Other than the call of the cuckoo, no country sound was better known than the song of the skylark. The habit of the skylark is to tower high in the sky whilst pouring out its tireless exhuberant song. The children are gazing up looking for the source of the sound. They are country children completely at one with their surroundings. In early 1906, the artist returned to his studies in Oxford. This pastel drawing, also dated 1906, shows the richness of colour that can be achieved in this medium. The bright light on the children's hair and the rich summer fields contrasts with the deep shadows of the trees in the middle distance. The figures are arranged in a classically balanced triangular composition. The darkening skies suggest that a rain storm is imminent. There is, perhaps, a Christian message here - these simply dressed children gaze upwards as the tiny bird flies heavenwards. For many artists and poets the skylark has become a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. This sentimental subject and Christian message suggests pre-raphaelite influence.