Jewels of the Highway
Research and reconnaissance precedes any field measurements in a survey. Studying maps, drawing and deeds for landmarks gives their approximate location. Finding the landmarks involves making some crude measurements, observational skill and sometimes luck. Without landmark evidence the case for finding property boundaries becomes difficult.
Today, after a search, these two Massachusetts Highway Bounds (MHB) were found in the vicinity of the current survey project. Set at the time of a bridge constructed in 1950, they are granite stone bounds, marked with a drilled hole that was filled with lead. A brass pin set in the lead plug makes a precise point as long as the stone has not been disturbed.
The stones will become the starting point and orientation for the survey project and will facilitate calculation for the positions of other landmarks in the project. Only after all existing record evidence is found can a determination of the boundary be made. Then missing marks on the project boundary are set and a map of the survey and findings is recorded.
