Previously described as "in reality being a peasant," Rogers provides insight into the lineage of this Scottish poet, which includes the Burnes and Keiths. The family name was originally Burnes; variations include: Burnace, Burnice, and Burness. "The present work is chiefly founded on Dr. James Burnes' 'Notes on his Name and Family, ' a thin duodecimo privately printed in 1851, and on entries in the parochial and other registers." Of particular interest, an "accurate account is for the first time presented of the circumstances under which the poet's grandfather, Robert Burnes, quitted the farm of Clochnahill, an event bearing materially on the latter history of the family. To render the genealogical narrative minute and accurate, no effort has been spared." Entries include varying amounts of genealogical information. An index to names, places and subjects augments the text.