(C) inexpensive

　　(D) undeveloped

　　339. Nearly all interstate commerce was carried out by sailing ships that served the bays and harbors of the seaboard. Yet, in 1790 the nation was on the threshold of a new era of road development.

　　The phrase "on the threshold of" in line 4 and 5 is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) in need of

　　(B) in place of

　　(C) at the start of

　　(D) with the purpose of

　　340. The company built a gravel road within two years, and the success of the Lancaster Pike encouraged imitation. Northern states generally relied on private companies to build their toll roads, but Virginia constructed a network at public expense.

　　The word "imitation" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) investment

　　(B) suggestion

　　(C) increasing

　　(D) copying