272 E. Billings on a Question of Priority. 
us strike out the word “ priority ” from the pages of science. A 
rule that can be evaded by every one is a dead letter. 
In addition to the above, I beg to give a short statement of 
facts, to prove that I am not to blame for the unfortunate col- 
lision that has occurred. During the winter of 1871 there was 
a correspondence in progress, between Mr. Davidson, Mr. Dall, 
myself and others, on the subject of the genus 7rimerella. In 
February and March, Prof. Hall, on two occasions, applied to 
Mr. Selwyn for the loan of specimens of 7rimerella, Kutorgina, 
and O. Canadensis. He stated that he wanted them in order to 
On the 6th Dec. I received a letter from Mr. Davidson, m 
which he mentions Prof. Hall’s pamphlet, but makes no allu- 
sion to Fhynobolus. My paper was at this time in print, and I 
sent Mr. Davidson a proof of it on, or about, the 8th of Dee., 
and at the same time some specimens. I heard no more from 
Mr. Davidson until the 17th of Jan., 1872. On that day I re- 
ceived several letters from him, some of which had been dela ed 
a 
t 
= the name Rhynobolus for my genus Obolellina, 1 then 
made 
the figures. The genus is pro on a Canadian ete 
from Galt, the original Trimerella locality. Pro says he 
red the specimen there, “many years since.” It thus ap- 
pears that at the time he borrowed our gy apeere ohne 
engaged upon one from the same locality, an 
