quantitative determinations from a few profiles. Gamma-ray spectra of equal amounts of soil from different depths were compared directly to arrive at (1) a qualitative evaluation ef the vertical distribution of the radionuclides and (2) a semiquantitative estimate of relative amounts of radionuclides at different depths. Gamma-ray spectra were made with a system which included a 3-inch by 3-inch solid,thallium-activated, sodium iodide crystal and a 256-channel analyzer. In addition, selected samples were taken for analyses of the pure betaemitter, sr??, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Vertical distribution in relation to soil type is made by comparing young and old soils. young soil, (Fig. Lomuilal Sand 2) Examples are Kabelle Sand, and Gogan Gravelly Sandy Loam (Fig. 4), old soils. (Fig. 3) a and Their characteristics are given in Tables I and III. The young soil has little organic material except that in an algal surface crust about l cm thick. bita perlatus, erab, at the base of a few shrubs, Ocypode ceratopthalmia, present. Hermit crabs, Coeno- the borrowing ghost and ants are the main animals Litter accumulation is found only at the bases of the scattered shrubs and is a minor part of this soil system.