Requests to renew his old acquaintance with Smith after reading the "Monthly Review" of August 1794 which included an account of one of Smith's works. Recalls their early friendship including the occassion Smith found 'Helvella acaulis' in a storm. Invites Smith to Hare Street near Romford, Essex. [Samuel] Goodenough sends greetings.

Sends his paper on ivy which he had previously addressed to Sir Joseph Banks. Banks believes ivy classes with "woodbind" as a "vegetable beast of prey". Repton refutes Banks' claim with his own observations on ivy's less aggressive nature, offers the paper to Smith and Linnean Society.

His paper on ivy: has further observations; asks how the drawings would be effected if it is ever printed; unsure what to make of Sir Joseph Banks objecting to the printing of Banks' letter on ivy; asks Smith to send back the other papers he sent so he can edit them.