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Write a few sentences about what you have discussed.
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In groups, make a poster showing the various activities of the Dutch in Mauritius.
You may draw or stick pictures. Use different colours to label the various parts of the poster.
Think of a title for your poster.
During their stay in Mauritius, the Dutch settlers faced many difculties.
Observe the six pictures (Pictures 8-13) that follow.
ACTIVITY 1.5.1
1.6 Why did the Dutch leave Mauritius?
Pic. 8 cyclones destroyed their houses and crops.
The main activity of the Dutch was the cutting down of ebony trees for export. They brought
slaves to cut the trees. The logs were then loaded on ships and sent to Holland where they
were sold at a high price.
Observe the picture below and discuss with your friends.
The questions provided below will guide you.
(i) Where are the men and what are they doing?
(ii) Who are the people cutting the trees?
(iii) Give the name of the tree they are cutting down.
(iv) What are they going to do with the logs?
(v) To which country will the logs be sent?
(vi) Why are the logs sent there?
THINK How were ebony logs used in Holland?
Why were the logs sold at such a high price?
ACTIVITY 1.5 discuss and share
pic. 7 Ebony Forest
1.5 The Main activity of the Dutch: Cutting down Ebony Trees
pic. 6 Ebony logs