ELEVATIONS IN FLORIDA. 
83 
passing from the coast to the interior of the State there is 
crossed successively the 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 foot contours, 
and finally in such limited localities as reach that elevation, the 
300 foot contour. As a rule the rise in elevation in Florida is so 
gradual that the 50 foot contour lies some miles from the coast. 
On the other hand, where the rise in elevation is rapid, as near 
Pensacola, in West Forida, the 50 foot contour approaches and 
may almost touch the coast line. 
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF FLORIDA. 
Referring to the topography of the State as. a whole, it will be 
noted that a belt of country lying below the 50 foot contour line 
borders the Atlantic and the Gulf coasts. This belt varies in 
width and bends inland following the river valleys. In Southern 
Florida this belt of country lying below the 50 foot contour 
widens out to include Brevard, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Dade, 
Monroe and Lee Counties, and the southern part of DeSoto and 
Manatee Counties. In peninsular Florida elevations of from 150 
to 250 feet are found in Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Bradford, 
Clay, Alachua, Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Polk and De- 
Soto Counties. In West Florida the elevation rises rather rapidly 
from the coast to from 200 to 250 feet above sea. The contours, 
therefore, fall close together, indicating a rolling or hilly country. 
At Mount Pleasant and at Hardaway, in Gadsden County, the 
elevation exceeds 300 feet, this being the highest recorded eleva¬ 
tion in the State. 
The fact that much of the data available in regard to eleva¬ 
tions is approximate should be borne in mind in using the topo¬ 
graphic map. Moreover, on a general map, such as this, it is 
often impossible to show minor elevations and depressions. It is 
to be hoped that subsequently a detailed topographic survey may 
be made of the State, and topographic maps issued based on 
precise levels. These detailed maps should be made on a scale 
of one inch to the mile, with contours placed at ten foot intervals 
of elevation. This general map, with contours at 50 foot intervals 
of elevation will, however, serve many useful purposes until more 
detailed maps are made. 
