The Wasp — 1888 — page 214: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains primarily **poetry and prose** rather than cartoons. The left column features political verse mocking Democratic Party figures and policies, including references to "the Canadian Retaliation Bill" and critiques of voting practices ("the old-time 'nigger drivers'"). The right side includes **fashion and society commentary**, particularly a lengthy discussion of women's stockings, garters, and leg wear—detailed descriptions of lace, embroidery, and ornamentation styles. This reflects late-19th-century satirical interest in fashion minutiae. The bottom section discusses **cattle diseases** (catarrh and hay fever), appearing to be either serious advice or mock-scientific commentary. Overall, this is a mixed-content page typical of satirical magazines: political criticism, social satire, and contemporary consumer culture observations.