The Wasp — 1887 — page 473: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two distinct sections: **"The Star of Bethlehem"** (left): An engraving depicting the nativity scene with the star above and figures gathered below. The accompanying text presents four variations of "Silent Night," a Christmas hymn, likely included for holiday-season publication. **"Jacob's Well"** (right): A satirical narrative mocking a failed oil-drilling venture. The story describes how Jacob (presumably a businessman) was persuaded to finance artesian well-boring near Byron Springs, supposedly for water. The scheme actually targeted oil deposits. After drilling 200 feet and finding only brackish water, the investor abandoned the project—losing money while the promoter Barrett profited. The satire ridicules gullible investors and fraudulent business schemes common in the era. The page illustrates The Wasp's dual purpose: holiday sentiment alongside sharp social criticism.