42 OYSTER BOTTOMS IN VICINITY OF APALACHICOLA, FLA. 
thing more than a mile, then turns abruptly southward and continues 
in that direction for about 4 miles. It is within 1} miles of St. George 
Island, in the vicinity of Cape St. George Lighthouse. The average 
width is slightly less than one-half mile. The area is approximately 
1,414 acres, of which about 41 per cent is dense growth, 27 per cent 
very scattering, and about 15 per cent each of scattering growth and 
depleted bottoms. The depth of the main bar at mean low water 
is about 2 to 4 feet on the western border and 6 to 8 feet on the eastern 
border, while on the northwestern portion it is from 3 to 6 feet, with 
parts exposed and others awash at low tide. The adjacent bottoms 
on the western side are 3 to 4 feet deeper than the bar and 1 to 2 feet 
deeper on the eastern side. The west portion is, therefore, rather 
steep, while on the east a more gradual incline is found. The south- 
ern extremity, which is about a half mile from the ship channel, has 
an elevation from 5 to 9 feet. The northern limits have little or no 
elevation. The bed has a good foundation and is composed of sand 
and shells, with some mud along the eastern side. The west portion 
is very compact and solid. 
This bar is fortunate in its elevation and situation with reference 
to West Pass and the currents, in that during the fluctuation of the 
tides it has a rapid change of water. On the other hand, however, 
its position is unfortunate during violent storms, for the long con- 
tinuance of salt water or a deposit of sediment or sand may smother 
the oysters. 
With the exception of its detachment from Silva Bar, the reef has 
maintained its general shape and position in the bay during the last 
20 years. During this period, however, it has become wider by ap- 
proximately 300 yards, the northeastern portion has extended east- 
ward, and the other sections have broadened principally to the west- . 
ward. The lower two-thirds of the bar has recovered, to a consid- 
erable extent, from a bed of dead oysters or depleted bottom to a fair 
or good producer. 
It is interesting to note that this bar has been depleted a number 
of times by storms or overfishing and has always recovered satisfac- 
torily. 
Inasmuch as the bar was showing signs of depletion, it was closed 
to the public by order of the Florida Shell Fish Commissioner during 
the latter half of the 1914-15 oyster season. It was closed, also, for 
the season 1912-13. 
The oysters were found in small clusters or singles of good shape. 
During the survey they were, for the most part, fat, salty, of good 
flavor, and from good to excellent quality. Very few detrimental 
factors, such as mussels, barnacles, coral, and alg, were noted, 
although two dead drills, some black shells, and slimy mud were ob- 
served at some stations along the eastern limits of the bar. 
