cause one is fixed with reference to December twenty-fifth,
the other with reference to March twenty-fifth, and betweer
these dates occurs the disturbance due to leap years.
Hence it followed that three times in the period from 1890
to 1940, though it happens only once in twenty-eight years in
the long run, the fall term ends at its earliest possible limit,
while the winter term begins at its latest possible date, and
thus it is that we may enjoy an occasional long vacation at
Christmas. In fact, whenever, in a leap year, January first
occurs on Wednesday, the winter vacation will include three
weeks.
There is a precisely similar variation in the length of the
vacation, which is less noticeable only because, on ac
count of the length of the summer, a single week counts for
less. It takes place as follows: Four times in twenty-eight
years, when January first of a year not a leap year occurs on
Wednesday, the summer vacation will include fourteen weeks
instead of the customary thirteen. We all enjoyed this un
usual but well-earned increment of rest during the last sum-
The eastern sky lights up anon,
A pale gleam mounts on high
And pencils pictures in the dawn,
Upon the easel of the sky.
In rainbow hues the colors blend;
The leaden clouds are turned to gold,
And by their new born brightness send
The growing light from fold to fold.
While yet the changing colors show,
And darkness takes its flight,
Upon the waiting world below,
The King of Day sends forth his light
SUNRISE.
G. G. P.