There is very often a warm interval in February, sometimes a few days earlier and sometimes later, but as a rule it happens that a week or so of mild sunny weather occurs about this time. Released from the grip of the forst, the streams trickle forth from the fields and pour into the ditches so that while walking along the footpath there is a murmur all around coming from the rush of water. The murmur of the streams is indeed louder in February then in the more pleasant days of summer, for then the growth of aquatic grasses checks the flow and stills it, whilst in February every stone, or flint, or lump of chalk divides the current and causes a vibration. With this murmur of water, and mild time, the rocks caw incessantly, and the birds at large essay to utter their welcome of the sun. The wet furrows reflect the rays so that the dark earth gleams, and in the slight mist that stays farther away the light pauses and fills the vapour with radiance. Through this luminous mist the larks race after each other twittering, and as they turn aside, swerving in their swift flight, their appear for a moment. As while standing by a pool the fishes come into sight, emerging as they swim round from the shadow of the deeper water, so the larks dart over the low hedge, and through, once one checks his pursuit, forgets the immediate object, and rises, singing as he soars. The notes fall from the air over the dark wet earth, over the dark grass, and broken withered fern of the hedges, and listening to them it seems for a moment spring. There is sunshine in the song the lark and the light are one. He gives us a few minutes of summer in February days. The first rays fall as the rim af the sun edges up at the eastward hill. The lark and the light are, as one and wherever he glides over the wet furrows the glint of the sun goes with him. With bright light, and sunshine, and sunrise, and blue skies the bird is so associated in the mind, that even to see him in the frosty days of winter, at least assures us that summer will certainly return. The question that now arises is whether we have reached a stage wherein it is possible for the state to step in and to undertake these very activities so that these religious organisations and institutions might not have to perform those functions. Connected there with is also the question of whether the government should give its patronage to these organisations and institutions.
