The path of stepping-stones may branch off to two directions, using a bigger stone, often garan-seki (an old foundation stone of a temple pillar) at the parting. However, it is best not to branch off in many directions at the same point, for such can hardly be beautiful. Sometimes old querns or long rectangular slabs, chiselled, are used, together with irregular natural ones, in the fine of stepping-stones. When so used, two of them are laid together, their ends doubled at the side. Or sometimes cobbles or broken pieces of stones are connected together in a rectangular form, by which the monotony of the stepping-stones is often broken. Such a combination is often used in paving the passage as well. Irregularity of stones placed between formal borders used in a pavement gives a charm.
