The Wasp — October 4, 1879 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Illustrated Wasp" Page 165 This page is primarily **educational rather than satirical**, presenting natural history content about beetles and insects rather than political commentary. The text discusses various beetle species, including the "Cockchafer" (a common agricultural pest), and describes their physical characteristics, behaviors, and historical impacts. Several numbered "Episodes" feature detailed illustrations of different beetles. A notable section mentions **1574 England and 1688 Ireland**, when cockchafers were so abundant they damaged mills and crops, with their noise likened to "the sawing of a log." The text emphasizes scientific observation of these "terrible forms" revealed by microscopes. The page includes poetry about beetles and concludes discussing another "gorgeous and formidable" species. This appears to be part of a serialized natural history series rather than satirical commentary on contemporary politics or society.