A thing belonging to no one naturally belongs to the first taker.

Explanation

Abandoned or ownerless things become the property of whoever first takes possession of them.

Where this applies

• A beachcomber finds a piece of driftwood washed ashore that belongs to no one — as an ownerless thing, it naturally becomes the property of the first person who picks it up.
• A homesteader discovers an abandoned mine on unclaimed public land and begins working it — because the mine belonged to no one, the first person to take possession and put it to use establishes the original claim.
• A fisherman finds a swarm of wild bees in an unowned hollow tree and captures them — since wild bees belong to no one until captured, they become the property of the first taker.

See also

• 5.1.10 He who is first in time is stronger in right.
• 5.2.4 Land lying unoccupied is given to the first occupant.