SOUTHERN RHODESIA. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN No. 15. (1) The Geology of the Central Part of the Wankie Coalfield. By B. LIGHTFOOT, M.C., M.A. (2) The Fossil Flora of the Karroo System in the Wankie District, Southern Rhodesia. By JOHN WALTON

Southern Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, is a land of diverse and fascinating geology and paleobotany. This bulletin, published by the Geological Survey of Southern Rhodesia in 1928, offers a comprehensive and detailed account of one of its most important regions: the central part of the Wankie coalfield. The bulletin consists of two papers that cover different aspects of this area’s natural history.

The first paper, titled “The Geology of the Central Part of the Wankie Coalfield”, is written by B. Lightfoot, a geologist who served as a captain in the Royal Engineers during World War I. He provides a thorough description of the physical features, geological formations, and coal deposits of the central Wankie district, based on his fieldwork and mapping. He also explains the origin and development of the coalfield, its relation to other coalfields in Southern Africa, and its economic value and prospects. He includes several maps, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate his findings.

The second paper, titled “The Fossil Flora of the Karroo System in the Wankie District, Southern Rhodesia”, is written by John Walton, a botanist who specialized in fossil plants. He presents a meticulous study of the plant fossils found in the Karroo System, a series of sedimentary rocks that range from about 300 to 180 million years old. He identifies and illustrates over 100 species of ferns, cycads, conifers, and other plants that represent various stages of plant evolution. He also discusses their distribution across different strata and localities, their evolutionary relationships and trends, and their paleoecological implications. He includes numerous plates with drawings and photographs to show his specimens.

This bulletin is a rare and original publication that will appeal to anyone interested in Southern Rhodesia’s geology and paleobotany. It is a valuable source of information for researchers, students, collectors, or enthusiasts who want to learn more about this region’s rich natural heritage.