"The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not Puritanism but February"

Joseph Wood Krutch's quote is a criticism of New England's climate. He is recommending that the most major concern with New England is not its Puritanism, however its cold and dreary winter season. Krutch is implying that the long, dark winter months of February are a higher problem than the Puritanism that is typically related to New England. He is suggesting that the winter is a more major concern than the faiths of the region. Krutch's quote is a suggestion that the climate of an area can have a substantial effect on its inhabitants. The cold and gloomy winter season of New England can be a source of depression and anguish for its residents, and can be a higher issue than the faiths of the area.