The following is from another List: ================= Ancestry Quick Tip Help with Property Descriptions George (Goodrich) Farrell In tracing ancestors you will frequently find references to property. It may be described in metes (metes) and bounds, or as section, 14 Twp number 20, or SW 1/4 of NE 1/2. What does it all mean and how can you locate the property? There is an excellent website that will take you through the whole procedure. It explains it very clearly. If on the other hand you encounter the word "portiones" (there are other spellings) it is Spanish for portions. This is a term used in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California to describe early Spanish Land grants. In dry country they were often very long and narrow, fronting on a river to give each holder access to water. The website is at: http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/boundaries/a_plss.html. ==== StLouis-MO Mailing List ==== Visit the St. Louis website http://www.rootsweb.com/~mostloui ============================== New! Family Tree Maker 2005. Build your tree and search for your ancestors at the same time. Share your tree with family and friends. Learn more: http://landing.ancestry.com/familytreemaker/2005/tour.aspx?sourceid=14599&targetid=5429