The points used in metes and bounds measurement are known as monuments . Trees, rocks, and rivers are examples of natural monuments. Iron stakes, fences, and roads are constructed monuments. Most of the land in the United States has been laid out in a rectangular pattern by government surveys. This method measures land from the intersections of principal surveying lines.
Land is measured in townships and sections of townships.
Figure 8.8 on page 144 of your text presents a table explaining units of measurements used in relation to land. At this time, please refer to this figure, which should help you get a better understanding of the rectangular survey method. When a description of real property is already a matter of public record and contained in a recorded document, a reference to that earlier document may serve as an adequate property description in a new document. Street addresses may not be acceptable property descriptions depending on state law. In Washington, a street address must be accompanied by another form of legal description to be considered a valid description.