Have also built stone walls in the Cotswolds, and I wouldn’t agree with you about not putting a stone you picked up back. Sometimes when you pick up from the pile you didn’t see part of the stone that makes it entirely unsuitable.
It’s better to pick the best stone to complement the space than try and jam something in that sorts of fits.
Have done it in the winter in a blizzard on the side of a hill - that was a painful experience, summer was much more enjoyable.
Edit to say: I realise now from your username we know each other - hope you are well! ;-)
Good to see you here, am well thank you and I hope likewise!
To your point, that's just the tradition I was told by the stonemason who built the walls I helped on.
There's a subtle art to pre-examining the stones before picking, it wasn't a case of if you touched it, it had to be picked up. It was more if you committed to this stone then make it work in this spot or another. There's always a place :-)
It’s better to pick the best stone to complement the space than try and jam something in that sorts of fits.
Have done it in the winter in a blizzard on the side of a hill - that was a painful experience, summer was much more enjoyable.
Edit to say: I realise now from your username we know each other - hope you are well! ;-)