erections made on the banks of Ayr, tastefully decorated with shrubs and flowers, for a supper and ball, to which most of the respectable families in the county were invited. It was a novelty, and attracted much notice. A dissolution of Parliament was soon expected, and this festivity was thought to be an introduction to a Several canvass for representing the county. other candidates were spoken of, particularly Sir John Whitefoord, then residing at Cloncaird (commonly pronounced Glencaird), and Mr. Boswell, the well-known biographer of Dr. Johnson. The political views of the festive assemblage, which are alluded to in the ballad, if they ever existed, were, however, laid aside, as Mr. Cunninghame did not canvass the county.'

Page 265, 19. Burns says the second and fourth stanzas of this song were written by him. Page 266, 11. This song is founded on an old ballad.

Page 268, 25. The last two verses of this song are by Burns.

Page 269, 137, 2 col. The 'Heron Ballads' were written on the occasion of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright being contested, in 1795, by Mr. Heron of Kerroughtree in the Whig, and Mr. Gordon of Balmaghie in the Tory, interest. Page 270, 14, 2 col. Var.

For now what he wan in the Indies Has scoured up the laddie fu' clean, Page 273, 1. This song was produced at a festive meeting of the Kilmarnock Masonic Lodge, presided over by Mr. William Parker. Page 275, 17. Gilbert Burns was of opinion that his brother did not write this song.

Page 277, 5, 2 col. Burns states concerning this song:-I added the four last lines by way of giving a turn to the theme of the poem, such

as it is."

Page 278, 1, 2 col. The text has been collated with a copy in the Poet's handwriting.