Nature has always been at the center of the work of Paustovsky, a traveler in love with the world around him. The story “Kara-Bugaz” is dedicated to nature and its relationship with people, the history of whose creation Paustovsky so fascinatingly told in “The Golden Rose”. At first glance, a completely prosaic topic - the development of salt deposits in the deserted Caspian Gulf - is revealed from many completely different sides. The dedication of Russian officers and scientists, deserted shores that bring superstitious horror to sailors and nomads - all this is woven together under the pen of the master. The collection also includes the stories: “Colchis”, “The Theory of Captain Gernet” and “Lake Front”.