Stepping stones
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A step-stone bridge is a simple means for a pedestrian to cross a watercourse during periods of low flow while keeping feet and (particularly) footwear dry. This type, along with the log bridge are likely the oldest bridge types. Unlike all other bridges, this bridge has no spans. Water is allowed to course between the stones that form the steps. Step-stone bridges are often seen in gardens in China and Japan. It is one of several principal types found in such gardens. Sometimes one will find these as informal crossings of small streams when hiking, as they are often built by hikers during the drier seasons and are subject to being swept away (or at least disarranged) during periods of high, fast water.
When step-stone bridges are in gardens open to the public, the step-stones are usually quarried from rough blocks and may be smoothed on their upper surface by a stone mason or topped with a
smooth concrete treading surface.
