The material is composed of: a folder of hymnological notes and papers, 1927-1943, from Cairns' library, which includes a hardcover exercise book containing additional notes, circa 1900; a folder of hymnological notes, 1932-1942, from the library of Rev. Millar Patrick; miscellaneous hymns and folksongs collected by Cairns, 1922-1942; some leaves on the anthems of Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876), 1939; and, miscellaneous leaves on Wesley, 1943

Song titled "Donald and Lucy The Shepherd's Duet. Air - "Come under my plaidy."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "Jamie's Dream! Air, "Auld Robin Gray."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley and sold to music publisher D'Almaine and Co.

Song titled "Looking o'er the moonlight billow." Air - "Lullaby."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "Oh meet me to night! Air, "Over the Water to Charlie."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley and published in the Metropolitan Magazine in June 1834.

Song titled "Oh where is he! Air, "My Boy Tammy."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "Scotch Melodies. The bonnie Sweet Land! Air "Kinloch of Kinloch."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "The Young Bride! Air - "Banks of the Dee."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "Thou Silver Stream. Air - "Edinborough [sic] Town."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.

Song titled "Thou Wakeful Star. Air - "Mary's Dream."" This song was set to music by Samuel Wesley.