We have (36) idea about when men first began to use salt, but we do know that it has been used (37) many different ways. For example, it is (38) in many history books that people who lived (39) three thousand years ago ate salted fish. Thousands of years ago in Egypt, salt was used to preserve the (40) In some periods of history, a person (41) stole salt was thought to have broken the (42) . Take the 18th century for (43) example, if a person was caught (44) salt, he would be thrown into prison. History also records that only in England about ten (45) people were put into prison during that century (46) stealing salt! About 450 years ago, in the year 1553, if a man took more than his (47) of salt, he would be thought to have broken the law and would be seriously (48) . The offender’s ear was cut (49) .Salt was an important (50) on the dinner table of a king. It was always placed (51) the king when he sat down to eat. Important guests (52) the king’s table were (53) near the salt. (54) important guests were given seats (55) away from it. 45().

A. thousands
B. thousand of
C. thousand
D. thousands of