196 FORESTRY IN ITALY. 



Tlie organization of government forest bureaus in Sicily is based on and 

 subject to the general forestry laws of Italy, there being no local laws upon 

 this subject. 



In the provinces of Girgenti and Trapani there appears to be no govern- 

 ment forests proper. In that of Palermo there are two, viz.: Mcuzza a.nd 

 Sugheri. The former, although in a very bad condition, being the most ex- 

 tensive and important. Ficuzza was formerly the property of the crown. It 

 is about thirty miles from the city of Palermo, and contains about five hun- 

 dred acres, abounding with old oaks, elms, chestnut trees, &c. Within its 

 grounds are a palace and other buildings incident thereto and its former 

 owners. A new railroad, just opened, passes through or adjacent to it, viz., 

 the Palermo-Corleone. 



The annual revenues and expenses of maintaining the forest of Ficuzza, 

 and. which may serve as a criterion for all others in this district, or in Sicily, 

 perhaps, making due allowance for extent of territory, &c., are as follows: 



REVENUES. 



Wood ^5-481 40 



Pasture 1,114 00 



Wheat, &c 2,360 00 



Houses 120 00 



Sundries 60 00 



Total ^9>I3S 40 



EXPENSES. 



Wages 13,580 00 



Taxes 2,202 00 



Trees 1,020 40 



Repairs 600 00 



Sundries 1,580 00 



Total ^8,982 40 



Thus it is seen that the actual revenue or gain was only ^153. 



In the distant past there were many forests in Sicily, but in consequence 

 of their utter neglect by the government they have now generally disap- 

 peared, and miles and miles may be now traveled in certain localities without 

 seeing even a single tree. The government now, however, is considering 

 the feasibility of restoring the ruined forests; and laws, it is understood, 

 have been passed having this object in view, but like nearly all projects in 

 Italy the progress made thus far appears slow or little. 



General neglect of the forests^by the authorities, and the woodman's axe 

 are among the causes ascribed to their disappearance. Heavy and prolonged 

 rains, which denude the roots of trees, and the drought and excessive heat 

 which follow, may also be mentioned in this connection. Many of the sites 

 of former magnificent forests are now extensive areas of bare rock. 



Since the disappearance of the forests rainfalls are diminished and less 

 frequent, as is also of course evaporation, and in general former forest land 

 is sterile. 



The reclamation of Mount Pellegrino, contiguous to the city of Palermo, 

 and belonging thereto, is under consideration at this time, but it is thought 

 the reclamation of this mountain will be very difficult, as, with the exception 

 of a small extent thereof, which is covered with a light crust 6f earth, it is 

 composed of solid rock. Attention will be given to the subject, however, as 

 it matures and progresses, and the result communicated to the Department at 

 the proper time. 



