[CanuckJim]

Wayne,

Frances has got the superstructure nailed, so no need for me to comment. Using rebar is a must. You could either use rabbit hutch wire or wire lath, which might be a bit stronger in the end. Or hutch wire for one layer, lath wire for the second. Frankly, I'd go a bit thicker than two inches to bear the weight of the stones. For the mortar, I'd use Type N and brick sand (3 sand to 1 mortar). Type N is very good for vertical surfaces that will be exposed to rain. You don't need to add Portland to it, although a bit of accelerant (Home Depot) will help the mortar set up more quickly in cold and wet weather. Be sure to tarp your work between sessions.

Jim