What kind of streams were classified prior to December 14, 1837 in Texas?

The classification of streams in Texas prior to December 14, 1837, established a distinction based on their flow characteristics. The terms "perennial" and "non-perennial" refer to streams that either consistently flow year-round or those that only flow seasonally or intermittently. Perennial streams maintain a continuous flow, typically fed by groundwater or consistent rainfall, while non-perennial streams may dry up during dry seasons or droughts.

This classification was important for legal and land-use purposes, as it impacted property rights and claims regarding water use, which were critical issues in Texas during that time. Understanding these classifications helps surveyors identify water bodies relevant to land surveys, property boundaries, and water rights.

The other options, while related to types of water bodies, do not specifically address the primary classification used in the historical context of Texas prior to that date. For instance, navigable and non-navigable streams relate more to the usability of streams for transportation rather than their flow characteristics, while freshwater and saltwater pertain to water salinity; living and dead streams are not standard terms used in hydrology.