How does the metes and bounds system describe property?

Metes and bounds describes property by starting at a fixed point of beginning and tracing the boundary using compass directions and distances until returning to the starting point. Metes are measurements of distance, and bounds are directions or boundary markers like roads and rivers. A typical description might read "beginning at the iron pin on the north side of Oak Street, thence north 45 degrees east 200 feet." The description must close, meaning the final line must return exactly to the point of beginning.