How is the shape of a tract of land determined on a non-navigable stream?

The correct understanding of how the shape of a tract of land is determined on a non-navigable stream focuses on the legal definitions concerning property lines and boundaries. In Texas, when land abuts a non-navigable stream, the property typically extends to the centerline of the stream. This is a reflection of the general rule that the landowner has rights to the natural banks of the stream, and the shape of the property will usually adhere to the surveyed lines defined by boundaries established by the surveyor, which can often resemble a rectangular form.

It's essential to grasp the distinction among options. The overall area of the stream doesn't directly determine the land shape; rather, it's the defined boundaries as per survey that govern this. A square shape is not typically representative of how land is organized alongside a stream, as property lines are often irregular and adapted to the environment rather than conformed to a uniform geometric figure. Following the natural contours of the land can apply in many cases, but it often leads to a more complex shape rather than a straightforward delineation of property rights alongside a non-navigable stream, especially considering the need for specific legal definitions in land surveying. Thus, the option concerning a rectangular shape adjusted to surveyed lines aligns best with the