I believe that the mete is a single point whose coordinates have been determined. A pair of metes are needed to determing a line, which is the boundary, I believe.

That's the way I understand it, too, Dr. Bill. Historic District boundaries are usually given in metes and bounds fashion. The tricky part is establishing a 1st point that is unchangeable -- can't use property lines or roads, and even buildings can move or be demolished. Usually it is related to a major building, the loss of which would destroy the integrity of the district anyway.