[8] The book is organised with a title-page; Registration; Dedication; Preface; Table of Contents; Text; Glossary and a blank sheet at the end.

The eleven page glossary or 'dictionary' of Scots words was added for the benefit of those unfamiliar with this language, Burns had included one in both his Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect and his Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (Edinburgh Edition) indicating that many of the Scots words were by that time unfamiliar to some readers, especially those amongst the aristocracy.

Sillar also added annotations in the main text to clarify or enhance the understanding of his works such as with the "Epistle to John Lapraik".

They are warm friendly letters and deal with the aforementioned act of Burns obtaining eleven subscribers for Sillar's Poems.

[7] It has been suggested that his later failure as a grocer and subsequent bankruptcy and imprisonment in Irvine was in part related to the time he spent on composing poetry and songs.

[3][4] The apparent print run of 1000 copies, an optimistic number, would have contributed substantially to the losses Sillar incurred.

[11] In the summer of 1791 David had been forced to write and ask Burns for a loan, however the poet was not in a position to help and replied that "I am extremely sorry to hear of your misfortune, & the more so, as it is not in my power to give you any assistance - I am just five shillings rich at present ....

I trust your many rich and influential friends will enable you to ger clear of that flinty-hearted scoundrel whose name I detest.