and there's a curious thing about drystone walling - that it's impossible to get through Health and Safety regulations. I think (please don't quote me) that the heaviest stone lifted is 22 kg. That's obviously of no use if one's building a stile.

I taught for a term in a St Trinians-like agricultural college (it was hell) and the walls they were teaching the students to build just consisted of small stones (and were pure rubbish). But then there's a youngster, Ian, taking over from me in some places, he's 30, been walling for a good five years. His back's done in already - his GP gave him six months on the sick - 'just rest, boy'.

pro's and con's !