Though there are some gaps in the series, the diaries cover almost the entirety of the 4th Earl of Minto's career from his school days at Eton to the year before his death. Those from 1864 to 1868 cover his Cambridge days and several walking and climbing expeditions in Switzerland. From 1868 to 1876 he was largely occupied in training and racing horses. Thereafter, until his appointment to Canada, the emphasis is on public service at home, notably in the volunteer movement. The military campaigns abroad in which he took part are mostly covered by special diaries (MSS.12503-12510). The years in Canada are covered only sketchily, and those in India receive only a few entries. MS.12481A consists of loose sheets placed in a pocket at the end of MS.12481.