The Wasp — 1891 — page 377: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**Main Content:** This page is primarily **advertising**, not satirical content. The left side contains a small cartoon titled "AN INSULT" showing two figures in conversation, with dialogue about diamonds and deception on a train. The joke appears to reference a common con where fake diamonds were sold to travelers. **The satire:** A man is deceived into buying what he believes is a diamond at a bargain price; the punchline reveals he was swindled—a commentary on urban fraud and gullibility. **Below:** A section titled "GUARDING AGAINST CONTINGENCIES" offers domestic humor about marital relations. The remainder consists of legitimate San Francisco business advertisements (insurance, hotels, military goods, printing services), typical of period magazines' revenue model.