What is the purpose of the "Mother Hubbard Clause" in surveying?

The "Mother Hubbard Clause" serves the specific purpose of accounting for small strips of land within property descriptions, particularly in the context of surveys. This clause is particularly important because it ensures that any small pieces of land, which could be inadvertently omitted from a legal description, are included under the overall property rights. By incorporating such a clause, surveyors protect property boundaries and ensure that ownership claims cover all areas, even those that are often overlooked or not clearly defined.

This clause helps avoid legal disputes over these small strips that might otherwise remain unclaimed or considered part of adjacent properties. It is essential in land transactions and descriptions to accurately represent the boundaries and rights associated with land parcels, which is why it is included in property legalese.