330 FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 
ridge, which is over one-half mile in length, supports a dense growth 
of cedar and scattering live oaks. A few small areas of “made 
land,” composed of material dredged from the Bay of St. Peters¬ 
burg, were also mapped as Coastal beach. 
While the Coastal beach lands are of no practical value for agri¬ 
cultural purposes, the most desirable areas, especially those located 
along the Gulf shore, command high prices as sites for cottages. 
TIDAL MARSH. 
Along the coast in many places and fringing the tidal streams 
and bayous are found low, treeless areas of a marshy character. (See 
Fig. 80.) 
The material in these areas consists of a black or brownish-gray 
fine sandy or silty loam, containing considerable vegetable matter 
undergoing the process of decomposition. In many places Tidal 
marsh resembles Muck, except for the timber growth, and the sepa¬ 
ration of the two was frequently made solely upon this character. 
The largest areas of Tidal marsh occur along the Anclote River, 
which divides into a number of tortuous channels shortly after 
entering the county. Other good-sized areas are found bordering 
the larger bayous and around the numerous inlets. 
All areas are subject to frequent tidal overflow and at present 
are of no' agricultural value. They support a water-loving vegeta¬ 
tion consisting of marsh grass, reeds, and rushes. 
The Tidal marsh when drained and freed from excess salt is pro¬ 
ductive. Many of the areas could be reclaimed. After drainage the 
injurious salt will be washed out by the rains. The soil when fitted 
for cultivation is especially desirable for trucking. 
North .of Tarpon Springs considerable areas of the Tidal marsh 
are underlain by limestone, frequently within less than 3 feet of the 
surface. 
SUMMARY. 
Pinellas County lies on the west coast of Florida about midway 
between the northern and southern boundaries. It comprises an 
area of 166,400 acres, or 260 square miles. It was formed from the 
western part of Hillsboro County in 1911. The topography is 
varied, ranging from flat to hilly, the highest points being found in 
the northern part. 
The climate is subtropical. The mean annual rainfall is over 50 
