80 
matter break clown to give the carbon and hydrocarbons 
which enter into the constitution of black coal. 
Soils. 
Most of the earth’s land surface is covered by a 
mantle of soil and this is produced by rock weathering. 
If Ihe weathering products are not subjected to immed- 
iate transport then the processes of decomposition and 
disintegration continue and the surface and subsurface 
material assume the characteristics of what are known 
as soil horizons. Soils are not usually uniform through- 
out their depth, but exhibit a number of horizons vary- 
ing in colour, texture and constitution. They may be 
eroded and transported at any subsequent date and 
many sediments go through a soil formation phase dur- 
ing their history. Alluvial soils are formed from uncon- 
solidated sediments deposited on a land surface or 
brought to the surface after being deposited in water. 
Organic matter plays an important part in soil forma- 
tion. especially in the top horizon. 
These remarks on sedimentation are only introduc- 
tory. The study of this complex subject has gained 
impetus in recent years as a result of economic investiga- 
tions dealing with some of its more specialised aspects, 
for example : the utilization and conservation of the 
soil : the search for coal, petroleum, and non-metallic 
minerals; the search for and conservation of natural 
water supplies, both surface and underground ; and the 
application of a. knowledge of sedimentary processes to 
civil engineering practice. 
A PLEA FOR THE NATIVE BIRDS 
By C. W. HOLLAND* 
The settlement of Queensland has had an unfortu- 
nate effect upon many of the native birds. Felling of 
timber, ringbarking of large areas and heavy stocking 
of grazing lands have all helped to drive the birds away. 
There has also been much senseless slaughter of birds, 
an ill reward for the good work they do, for example, in 
controlling insect pests. 
The (government has done a good deal in an effort 
to protect useful birds. “The Animals and Birds Acts. 
1921 to 1924” and “The Fauna Protection Act of 19157,” 
which superseded it, were passed for this purpose. 
Under the latter Act, a number of birds have been fully 
protected, while others have been partially protected by 
# it is with profound regret that we record the death on 1 7th April, 1952, 
of Mr. C. W. Holland. Mr. Holland was for many years a prominent member 
of the Queensland Naturalists' Club. An obituary will appear in the next 
issue of the journal. EDITOR. 
