178 FORESTRY IN ITALY. 



FOREST PLANTING AND CULTURE. 



In timber lands the trees are numbered, and a certain number are selectee} 

 to be cut when they are sufficiently mature for the purposes of commerce. 

 Chestnut trees, however, are never cut except when the yield in chestnuts is 

 no longer in proportion to their value as wood. The value of the timber is 

 estimated by fixed tables, according to the height and diameter. In some 

 cases, in orddr to improve the condition of the forests and change the 

 species of trees, the timber is felled in blocks not larger than one and one- 

 quarter acres, alternating with others where the trees are left standing. 

 When the reafforestation of the blocks cut is well started the remaining 

 blocks are likewise felled. A certain number of trees, not less than thirty to 

 the acre, are left standing, as sources for seed, to secure a new growth, and 

 the trees selected for this purpose must be healthy and vigorous. If this does 

 not suffice seed must be sown. If at the end of three years it is evident that 

 the reafforestation will not be accomplished thus, recourse is had to trans- 

 plantation. In lands subject to the provisions of the law the proprietors are 

 held responsible, and if they neglect this reafforestation they are fined in ac- 

 cordance with certain fixed tables and a certain rate of interest, from which 

 the damage occasioned by their neglect is computed. 



In-forests on steep declines, and further where their existence is necessary 

 for the protection of the inhabitants of lands below, and of public high- 

 ways, and the prevention of landslides, only so much cutting is done as will 

 prevent crowding and allow the vigorous development of the trees. In such 

 case the mature trees are selected. 



The wood from the forests is either sold as timber or firewood, or is con- 

 verted into charcoal, according to the accessibility of markets and other 

 economical factors. In general it is cut at the age of from nine to twelve 

 years. 



Many other details will be found in the copy of the regulations of the 

 board of forests in the district of Coma, which I transmit with this report, 

 accompanied by a translation. 



The best known school of forestry in Italy is that of Vallombrosa, near 

 Florence. 



DESTRUCTION OF FORESTS. 



The destruction of forests has proceeded to a great extent in Italy, and 

 much land fit for no other purpose has been denuded of trees. The cause in 

 general is overpopulation and the consequent greater demand for agricultural 

 land, and especially for grazing land. There is a constant tendency in that 

 direction. The agricultural land displaces the grazing land, and the latter 

 encroaches on the forests. 



A laxity in the matter of grazing in the forests and brushwood has also 

 had its share in the disappearance of the forests. Especially goats have pre- 

 vented the lands from rewooding by devouring the young trees as they shoot 

 from the ground until finally they have ceased to grow. 



