SWINE breeders' ASSOCiATlOlSf. 585 



The facts set forth in the Ridge way theory deserve our careful con- 

 sideration. I believe, from my experience vi^ith this process, that there 

 lias been a ray of light brought to view which will eventually bring relief 

 to every producer of pork. I believe also that the originator of this 

 process has much yet to learn before its perfection is complete. 



Some of us who have attempted to immune our pigs have failed, 

 while others are satisfied with results obtained. My experience with it 

 leads me to the conclusion that It is good and that it is bad. You wonder 

 how this can be— a thing both good and bad. Electricity is a good thing 

 when rightly applied; a bad thing wrongfully applied. 



Two years' experience has taught me to have irnplicit confidence in 

 the fact that pigs fan-owed in cholera by immune sows renders such pigs 

 thoroughly and permanently immune. There is a principle involved here, 

 as I believe, when once thoroughly understood and applied, will solve 

 the question at issue. How many can look back and see a sow and her 

 litter passing through cholera without loss or harm! Such sows are 

 looked upon as immune, and save their pigs by transmitting this immu- 

 nity to them before birth or through lactation. 



Looking at the question from this point of view, the antitoxine or 

 serum treatment is the only ultimate solution of the problem to be solved. 

 Some seek to effect immunity by injecting antitoxine directly into the 

 blood, which seems to be in line with the principle referred to. Others 

 try to effect immunity by artificial means, by passing serum through the 

 blood of the mother, thereby immuning pigs in utero. These processes 

 are comparatively new, and much yet may be learned about them. 



The question arises here, why do not pigs from immune sows farrowed 

 in cholera sicken and die as do pigs from susceptible sows, and why do 

 not such pigs take cholera when again exposed to the disease Twice 

 in my herd have I seen the very things here stated happen. Pigs that 

 were farrowed in cholera were again exposed without an outbreak. It 

 will not do to explain this away by saying it was to happen so. 



I believe in this fact lies the keynote to the situation. I believe that 

 a constitutional effect, imperceptible as it is, has been produced by in- 

 haling and taking germs into the systems of pigs that renders them abso- 

 lutely impervious to future attacks of the disease. At least this has been 

 my experience. This much, I say, is good; good because by a knowledge 

 of it we are often enabled to take advantage of it and have our pigs 

 safely immuned. Here is food for the thoughtful and a pointer for fur- 

 ther investigation. 



If it is true that a constitutional effect is produced as stated above, 

 may there not be a means perfected by which a like constitutional effect 

 may be produced by artificial means which will render immunity. My 

 experience in trying to immunize my pigs with the means furnished has 

 not been altogether satisfactory. Perhaps this comes from want of a 

 more thorough knowledge of how to use the means at hand; being over- 



