The Wasp — 1878 — page 232: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the title page of *The Wasp*, a San Francisco satirical weekly. The main illustration depicts a grotesque caricature of a figure with horns (suggesting devilish or demonic character) riding atop a cow, while clipping its wings with scissors. Below, smaller figures appear to be scrambling or fleeing. The satire likely comments on San Francisco business or political corruption of the era—the cow possibly representing wealth or the city itself being exploited or restrained by a corrupt operator. The "clipping wings" suggests preventing progress or freedom. Without additional context from the article text, the specific target remains unclear, though *The Wasp* was known for attacking local corrupt politicians and monopolistic business practices.