The idea of a possible control of the Pb-Zn-Cu-Ba concentrations by pedogenesis has inspired a great number of French authors during the last few years; it is based on mainly theoretical considerations for the concrete data concerning the distribution of the trace elements in paleosols are few. On the other hand, the data on the geochemical contents of the present soils and alluvia derived from them are superabundant and run to several hundred thousand; they are the result of numerous geochemical prospections carried out somewhere or other in the world. Now, it is very reasonable to think, from a uniformitarian point of view, that the conditions governing soil formation at present are not fundamentally different from those which may have prevailed since the Paleozoic. Examination of the data obtained in geochemical prospection therefore may very well contribute to a better knowledge of the pedological differentiation and its possible effect in metallogeny. From reading the Figures it does not seem that the present pedological mechanisms of tropical African or American countries lead to an important Cu, Zn, Pb or Ba concentration, either in the soils or in the fine fraction of the alluvia. The hydromorphous zones for which few or no samples have been taken, may be an exception. On the other hand, very high geochemical concentrations are known in certain types of igneous (granites, gabbros) or sedimentary (schists) rocks. In the genesis of stratabound deposits we are therefore led to think that a possible leaching of sulphide preconcentrations from the basement is more important than an eventual residual pedological storage of the elements.