306 EK. A. Smith—Geology of Florida. 
which elevation was maintained without material interruption 
until the Champlain period. Proofs of this statement may 
found in the universal occurrence of the Vicksburg limestone 
as the country rock throughout the entire State, except per- 
haps in the southern part of the peninsula. 
3d. In this upward movement, the axis of elevation did not 
coincide in position with the present main dividing ridge 
(north and south) of the peninsula, but lay considerably to the 
westward, probably occupying approximately the position of 
the present western coast.* 
In other words, during the Middle and Upper Tertiary’ 
periods the Florida peninsula was much broader than it 1s 
now, toward the west; and while the eastern coast had_nearly 
its present position, the western lay probably one hundred, in 
places perhaps one hundred and fifty miles beyond its present 
place. West Florida was also affected by this movement, 
and remained above sea level during the same periods. 
Reasons for this conclusion are found in the total absence 
along the Gulf shores of West Florida and the peninsula, of 
all strata between the Vicksburg limestone and the Post Plio- 
cene; while the peculiar beds of the Grand aoe group of 
G 
western coast is apparent and not real; that they have simply 
escaped notice: but it seems hardly probable that two such 
*This assumes approximate uniformity of slope on each side of the main line 
of elevation. Under any other supposition, the facts would apparently —, 
an elevation of the peninsula after the Vicksburg period, much above its preseD 
height, arid a depression during the Miocene period at least thirty feet below 
present level. 
