Boek 4, 5, 2

There are four crossings which are commonly used in getting from the continent to the island, namely from the mouths of the Rivers Rhine, Seine, Loire and Garonne. Those who put to sea from the region around the Rhine do not, however, sail from the river estuary itself, but from the Morini, who are the neighbours of the Menapii and in whose territory lies Itium [Boulogne], used by the deified Caesar as a harbour when he crossed to the island. ... Most of the island is flat and thickly wooded, though many districts are hilly. It produces grain and cattle, gold, silver and iron. These are exported along with hides and slaves and dogs bred specifically for hunting. The Celts [Gauls] also use both these and their native breed in war. The men (of Britain) are taller than the Celts, not so blond, and of looser build. As an indication of their size I myself saw some in Rome little more than boys standing as much as half a foot above the tallest in the city, though they were bow-legged and in other respects lacking any gracefulness of body. Their customs are in some respects like those of the Celts, in other respects simpler and more barbaric. As a result, some of them, through their want of skill, do not make cheese, though they have no shortage of milk. They are also unskilled in horticulture or farming in general. They are ruled by chieftains. In war they mostly use chariots like some of the Celts. The forests are their cities; for they fortify a large circular enclosure with felled trees and there make themselves huts and pen their cattle, though not for a long stay. Their weather tends to rain rather than snow, and on days when there are no clouds fog persists for a long time with the result that throughout the whole day the sun can be seen only for about three or four hours around noon. This also happens among the Morini and the Menapii and those living close to the Menapii.