300 Spain. 



In 1882 all the public forests produced from wood 

 sales only $900,000, but the value of the products taken 

 by rights of user was estimated at nearly twice that 

 amount. 



The forest flora and its distribution is very similar to 

 that of Italy, and is described fully in two volumes pre- 

 pared by a special commission appointed for this pur- 

 pose. 



2. Development of Forest Policy. 



Spain is noted for its comprehensive legislation with- 

 out execution; it is also known that ofiBcial reports are 

 rarely trustworthy, so that what appears on paper is by 

 no means always found in reality, hence all statements 

 must be accepted with reservations. 



The forest laws of Spain are somewhat similar to those 

 of Italy, yet show less appreciation of the needs of tech- 

 nical forest culture. The value of forest resources and 

 need of economy in their use was, indeed, recognized 

 early. Eecommendations for their conservative use 

 are recorded from the 13 th century on. An ordi- 

 nance of Pedro I, ia 1351, imposed heavy fines upon for- 

 est destroyers. Ferdinand V, in 1496, expressed alarm 

 at the progressing devastation, and, in 1518 we find a 

 system of forest guards established, and even ordi- 

 nances ordering reforestation of waste lands, which 

 were again and again repeated during the century. In 

 1567 and 1583, notes of alarm at the continuing de- 

 struction prove that these ordinances had no effect. The 

 same complaints and fears are expressed by the rulers 

 during the IT'th and 18th centuries, without any effec- 

 tive action. In 1'?'48, Ferdinand VI placed all forests 



