Mapping a Parcel of Land Using Metes & Bounds
Metes and Bounds is a way of describing a parcel of land by listing compass directions and sequential distances along a land boundary.
The word "metes" is defined as the direction and distance of a line; the line forming the boundary of the property. To find the direction, a compass was used indicating north, south, east, west as well as the degree of direction between 0 and 90.
The word "bounds" refers to a more general boundary description, such as along a certain watercourse, a stone wall, an adjoining public road way, or an existing building.
Metes and Bounds
Metes and Bounds is a way of describing land by listing the compass directions and distances along a boundary. Typically the system uses physical features of the local geography, along with directions and distances, to define and describe the boundaries of a parcel of land. The result is called a "legal description" of land. Such a metes and bounds description is required to be recorded in official county record on a subdivision map and in the deeds when the boundaries of a parcel or lot are first drawn.
Market Rights and ‘Metes and Bounds’
Market rights may be granted with or without specified boundaries. In practice Market rights are commonly granted without boundaries and consequently cover a whole town. Alternatively market rights may also be granted in a specific location, (e.g. in a town square). In such circumstances market rights only exist in the specified area and do not exist outside of that area.
Summary
If a market right is granted without boundaries the ‘market right’ is referred to as being granted without ‘metes and bounds’.
When a ‘market right’ is granted with boundaries (metes and bounds), the ‘market right’ only exists in a specific area or location (e.g. a town square).
When a market right is granted without metes and bounds, the ‘market right’ may cover a whole town.