Legal Definitions - per metas et bundas

Per metas et bundas is a legal phrase derived from Law Latin, meaning "by metes and bounds." It refers to a traditional method of describing land by outlining its boundaries using specific measurements and identifiable markers.

In this context:

• Metes are the measurements of distance and direction (e.g., "north 30 degrees east for 150 feet").
• Bundas (or bounds) are the physical features or monuments that define the property's limits (e.g., a stone wall, a river, an oak tree, or an adjacent property line).

This method provides a precise, sequential description of the property's perimeter, starting from a known point and tracing the boundary lines until the starting point is reached again.

Examples:

• Residential Property Deed: When a suburban house is sold, its deed might contain a description like: "Beginning at the iron pin found at the northeast corner of Lot 12, Block B of the Sunny Acres Subdivision; thence South 85 degrees East along the northern boundary of Elm Street for 100 feet to a concrete monument; thence North 5 degrees East for 150 feet to a fence post; thence North 85 degrees West for 100 feet to an existing utility pole; thence South 5 degrees West for 150 feet to the point of beginning."

  Explanation: The "metes" in this description are the specific directions and distances, such as "South 85 degrees East for 100 feet." The "bounds" are the identifiable physical markers and property lines, including the "iron pin," "northeast corner of Lot 12," "Elm Street," "concrete monument," "fence post," and "utility pole." Together, they precisely define the property's perimeter.

• Rural Land Survey: A survey for a large, undeveloped rural parcel might read: "Commencing at the large granite boulder marking the intersection of the old county road and Miller's Creek; thence following the meandering centerline of Miller's Creek in a generally northerly direction for approximately 800 feet to a large oak tree with a blaze mark; thence North 70 degrees West for 500 feet to the eastern edge of the Smith Family Farm; thence South 10 degrees West along the Smith Family Farm boundary for 950 feet to the old county road; thence along the northern edge of the old county road to the point of commencement."

  Explanation: Here, the "metes" include the approximate distance "800 feet" along the creek, and the precise directions and distances like "North 70 degrees West for 500 feet." The "bounds" are the natural features and adjacent property lines such as the "large granite boulder," "Miller's Creek," "large oak tree with a blaze mark," "eastern edge of the Smith Family Farm," and the "old county road." This description uses both natural and artificial markers to delineate the land.

• Commercial Lot Adjacent to Natural Features: A property description for a commercial development situated next to a river and a highway could state: "Beginning at the intersection of the eastern right-of-way of State Highway 101 and the northern bank of the Red River; thence North 15 degrees East along said highway right-of-way for 250 feet to a steel rebar set; thence South 75 degrees East for 300 feet to the property line of the adjacent industrial park; thence South 10 degrees West along said industrial park property line for 180 feet to the northern bank of the Red River; thence following the meandering northern bank of the Red River in a westerly direction for approximately 350 feet to the point of beginning."

  Explanation: The "metes" are the specific directions and distances, such as "North 15 degrees East along... for 250 feet" and "approximately 350 feet" along the river. The "bounds" are the clear physical and legal markers: the "eastern right-of-way of State Highway 101," the "northern bank of the Red River," a "steel rebar set," and the "property line of the adjacent industrial park." This illustrates how metes and bounds can define properties with irregular shapes or those bordering natural elements.