In Ireland and the northeastern...
Illustration
Object:
In Ireland and the northeastern United States, it is common to see traditional fences made
of dry-stack stone walls. Larger stones are placed at the bottom, and the wall is built up,
without mortar or cement. Smaller stones are placed nearer the top, so that the wall
becomes narrower as it rises. Gravity keeps the wall together, and the only cost is the cost
of gathering the stones and doing the labor. Homes can be built the same way, with a
bonding agent to keep the stones together or simply a mix that will keep the cold air from
coming in the cracks. We have much more sophisticated ways to build with stone today,
but stacking stones remains as an original form.
