LAND SURVEYS 95 



surveyed. The general appearance at the time of the sur- 

 vey is the only guide to be had in the determination of 

 the condition of navigable waters. 



Riparian rights. Riparian rights are the rights of land- 

 owners across the meander line. While possession extends 

 only to the meander line, the landowner has some rights as 

 owner to the shore line and on flats or unsurveyed islands 

 between the meander line and the center of the stream 

 channel. He cannot interfere with navigation, but he has 

 control of the hay, sand, gravel, ice, etc., across the meander 

 line from his possessions. Riparian rights are frequently 

 the cause of disputes, and many court decisions have been 

 rendered with regard to them. 



Marking lines. In surveys through timber, trees through 

 which the line passes are blazed where the line enters and 

 leaves and several trees within 50 links on either side of 

 the line are blazed. The blazes are placed quartering 

 toward the line on two sides, and the farther the tree from 

 the line the closer together the blazes. Where the timber 

 is not larger than 2 inches in diameter, blazes are omitted, 

 but the bushes are bent toward the line by being struck 

 with an ax with sufficient force to cause them to grow in 

 an inclined position. A complete description of all natural 

 or artificial objects on either side and visible from the line 

 is recorded by the surveyor, and he also classifies the soil 

 into first, second, third, and fourth class and gives a descrip- 

 tion of the size and kind of timber. The variations of the 

 needle for each line run are recorded. 



Section corners. The object of land surveying is to 

 establish corners, and all corners should be carefully located 

 and plainly marked. Corners should be witnessed by 

 bearing trees if suitable trees stand within 300 links. The 

 intention of the law is plain with regard to making surveys 

 and setting monuments, but in unsettled country the 

 scarcity of supplies and materials and frequently the care- 

 lessness of contractors resulted in only partial compliance 



