听力原文： We don't know when man first began to use salt, but we do know that it has been used in many different ways throughout history. Historical evidence shows, for example, that people who lived over 3000 years ago ate salted fish. Thousands of years ago in Egypt, salt was used to keep the dead from decaying. Stealing salt was considered a major crime during some periods of history. In the 18th century, for instance, if a person was caught stealing salt, he could be put in jail. History records that about ten thousand people were put in jail that century for stealing salt. About 150 years before, in the year 1533, taking more than one's share of salt was punishable as a crime. The offender's ear was cut off! Salt was an important item on the table of a king. It was traditionally placed in front of the king when he sat down to eat. Important guests at the king's table were seated near the salt. Less important guests were given seats far away from it. (33)