We may not [accept] measure[ments] except from an expert. If he extended [the techum] at one point and shortened it at another, the extended [techum] is followed. If one extended [it] while another shortened [it], the one who extended [it] is followed. Even a male slave, even a female slave is believed to say, ‘Until here is the Sabbath techum.’’ For the Sages did not state this law to be stringent but rather to be lenient.

If a town of an individual became public property, we may make an eruv for its entirety; but if a public [town] became an individual’s, we may not make an eruv for its entirety, unless we exclude [an area] from it equivalent to the town of Chadashah in Judea, which has fifty inhabitants — [these are] the words of R’ Yehudah. R’ Shimon says: Three courtyards containing two dwellings.