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Atlas Ecologique des Sols du Monde
167 tunate that a saponite containing tridymite or opal is selected for a characteristic spectrum. Users should be warned, too, that there are many discrepancies between the sulphate spectra here and those in Moenke's collection. A striking feature of the collection is the 10--20 fold redundancy it exhibits. Certainly, it is useful to see the range of variation occurring within the kaolinite or montmorillonite groups, but are thirty-odd spectra of each necessary? Similarly, while it is worthwhile to train the eye to recognise the c o m m o n impurities and mixtures that occur in clay deposits, thirteen bauxite-kaolinite combinations seem excessive. Frequently, impurities dominate the spectra, making their selection for publication surprising. Sometimes, however, the sheer weight of evidence serves to high-light some of the unsolved problems of clay mineral spectroscopy -- for example, the cause of the 556 cm -1 band shown by micro-crystalline quartz in cherts and flints but n o t by macrocrystalline quartz, and the origin of the serpentine-like features in k~immererite spectra. In addition to the atlas of spectra, a 30-page introduction to general aspects of infrared spectroscopy and a rather idiosyncratic chapter on the assignment of clay absorption bands is included. The main value of the publication lies, u n d o u b t e d l y , in the access it gives to a wide range of mineral species of interest to clay mineralogists with illustrations of the variations to be expected in natural specimens; but it must n o t be treated as gospel, and the reviewers' copy is already well annotated with marginal notes and queries. Eventually, this and other compilations in the field will be replaced by a very much slimmer, more critical and definitive publication covering the 4000--100 cm-1 range at o p t i m u m resolution: but that final stage of maturity is some way off yet. v.c. FARMER (Aberdeen)
Atlas Ecologique des Sols du Monde. Ph. Duchaufour. Masson, Paris, 1976, 178 pp., F.F. 90.00. To some, the title of this book might be misleading inasmuch as it contains no maps - it does, however, meet the broader definition of an atlas in being a compilation of tables, descriptions and photographs of soils. Those familiar with the author's previous publication Precis de P~dologie will find this new book a valuable complementary reference containing detailed descriptions of over 100 soils from all parts of the world. The soils are arranged in ecologically-oriented groupings which highlight the genetic interrelationships among soils. The author suggests that the " A t l a s " is n o t intended to
168 replace existing classification systems, which he claims have a place and purpose in their own right. While early classification systems were markedly influenced by pedogenetic considerations with separations related to the socalled soil forming factors of climate, vegetation, parent material, relief and time, in subsequent systems more emphasis has been placed upon measurable soil properties. The Atlas serves as a reminder that soils are more readily comprehended in terms o f evolutionary sequences than in rigidly defined taxonomic compartments. After describing the basis of the ecological soil groupings he recognizes, the author gives details of each in subsequent chapters. In dealing with each grouping, the author presents a schematic evolutionary sequence of soil development. Excellent color photos of the soil profile accompany the described soils. Details of the site, associated climate, and vegetation accompany the profile descriptions. Geochemical and biochemical characteristics include particle size distribution, organic matter contents, cation exchange properties, base saturation, pH, and free iron contents. A paragraph entitled "Evolution" provides a summary of processes and ecological implications related to each soil described. The nearest equivalent soils according to the FAO and the U.S.A. classification systems are also provided. References of studies related to the soils described are appropriately added. Although the b o o k will n o t likely attain the widespread use as a t e x t b o o k , which the author's Pre~cis de Pddologie has enjoyed, it will serve as a valuable reference particularly for those interested in classification and pedogenesis. The author's approach of relating environment -- processes -- characteristics, in the study o f soils provides a worthwhile appreciation of the soil system. R.J.St. ARNAUD (Saskatoon, Sask.)
Atlas Ecologique des Sols du Monde. Ph. Duchaufour. Masson, Paris, 1976, 178 pp., F.F. 90.00. To some, the title of this book might be misleading inasmuch as it contains no maps - it does, however, meet the broader definition of an atlas in being a compilation of tables, descriptions and photographs of soils. Those familiar with the author's previous publication Precis de P~dologie will find this new book a valuable complementary reference containing detailed descriptions of over 100 soils from all parts of the world. The soils are arranged in ecologically-oriented groupings which highlight the genetic interrelationships among soils. The author suggests that the " A t l a s " is n o t intended to
168 replace existing classification systems, which he claims have a place and purpose in their own right. While early classification systems were markedly influenced by pedogenetic considerations with separations related to the socalled soil forming factors of climate, vegetation, parent material, relief and time, in subsequent systems more emphasis has been placed upon measurable soil properties. The Atlas serves as a reminder that soils are more readily comprehended in terms o f evolutionary sequences than in rigidly defined taxonomic compartments. After describing the basis of the ecological soil groupings he recognizes, the author gives details of each in subsequent chapters. In dealing with each grouping, the author presents a schematic evolutionary sequence of soil development. Excellent color photos of the soil profile accompany the described soils. Details of the site, associated climate, and vegetation accompany the profile descriptions. Geochemical and biochemical characteristics include particle size distribution, organic matter contents, cation exchange properties, base saturation, pH, and free iron contents. A paragraph entitled "Evolution" provides a summary of processes and ecological implications related to each soil described. The nearest equivalent soils according to the FAO and the U.S.A. classification systems are also provided. References of studies related to the soils described are appropriately added. Although the b o o k will n o t likely attain the widespread use as a t e x t b o o k , which the author's Pre~cis de Pddologie has enjoyed, it will serve as a valuable reference particularly for those interested in classification and pedogenesis. The author's approach of relating environment -- processes -- characteristics, in the study o f soils provides a worthwhile appreciation of the soil system. R.J.St. ARNAUD (Saskatoon, Sask.)