The Wasp — 1877 — page 115: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a naturalistic illustration rather than political satire. The image depicts a sea lion perched on rocks in coastal waters, with a lighthouse visible on a cliff in the background and a sailing vessel on the horizon. The drawing demonstrates careful attention to anatomical detail and the animal's musculature. Published in *The Wasp* (March 3, 1877), this likely represents the magazine's occasional inclusion of wildlife imagery alongside its satirical content. The "Wild Animals of California" series appears to be educational natural history content rather than commentary on contemporary politics or social issues. The sea lion is rendered straightforwardly as a subject of zoological interest.