Quod nullius est id ratione naturali occupanti conceditur. = What belongs to no one, naturally belong to the first occupant. Inst. 2, 1, 12; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 491.

  Qui prior est tempore, potior est jure. = He who is first or before in time, is stronger in right. Co. Litt. 14 a; 1 Story, Eq. Jur. 64 d; Story Bailm. 312; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 952; 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3728.  

  Prior tempore, potior jure. = He who is before in time, is preferred in right.