Let There Be Light

Not long after daylight-saving time began this past April, a man wrote to The Times complaining that his lawn already was parched from all that extra sunlight. Maybe he was spoofing, but tinkering with time always has caused controversy.

The measuring of time is a human invention designed to make life more convenient and to coordinate activity. Is it time to go to work? What time does the store open? I’ll meet you at 8 p.m. How long does it take to get there? The show starts at 9 o’clock. Class is over at 5 to 12. We’re early. He’s late.

The latest wrinkle is a new law to start daylight-saving time three weeks earlier, on the first Sunday in April rather than the last--a good idea. Most people will relish the extra hour of daylight in the evenings. Others will grouse a bit, but at least they can be assured that they do not have to water their lawns for an extra hour each day.