"Usually," said Mr. Smith," it would go to England first."
"Alice," broke in Mabel," what else is in the soup beside pepper? Oh, I know, salt. Is salt also brought half-way round the world?"
"I know where salt comes from," said Fred;" up State. It is dug out of the ground near Syracuse."
"That is right, Fred," said James. "But New York State does not supply all the salt used in this country. For years many ships and barks have come yearly into Gloucester harbor from Sicily, bringing salt for the fishing-schooners. Steamers even are being used to bring salt from the Mediterranean Sea, in order that the Gloucester fishermen may send salt fish all over our country."
"We must not forget," said Mrs. Smith, "that there is rice in our soup also. That comes from South Carolina."
Just then the plates were removed and the fish was brought on.
"This is a rarity," said the hostess. "Can you tell us what it is, James?"
"I think so. It is halibut, is it not?"
"Why do you call it a rarity?" asked Mary.
"This halibut came from the Grand Banks," said Mrs. Smith. "I do not understand how they get it here so fresh."