The Wasp — 1890 — page 355: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a satirical poem with four accompanying illustrations about a figure named Buckley and his treatment of lambs. The narrative follows Buckley, who initially has lambs "ready to be clipped" and takes them to San Jose. The poem's punchline reveals political satire: Buckley loves the lambs only "when wool is high," suggesting he exploits them for profit rather than genuine care. The final caption credits "Subscriber," indicating this was reader-submitted content. The illustrations show lambs being herded, sheared, abandoned in cold weather, and later reclaimed—a metaphor for exploitative business practices or political opportunism. Without identifying the specific historical Buckley referenced, the satire clearly mocks someone who cynically uses or abandons vulnerable parties based on economic self-interest.