How the crocus got its fur coat.... To enter the world of chiefs, Wapee, son of a Chief was to spend four days and nights atop a lonely hill until a vision of the man he was to be came to him. The first night, no visions appeared to him and he was downhearted. But with the dawn, the warming sun beamed upon a beautiful flower who opened her petals and nodded towards Wapee as if to welcome him. Wapee no longer felt alone. When night came again, Wapee curled his body around his new friend to protect her from the icy night winds. Three times he did this and three times when the Morning Star rose, visions came to him foretelling of great things to come. When Wapee rose to leave he said,"You have comforted and counseled me well these past three days and nights. What three wishes would you have me ask of the Great Spirit?" "Pray that I may have the purple blue of the distant mountains in my petals, a small golden sun to hold close to my heart on dull days, and a furry coat to face the cold winds in the spring." The Great Spirit was so pleased with Wapee's thoughtfulness, he fulfilled his prayer.   -A Native legend. (A greatly abridged version of a tale found in Old Man's Garden by Annora Brown.) A LAKOTA SONG OF THE PRAIRIE CROCUS 'Hoksj-Cekpa Wahca', translates as: I wish to encourage the children of other flower nations which are now appearing over all the land; So while they waken from sleep and rise from the bosom of Mother Earth, I stand here old and grey headed.