No perfect abstract of title can be compiled without the assistance of a carefully prepared tract index, that is, an index to the lands. This book is not usually kept by the recorder of deeds, and about the only helps afforded in the public offices are a series of alphabetically arranged indexes. When well kept these books will be of much assistance to any one making a search of the records; if otherwise, however, they may prove very misleading. The grantor and grantee indexes of the registry of deeds will show the successive conveyances and incumbrances under the names of the various parties who at different times have held title, where there has been no break in the chain, together with the volume and page of the record on which the instruments may be found. Adverse deeds, unless within the knowledge of the person making the search, can rarely be found by this method. If only an index to grantors is provided it will be almost impossible to detect adverse deeds. Should a brief description of the property be carried out, as is frequently the case, ending with the section, town and range in proper columns, these columns should always be carefully run down for any conveyances that may have escaped the searcher's attention while going over the names.

21 Cady vs. Purser, 131 Cal., 552.

22 Galpin vs. Abbott, 6 Mich., 17;

Sigourney vs. Larned, 10 Pick.

(Mass.), 72. 23 Loughridge vs. Bowland, 52

Miss., 546; Pringle vs. Dunn, 37 Wis., 449; Bishop vs.

Schneider, 46 Mo., 472.

24 Bass vs. Estill, 50 Miss., 300;

Musick vs. Barney, 40 Mo., 458.

Where upon the records a defective deed is found and is seen, this must be regarded as actual notice, such as every reasonable and honest man would feel bound to act upon. Hastings vs. Cutler, 25 N. H., 483. 25 Musgrove vs. Bonser, 5 Ore., 313.

While it may be the duty of the recorder to keep a proper index of his books of registration, so that one searching the records may easily find what is contained therein, yet a deed of conveyance properly filed and copied on the records is recorded within the meaning of the law, and imparts notice to subsequent purchasers, notwithstanding the failure of the recording officer to index it. The better way, in all cases of moment, is to apply to a regularly established abstract maker for assistance.