23 AUGUST 1963, Page 13

ROMAN PAVEMENT AT WOODCHESTER SIR,--Your correspondent Mr. G. E Whadpolc

is misinformed in thinking that the Roman pavement at Woodchcster needs financing from official sources. The entrance money received from visitors produces a considerable sum.. Part is spent on re-covering the pavement, under sound archmological advice, until the next uncovering is decided upon; and the remain- ing goes to the church.

For it to become permanently on view it would either have to be removed to a museum, or protected by a kind of plastic greenhouse like the mosaics at Casale in Sicily. The present plan seems more satisfactory; and the fact that it cannot always be seen undoubtedly increases the number of visitors when it is uncovered.

Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House, WI JOAN IEVANS