The method of legal description most frequently used west of the mississippi river is
a. metes and bounds survey
b. range and median survey
c. rectangular survey
d. township and meridian survey

C. The Rectangular Survey

Explanation: The rectangular survey system is used in western states and Midwestern states of the US. This system divides districts into 24-square mile rectangles which are further partitioned into 6-square miles called townships. It makes use of two directions, the Baseline, which runs from the East westwards and the Meridians, which runs from the North, Southwards.

A metes and bounds by contrast, is defined by a boundary line which is in turn identified the direction of the boundary line, the course and the distance.