embrace two years, 

 and upon passing the examinations ])rescribed for graduation, the stu- 

 dents are to receive a diploma of superior instruction in agriculture. 

 Fees, 300 francs per annum. Some stipends are provided, and auditors 

 may be admitted who do not participate in the full course, nor are these 

 admitted to the study-rooms or laboratories. 



On the 9th of October, 1876, the faculty of this new institution was 

 organized by a decree of the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, 

 appointing lifteen professors, of which several will have direct or indi- 

 rect charge of matters relating to forestry. 



Instruction in Forestry at Schools of Agriculture. — Besides theforegoing, 

 it is customary for the French forest administration to detail agents for 

 instructing rlasses upon the general principles of forestry at several of 

 the agricultural schools in France, upon the plan we follow in appoint- 

 ing Army officers for giving military instruction at certain colleges and 

 universities. The Annuaire des Eaux et Forets, for 1877, shows a sub- 

 inspector, as professor of horticulture, sylviculture, and vegetable 

 physiology in the agricultural school of Roanue (Loire), and an inspector, 

 as professor of sylviculture and botany, in the agricultural school of 

 Moutpelier (Herault). 



SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AT YALLOMBROSA, ITALY. 



This school was created by royal decree, dated April 4, 18G9. It is 

 located in the midst of a fine forest of the silver tir, in the old convent 

 of Saint Gualbert, pleasantly associated with the names of Milton and of 

 Byron, and about eighteen miles from Florence. It is at an elevated point 

 on the slope of the Apeuiunes, near the source of the Arno, and the 

 topography and geological conditions of the neighborhood are quite 

 interesting and varied. In winter, the school descends to Paterno, in 

 the valley of the Arno, and half way between the station at Vallombrosa 

 and the railroad station of Pontassicol. Several provinces of the king- 

 dom, at the beginning voted to advance funds to students of the Royal 

 School of Engineers, to enable them to attend the course. The plan of 

 organization is not essentially different from that of the school at Nancy, 

 and the institution is under the direction of A. di Berenger, inspector- 

 general of waters and forests. 



This school was first opened August 23, 18G9, in the presence of sev- 

 eral senators and ofiicials, connected with the ministry of agriculture, 

 industry, and commerce. 



SPAIN. 



Special School of Forest Engineers. — By a royal decree, dated INIay 1, 

 1835, and by direction of the regent, dated May 18, 1843, there was 

 created a school of forest engineers, which, on the 18th of November, 

 184C, was located at Villaviciosa de Odon, from whence it was trans- 

 ferred, by decree of October 25, 1809, to San Lorenzo del Escorial, near 

 Madrid. It is under the direction of the minister of agriculture, and 

 has for its object the preparation of candidates for the forest service. 



