E. J. Lance

“ The road passes across Strathfieldsaye Park, over the "London clay formation," and there soon reaches the extensive range of the "Bagshot sands," occupied principally by native heath (erica) , much of which is in the same wild nature as when the Romans were here 1,600 years ago. ”

“ With respect to the geology of the Roman road, it may be remarked that Silchester is situated on the "plastic-clay formation;" the stone debris on the surface of which has been picked up about the inclosure, for not a flint-stone can be found for some distance around. The walls of the old city are built with flint, grouted with lime and sand, and bonded in a herringbone manner, with an oolite stone at every three feet in height. ”