Stone is all around us. Stone is usually very hard, 46 it can also be soft. Stones have many uses.

In some 47 , artists carve (雕刻) beautiful things out of soft stones, because they can be shaped easily. In ancient times, people carved 48 persons or animals out of soft stones, which could be carried along with. While in some European countries, statues (雕塑) are carved g49 hard stones and they do not change easily. In summer, the hot sun 50 on these statues and in winter the snow falls on them, but they 51 remain beautiful.

Stone is strong and long-lasting. So, it is 52 enough for buildings. A house built of stone does not catch fire as easily as 53 made of wood. Some stones are coloured, so they make the 54 look wonderful. People can also get a fire with stones. Besides, some kinds of stones can be used to 55 jewellery (珠宝). We’ve found stones are really amazing.

46.__________

A． and B. but C. or D. so