It is clear, however, that in classic times the ferret was unknown in Greece, otherwise we should never have heard of the proverb of the Carpathian and his Hare[748] applied to persons who brought evil upon themselves. Originally, we are told, the Island of Carpathos[749] was, like Ithaca, entirely destitute of hares; but a pair having been at length introduced, multiplied so prodigiously that they almost depopulated the island by devouring the fruits of the earth. A similar fact is related of the island Porto Santo, near Madeira, for Prince Henry of Portugal, immediately after its discovery, “sent Bartholomew Perestrello with seeds to sow and cattle to stock the place; but one couple of rabbits put in among the rest increased so prodigiously that all corn and plants being destroyed by them it was found necessary to unpeople the place.”[750] Footnote 748: Suid. v. Λαγώς. t. ii. p. 3. Footnote 749: This island now abounds in cattle and game, particularly quails and partridges.—Dapper, Descrip. des Iles de l’Archip. p. 173. Footnote 750: Hist. of Navig. prefixed to Church. Coll. of Voy. and Trav. vol. i. p. xx. A peculiar kind of hare is commemorated by the ancients as found in Elymœa. It is said to have been little inferior in size to the fox, to have been elongated and slender in shape, and blackish in colour, with a long white tip at the end of the tail. It is remarked by the same writer that the scent left by leverets on the ground is stronger and more pungent than that of the grown hare, so that the dogs become furious on getting wind of it.[751] Footnote 751: Poll. v. 74.