TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES, 485BPOS, 1998-04-10

TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES
485BPOS, 1998-04-10

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<PAGE> 1
Registration No. 33-65339
811-07463

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 6

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES
(Exact name of Registrant)

THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
(Name of Depositor)

ONE TOWER SQUARE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06183
(Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)

Depositor's Telephone Number, including area code: (860) 277-0111

ERNEST J. WRIGHT
Secretary
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company
One Tower Square
Hartford, Connecticut 06183
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
----
X on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
----
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485 on
----
___________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
----

If appropriate, check the following box:

______ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.

<PAGE> 2

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

Cross-Reference Sheet

Form N-4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM
NO. CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- -- --------------
<S> <C>
1. Cover Page Prospectus
2. Definitions Glossary of Special Terms
3. Synopsis Prospectus Summary
4. Condensed Financial Information Condensed Financial Information
5. General Description of Registrant, The Insurance Company; The Separate
Depositor, and Portfolio Companies Account and the Funding Options;
Voting Rights
6. Deductions (and Expenses) Fee Table; Charges and Deductions;
Distribution of Variable Annuity
Contracts
7. General Description of Variable The Contract; Ownership Provisions;
Annuity Contracts Transfers
8. Annuity Period The Annuity Period; Payment Options
9. Death Benefit Death Benefit
10. Purchases and Contract Value The Contract
11. Redemptions Surrenders and Redemptions;
Miscellaneous Contract Provisions;
The Contract
12. Taxes Federal Tax Considerations
13. Legal Proceedings Legal Proceedings and Opinions
14. Table of Contents of Statement Appendix D
of Additional Information

CAPTION IN STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
----------------------------------
15. Cover Page Statement of Additional Information
16. Table of Contents Table of Contents
17. General Information and History The Insurance Company
18. Services Principal Underwriter; Distribution
and Management Agreement
19. Purchase of Securities Being Offered Valuation of Assets
20. Underwriters Principal Underwriter
21. Calculation of Performance Data Performance Information
22. Annuity Payments Not Applicable
23. Financial Statements Financial Statements
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 3

PART A

Information Required in a Prospectus

<PAGE> 4

TRAVELERS PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT VARIABLE ANNUITY
CONTRACT PROFILE (ABD II)

MAY 1, 1998

THIS PROFILE IS A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT POINTS THAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW AND CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACT IS MORE FULLY
DESCRIBED IN THE FULL PROSPECTUS WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS PROFILE. PLEASE READ
THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY. THE TERMS "WE," "US," "OUR" AND THE "COMPANY" REFER TO
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY. "YOU" AND "YOUR" REFER TO THE CONTRACT
OWNER.

1. THE VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT. The Contract offered by The Travelers Life
and Annuity Company is a variable annuity that is intended for retirement
savings or other long-term investment purposes. The Contract provides a death
benefit as well as guaranteed income options. Portfolio Architect may be issued
as an individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only group
Contracts are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the
provisions of the group contract. For convenience, we refer to both Contracts
and certificates as "Contracts." Under a qualified Contract, you can make one or
more payments, as you choose, on a tax-deferred basis. Under a nonqualified
Contract, you can make one or more payments with after-tax dollars. You direct
your payment(s) to one or more of the variable funding options listed in Section
4 and/or to the Fixed Account. We guarantee money directed to the Fixed Account
as to principal and interest. The variable funding options are designed to
produce a higher rate of return than the Fixed Account; however, this is not
guaranteed. You may also lose money in the variable funding options.

The Contract, like all deferred variable annuity contracts, has two phases: the
accumulation phase and the income phase. During the accumulation phase, under a
qualified contract, your pre-tax contributions accumulate on a tax-deferred
basis and are taxed as income when you make a withdrawal, presumably when you
are in a lower tax bracket. During the accumulation phase, under a nonqualified
contract, earnings on your after-tax contributions accumulate on a tax-deferred
basis and are taxed as income when you make a withdrawal. The income phase
occurs when you begin receiving regular payments from your Contract. The amount
of money you accumulate in your Contract determines the amount of income
(annuity payments) you receive during the income phase.

2. ANNUITY PAYMENTS (THE INCOME PHASE). You may choose to receive annuity
payments from the Fixed Account or the variable funding options. If you want to
receive regular payments from your annuity, you can choose one of the following
annuity options: Option 1 -- payments for your life (life annuity) -- assuming
that you are the annuitant; Option 2 -- payments for your life with an added
guarantee that payments will continue to your beneficiary for a certain number
of months (120, 180 or 240, as you select), if you should die during that
period; Option 3 -- Joint and Last Survivor Life Annuity, in which payments are
made for your life and the life of another person (usually your spouse). Option
3 can also be elected with payments continuing at a reduced rate after the death
of one payee. There are also two Income Options: Fixed Amount -- the cash
surrender value of your Contract will be paid to you in equal payments; or Fixed
Period -- the cash surrender value will be used to make payments for a fixed
time period. If you should die before the end of the Fixed Period, the remaining
amount would go to your beneficiary.

Once you make an election of an annuity option or an income option and begin to
receive payments, it cannot be changed. During the income phase, you have the
same investment choices you had during the accumulation phase. If amounts are
directed to the variable funding options, the dollar amount of your payments may
increase or decrease.
<PAGE> 5

3. PURCHASE. You may purchase the Contract with an initial payment of at least
$5,000. You may make additional payments of at least $500 at any time during the
accumulation phase. (In some states, additional payments are not allowed.)

WHO SHOULD PURCHASE THIS CONTRACT? The Contract is currently available for use
in connection with (1) individual nonqualified purchases; (2) rollovers for
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs) and (3) rollovers for other qualified
retirement plans. Qualified contracts include contracts qualifying under Section
401(a), 403(b), or 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS. You can direct your money into the Fixed Account or any
or all of the following funding options. The funding options are described in
the prospectuses for the funds. Depending on market conditions, you may make or
lose money in any of these options:

Capital Appreciation Fund

Money Market Portfolio

DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
Small Cap Portfolio
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio
MFS Total Return Portfolio
Putnam Diversified Income Portfolio

THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST

Convertible Bond Portfolio
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio
Federated High Yield Portfolio
Federated Stock Portfolio
Large Cap Portfolio
Lazard International Stock Portfolio
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio
MFS Research Portfolio
Strategic Stock Portfolio
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio

5. EXPENSES. The Contract has insurance features and investment features, and
there are costs related to each. For Contracts with a value of less than
$40,000, the Company deducts an annual contract administrative charge of $30.
The annual insurance charge is 1.25% of the amounts you direct to the funding
options; and a related sub-account administrative charge of .15% annually is
charged.

Each funding option charges for management and other expenses. The charges range
from 0.40% to 1.40% annually, of the average daily net asset balance of the
funding option, depending on the funding option.

If you withdraw amounts under the Contract, the Company may deduct a withdrawal
charge (0% to 6%) of the amount of purchase payments withdrawn from the
Contract. If you withdraw all amounts under the Contract, or if you begin
receiving annuity payments, the Company may be required by your state to deduct
a premium tax of 0%-5%.

The following table is designed to help you understand the Contract charges. The
"Total Annual Insurance Charges" column includes the mortality and expense risk
charge, the sub-account administrative charge, and reflects the $30 annual
contract administrative charge as 0.014%. The "Total Annual Funding Option
Expenses" column reflects the investment charges for each portfolio, including
any expense waiver or reimbursement. The column "Total Annual Charges" reflects
the sum of the previous two columns. The columns under the heading "Examples"
show you how much you would pay under the Contract for a one-year period and for
a 10-year period. As required by the SEC, the examples assume that you invested
$1,000 in a Contract that earns 5% annually and that you withdraw your money at
the end of year 1 and at the end of year 10. For year 1, the examples show the
total annual charges assessed during that time as well as the

ii
<PAGE> 6

withdrawal charge. For the 10-year example, the total annual charges are
included, but no withdrawal charge is reflected. For these examples, the premium
tax is assumed to be 0%.

<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund................................ 1.41% 0.84% 2.25% $83 $259
Money Market Portfolio................................... 1.41% 0.40% 1.81% 78 213
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series.......................................... 1.41% 0.85% 2.26% 83 260
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio....................... 1.41% 0.80% 2.21% 82 255
Small Cap Portfolio.................................. 1.41% 0.78% 2.19% 82 253
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund............. 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio............................ 1.41% 0.82% 2.23% 83 257
MFS Total Return Portfolio........................... 1.41% 0.86% 2.27% 83 261
Putnam Diversified Income Portfolio.................. 1.41% 0.88% 2.29% 83 263
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio........................... 1.41% 0.80% 2.21% 82 255
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio.................. 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio................ 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
Equity Income Portfolio.............................. 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Federated High Yield Portfolio....................... 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Federated Stock Portfolio............................ 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Large Cap Portfolio.................................. 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Lazard International Stock Portfolio................. 1.41% 1.25% 2.66% 87 300
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio........................ 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio......................... 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
MFS Research Portfolio............................... 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
Strategic Stock Portfolio............................ 1.41% 0.90% 2.31% 83 265
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio..................... 1.41% 0.75% 2.16% 82 250
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio........................... 1.41% 1.40% 2.81% 88 314
</TABLE>

6. TAXES. The payments you make to a qualified Contract during the accumulation
phase are made with before-tax dollars. You will be taxed on your purchase
payments and on any earnings when you make a withdrawal or begin receiving
annuity or income payments. Under a nonqualified Contract, payments to the
Contract are made with after-tax dollars, and any earnings will accumulate
tax-deferred. You will be taxed on these earnings when they are withdrawn from
the Contract.

For owners of qualified Contracts, if you reach a certain age, you may be
required by federal tax laws to begin receiving payments from your annuity or
risk paying a penalty tax. In those cases, we can calculate and pay you the
minimum required distribution amounts. If you are younger than 59 1/2 when you
take money out, you may be charged a 10% federal penalty tax on the amount
withdrawn.

7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY. You can take withdrawals any time during the
accumulation phase. A withdrawal charge may apply. The amount of the charge
depends on a number of factors, including the length of time since the purchase
payment was made (6% if withdrawn within one year, gradually decreasing to 0%
for payments held by the Company for 8 years or more). After the first contract
year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the contract value (as of the previous
Contract year end) without a withdrawal charge. Of course, you may also have to
pay income taxes and a tax penalty on any money you take out.

iii
<PAGE> 7

8. PERFORMANCE. The value of the Contract will vary depending upon the
investment performance of the funding options you choose. The following chart
shows total returns for each funding option for the time periods shown. These
numbers reflect the insurance charges, administrative charge, investment charges
and all other expenses of the funding option. The numbers do not reflect any
withdrawal charge or any applicable taxes, which, if applied, would reduce such
performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

LAST TEN CALENDAR YEARS (OR FULL YEARS SINCE INCEPTION):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund................................... 24.36%
Money Market Portfolio...................................... 3.59%
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio................................. 27.22%
MFS Total Return Portfolio................................ 19.55%
Putnam Diversified Income Portfolio....................... 6.24%
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Equity Income Portfolio................................... 30.47%
Federated High Yield Portfolio............................ 13.84%
Federated Stock Portfolio................................. 31.66%
Large Cap Portfolio....................................... 21.72%
Lazard International Stock Portfolio...................... 6.61%
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio............................. 19.33%
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio.......................... 5.64%
</TABLE>

Those funding options not illustrated above do not yet have one full year of
performance history.

9. DEATH BENEFIT. The death benefit applies upon the first death of the owner,
joint owner, or annuitant. Assuming you are the Annuitant, if you die before you
move to the income phase, the person you have chosen as your beneficiary will
receive a death benefit. The death benefit paid depends on your age at the time
of your death. The death benefit value is calculated at the close of the
business day on which the Company's Home Office receives due proof of death. If
you die before you reach age 90, the death benefit equals the greatest of: (1)
the Contract Value;(2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less
all partial withdrawals; or (3) the maximum "final death benefit value"
occurring on or before your 80(th) birthday (after adjustments for all purchase
payments and withdrawals). (See the Contract prospectus for a full explanation
of "final death benefit value".)

Assuming you are the annuitant, if you die on or after age 90 and before the
maturity date, the death benefit payable will be the contract value, less any
applicable premium tax or outstanding loans.

NOTE: In all cases described above, amounts will be reduced by loans
outstanding, premium taxes owed and partial withdrawals not previously deducted.
Certain states may have varying age requirements.

10. OTHER INFORMATION

RIGHT TO RETURN. If you cancel the Contract within twenty days after you
receive it, you will receive a full refund of the Contract Value (including
charges). Where state law requires a longer right to return period, or the
return of purchase payments, the Company will comply. You bear the investment
risk during the right to return period; therefore, the Contract Value returned
may be greater or less than your purchase payment. If the Contract is purchased
as an Individual Retirement Annuity, and is returned within the first seven days
after delivery, your full purchase payment will be refunded; during the
remainder of the right to return period, the Contract Value (including charges)
will be refunded. The Contract Value will be determined at the close of business
on the day we receive a written request for a refund.

TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDING OPTIONS. You can transfer between the funding options
as frequently as you wish without any current tax implications. Currently there
is no charge for transfers, nor a

iv
<PAGE> 8

limit to the number of transfers allowed. The Company may, in the future, charge
a fee for any transfer request, or limit the number of transfers allowed. The
Company, at the minimum, would always allow one transfer every six months. You
may transfer between the Fixed Account and the funding options twice a year
(during the 30 days after the six-month contract date anniversary), provided the
amount is not greater than 15% of the Fixed Account Value on that date.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES. This Contract has other features you may be interested in.
These include:

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING. This is a program that allows you to invest a fixed
amount of money in funding options each month, theoretically giving you a lower
average cost per unit over time than a single one-time purchase. Dollar Cost
Averaging requires regular investments regardless of fluctuating price levels,
and does not guarantee profits or prevent losses in a declining market.
Potential investors should consider their financial ability to continue
purchases through periods of low price levels.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL OPTION. Before the maturity date, you can arrange to
have money sent to you at set intervals throughout the year. Of course, any
applicable charges and taxes will apply on amounts withdrawn.

AUTOMATIC REBALANCING. You may elect to have the Company periodically
reallocate the values in your Contract to match your original (or your latest)
funding option allocation request.

11. INQUIRIES. If you need more information, please contact us at (800)
842-8573 or:

Travelers Life and Annuity Company
Annuity Services
One Tower Square
Hartford, CT 06183

v
<PAGE> 9

TRAVELERS PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT

PROSPECTUS (ABD II)

This prospectus describes PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT, a flexible premium variable
annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by The Travelers Life and Annuity
Company (the "Company" "we" or "our"). The Contract is available in connection
with certain retirement plans that qualify for special federal income tax
treatment ("qualified Contracts") as well as those that do not qualify for such
treatment ("nonqualified Contracts"). Portfolio Architect may be issued as an
individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only group Contracts
are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the provisions of
the group Contract. For convenience, this prospectus refers to both Contracts
and certificates as "Contracts."

You can choose to have your purchase payments accumulate on a fixed basis (i.e.
a Fixed Account funded through the Company's general account) and/or a variable
basis (i.e., one or more of the sub-accounts ("funding options")) of the
Travelers Fund ABD II for Variable Annuities ("Fund ABD II"). Your contract
value will vary daily to reflect the investment experience of the funding
options you select and any interest credited to the Fixed Account. The variable
funding options currently available are:

Capital Appreciation Fund

Money Market Portfolio

DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.

REIT Series

DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND

Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Small Cap Portfolio

SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.

Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund

TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.

Alliance Growth Portfolio

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Putnam Diversified Income Portfolio

THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST

Convertible Bond Portfolio

Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio

Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio

Equity Income Portfolio

Federated High Yield Portfolio

Federated Stock Portfolio

Large Cap Portfolio

Lazard International Stock Portfolio

MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio

MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

MFS Research Portfolio

Strategic Stock Portfolio

Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio

WARBURG PINCUS TRUST

Emerging Markets Portfolio

The Fixed Account is described in Appendix B. Unless specified otherwise, this
prospectus refers to the variable funding options. The contracts and/or some of
the funding options may not be available in all states. THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID
ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE VARIABLE FUNDING
OPTIONS. THESE PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

This prospectus provides the information that you should know before investing
in the Contract. You can receive additional information about Fund ABD II by
requesting a copy of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated May
1, 1998. The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To request a
copy, write to The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity Services, One
Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183, call (800) 842-8573 or access the
SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). The contents of the SAI appears in Appendix
C of this prospectus.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY; THEY ARE SUBJECT TO
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT.

PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1998
<PAGE> 10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS................. 2
FEE TABLE.............................. 3
THE ANNUITY CONTRACT................... 5
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION........ 5
Purchase Payments...................... 6
Accumulation Units..................... 6
The Funding Options.................... 6
Substitutions and Additions............ 8
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS................. 8
Withdrawal Charge...................... 8
Free Withdrawal Allowance.............. 9
Administrative Charges................. 9
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge...... 9
Reduction or Elimination of Contract
Charges.............................. 9
Funding Option Expenses................ 9
Premium Tax............................ 10
Changes in Taxes Based Upon Premium or
Value................................ 10
OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS................... 10
Types of Ownership..................... 10
Beneficiary............................ 10
Annuitant.............................. 10
TRANSFERS.............................. 11
Dollar Cost Averaging.................. 11
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY................... 11
Systematic Withdrawals................. 11
Loans.................................. 12
DEATH BENEFIT.......................... 12
Death Proceeds Before the Maturity
Date................................. 12
Payment of Proceeds.................... 13
Death Proceeds After the Maturity
Date................................. 13
THE ANNUITY PERIOD..................... 13
Maturity Date.......................... 13
Allocation of Annuity.................. 14
Variable Annuity....................... 14
Fixed Annuity.......................... 14
PAYMENT OPTIONS........................ 15
Election of Options.................... 15
Annuity Options........................ 15
Income Options......................... 16
MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS...... 16
Right to Return........................ 16
Termination............................ 16
Required Reports....................... 17
Suspension of Payments................. 17
Transfers of Contract Values to Other
Annuities............................ 17
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT................... 17
Mixed and Shared Funding............... 17
Performance Information................ 17
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS............. 18
General Taxation of Annuities.......... 18
Nonqualified Annuity Contracts......... 19
Qualified Annuity Contracts............ 19
Penalty Tax for Premature
Distributions........................ 19
Diversification Requirements for
Variable Annuities................... 20
Ownership of the Investments........... 20
Mandatory Distributions for Qualified
Plans................................ 20
OTHER INFORMATION...................... 20
The Insurance Company.................. 20
IMSA................................... 21
Year 2000 Compliance................... 21
Distribution of Variable Annuity
Contracts............................ 21
Conformity with State and Federal
Laws................................. 21
Voting Rights.......................... 22
Legal Proceedings And Opinions......... 22
APPENDIX A: Condensed Financial
Information.......................... 23
APPENDIX B: The Fixed Account.......... 24
APPENDIX C: Contents of the Statement
of Additional Information............ 25
</TABLE>

INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS

The following terms are italicized throughout the prospectus. Refer to the page
listed for an explanation of each term.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accumulation Unit...................... 6
Annuitant.............................. 11
Annuity Payments....................... 14
Annuity Unit........................... 14
Cash Surrender Value................... 12
Contract Date.......................... 5
Contract Owner (You, Your)............. 5
Contract Value......................... 5
Contract Year.......................... 5
Fixed Account.......................... 24
Funding Option(s)...................... 6
Income Payments........................ 14
Maturity Date.......................... 14
Purchase Payment....................... 6
Written Request........................ 5
</TABLE>

2
<PAGE> 11

FUND ABD II FEE TABLE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE (as a percentage of purchase payments
withdrawn):
LENGTH OF TIME FROM PURCHASE PAYMENT
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(NUMBER OF YEARS) CHARGE
<S> <C>
1 6%
2 6%
3 5%
4 5%
5 4%
6 3%
7 2%
8 and over 0%
ANNUAL CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE
(Waived if contract value is $40,000 or more) $30
ANNUAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES:
(as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the
Separate Account)
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge..................... 1.25%
Administrative Expense Charge......................... 0.15%
-----
Total Separate Account Charges.................... 1.40%
FUNDING OPTION EXPENSES:
(as a percentage of average daily net assets of the Funding
Option as of December 31, 1997,
unless otherwise noted)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MANAGEMENT FEE OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL
(AFTER EXPENSE (AFTER EXPENSE UNDERLYING
PORTFOLIO NAME: REIMBURSEMENT) REIMBURSEMENT) FUND EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund............................... 0.75% 0.09% 0.84%
Money Market Portfolio.................................. 0.32% 0.08%(1) 0.40%
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series......................................... 0.75% 0.10%(2) 0.85%
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio...................... 0.75% 0.05% 0.80%
Small Cap Portfolio................................. 0.75% 0.03% 0.78%
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund............ 0.70% 0.30%(3) 1.00%
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio........................... 0.80% 0.02%(4) 0.82%
MFS Total Return Portfolio.......................... 0.80% 0.06%(4) 0.86%
Putnam Diversified Income Portfolio................. 0.75% 0.13%(4) 0.88%
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio.......................... 0.60% 0.20%(5) 0.80%
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio................. 0.70% 0.25%(6) 0.95%
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio............... 0.80% 0.20%(5) 1.00%
Equity Income Portfolio............................. 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
Federated High Yield Portfolio...................... 0.65% 0.30%(6) 0.95%
Federated Stock Portfolio........................... 0.63% 0.32%(6) 0.95%
Large Cap Portfolio................................. 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
Lazard International Stock Portfolio................ 0.83% 0.42%(6) 1.25%
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio....................... 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio........................ 0.80% 0.20%(5) 1.00%
MFS Research Portfolio.............................. 0.80% 0.20%(5) 1.00%
Strategic Stock Portfolio........................... 0.60% 0.30%(5) 0.90%
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio.................... 0.32% 0.43%(6) 0.75%
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio.......................... 0.45% 0.95%(7) 1.40%
</TABLE>

3
<PAGE> 12

NOTES:

The purpose of the Fee Table is to assist contract owners in understanding the
various costs and expenses that a contract owner will bear, directly or
indirectly. See "Charges and Deductions" in this prospectus for additional
information. Expenses shown do not include premium taxes, which may be
applicable. "Other Expenses" include operating costs of the fund. These expenses
are reflected in each funding option's net asset value and are not deducted from
the account value under the Contract.

(1) Other Expenses have been restated to reflect the current expense
reimbursement arrangement with The Travelers Insurance Company. Travelers
has agreed to reimburse the Fund for the amount by which its aggregate
expenses (including the management fee, but excluding brokerage commissions,
interest charges and taxes) exceeds 0.40%. Without such arrangement, Total
Expenses would have been 1.39% for the MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO.

(2) The adviser for the DELAWARE REIT SERIES has agreed to voluntarily waive its
fee and pay the expenses of the Series to the extent that the Series' annual
operating expenses, exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and
extraordinary expenses, do not exceed 0.85% of its average daily net assets
through June 30, 1998.

(3) The amounts set forth for Other Expenses are based on estimates for the
current fiscal year and will include fees for shareholder services,
administrative fees, custodial fees, legal and accounting fees, printing
costs and registration fees. These expenses reflect the voluntary agreement
by the Fund's adviser to impose an expense cap of 1.00% for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1998 on the total operating expenses of the Fund
(exclusive of taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses such as litigation
and indemnification expenses). Absent such agreement, the ratio of other
expenses and total operating expenses to the average daily net assets would
be 1.91% and 2.61%, respectively, for the SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE
INVESTORS FUND.

(4) Other expenses are as of October 31, 1997 (the Fund's fiscal year end).
There were no fees waived or expenses reimbursed for these funds in 1997.

(5) Other Expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year and will
include fees for shareholder services, administrative fees, custodial fees ,
legal and accounting fees, printing costs and registration fees.
Additionally, these fees reflect a voluntary expense reimbursement
arrangement by Travelers to reimburse the Portfolios for the amount by which
their aggregate total operating expenses exceed 1.00% for the DISCIPLINED
SMALL CAP STOCK PORTFOLIO and MFS MID CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO AND MFS RESEARCH
PORTFOLIO; 0.80% for the CONVERTIBLE BOND PORTFOLIO; AND 0.90% FOR THE
STRATEGIC STOCK PORTFOLIO. These expenses have been illustrated at a limit
which the Portfolios' adviser believes to be in line with the actual
projected expenses of the Portfolios.

(6) Other Expenses reflect the current expense reimbursement arrangement with
Travelers where Travelers has agreed to reimburse the Portfolios for the
amount by which their aggregate expenses (including management fees, but
excluding brokerage commissions, interest charges and taxes) exceeds 0.95%
(1.25% for the Lazard International Stock Portfolio and 0.75% for the
Quality Bond Portfolio). Without such arrangements, the Total Funding Option
Expenses for the Portfolios would have been as follows: 1.05% for MFS
EMERGING GROWTH PORTFOLIO; 1.10% for FEDERATED HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO; 1.14%
for FEDERATED STOCK PORTFOLIO; 1.90% for EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO; 2.65% for
LARGE CAP PORTFOLIO; 1.82% for DISCIPLINED MID CAP STOCK PORTFOLIO; 1.76%
for LAZARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK PORTFOLIO; and 1.13% for TRAVELERS QUALITY
BOND PORTFOLIO.

(7) The WARBURG PINCUS EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO'S investment advisor and
co-administrator have agreed to limit the Portfolio's total operating
expenses to 1.40% through December 31, 1998. Absent this waiver of fees, the
Portfolio's management fees, other expenses and total operating expenses
would equal 1.25%, 0.95% and 2.20%, respectively. The Portfolio's other
expenses are based on annualized estimates of expenses for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1998, net of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements.

4
<PAGE> 13

EXAMPLE*:

Assuming a 5% annual return, a $1,000 investment would be subject to the
following expenses:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF CONTRACT IS SURRENDERED AT THE IF CONTRACT IS NOT SURRENDERED OR
END OF PERIOD SHOWN: ANNUITIZED AT END OF PERIOD SHOWN:
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Appreciation Fund............... $83 $120 $161 $259 $23 $70 $121 $259
Money Market Portfolio.................. 78 107 138 213 18 57 98 213
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series.......................... 83 121 161 260 23 71 121 260
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio....... 82 119 159 255 22 69 119 255
Small Cap Portfolio.................. 82 119 158 253 22 69 118 253
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors
Fund............................... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio............ 83 120 160 257 23 70 120 257
MFS Total Return Portfolio........... 83 121 162 261 23 71 122 261
Putnam Diversified Income
Portfolio.......................... 83 122 163 263 23 72 123 263
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio........... 82 119 159 255 22 69 119 255
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock
Portfolio.......................... 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Disciplined Small Cap Stock
Portfolio.......................... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
Equity Income Portfolio.............. 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Federated High Yield Portfolio....... 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Federated Stock Portfolio............ 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Large Cap Portfolio.................. 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Lazard International Stock
Portfolio.......................... 87 133 181 300 27 83 141 300
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio........ 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio......... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
MFS Research Portfolio............... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
Strategic Stock Portfolio............ 83 122 164 265 23 72 124 265
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio..... 82 118 156 250 22 68 116 250
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio........... 88 137 189 314 28 87 149 314
</TABLE>

* THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THIS
EXAMPLE REFLECTS THE $30 ANNUAL CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE AS AN ANNUAL
CHARGE OF 0.014% OF ASSETS.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See Appendix A.

THE ANNUITY CONTRACT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travelers Portfolio Architect Annuity is a contract between you, the contract
owner, and Travelers Life and Annuity Company (called "us" or the "Company").
Under this contract, you make purchase payments to us and we credit them to your
account. The Company promises to pay you an income, in the form of annuity or
income payments, beginning on a future date that you choose, the maturity date.
The purchase payments accumulate tax deferred in the funding options of your
choice. We offer multiple variable funding options, and one fixed account
option. You assume the risk of gain or loss according to the performance of the
variable funding options. The contract value is the amount of purchase payments,
plus or minus any investment experience or interest. The contract value also
reflects all surrenders made and charges deducted. There is generally no
guarantee that at the maturity date the contract value will equal or exceed the
total purchase payments made under the Contract. The date the contract and its
benefits became effective is referred to as the contract date. Each 12-month
period following the contract date is called a contract year.

Certain changes and elections must be made in writing to the Company. Where the
term "written request" is used, it means that written information must be sent
to the Company's Home Office in a form and content satisfactory to us.

5
<PAGE> 14

PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The initial purchase payment must be at least $5,000. Additional payments of at
least $500 may be made under the Contract at any time. Under certain
circumstances, we may waive the minimum purchase payment requirement. Purchase
Payments over $1,000,000 may be made with our prior consent. In some states, we
do not accept additional purchase payments.

We will apply the initial purchase payment within two business days after we
receive it at our Home Office. Subsequent purchase payments will be credited to
a Contract within one business day. Our business day ends when the New York
Stock Exchange closes, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

An accumulation unit is used to calculate the value of a Contract. An
accumulation unit works like a share of a mutual fund. Each funding option has a
corresponding accumulation unit value. The accumulation units are valued each
business day and may increase or decrease from day to day. The number of
accumulation units we will credit to your Contract once we receive a purchase
payment is determined by dividing the amount directed to each funding option by
the value of the accumulation unit. We calculate the value of an accumulation
unit for each funding option each day after the New York Stock Exchange closes.
After the value is calculated, your account is credited. During the annuity
period (i.e., after the maturity date), you are credited with annuity units.

THE FUNDING OPTIONS

You choose which of the following variable funding options to have your purchase
payments allocated to. You will find detailed information about the options and
their inherent risks in the current prospectuses for the funding options which
must accompany this prospectus. Since each option has varying degrees of risk,
please read the prospectuses carefully before investing. Additional copies of
the prospectuses may be obtained by contacting your registered representative or
by calling 1-800-842-8573.

The current funding options are listed below, along with their investment
advisers and any subadviser:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT
FUNDING OPTIONS OBJECTIVE INVESTMENT ADVISER/SUBADVISER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund Seeks growth of capital through the use of common Travelers Asset Management
stocks. Income is not an objective. The Fund International Corporation
invests principally in common stocks of small to ("TAMIC")
large companies which are expected to experience Subadviser: Janus
wide fluctuations in price in both rising and Capital Corp.
declining markets.
Money Market Portfolio Seeks high current income from short-term money TAMIC
(formerly "Cash Income Trust") market instruments while preserving capital and
maintaining a high degree of liquidity.
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND,
INC.
REIT Series Seeks maximum long-term total return by investing Delaware Management Company,
in securities of companies primarily engaged in Inc.
the real estate industry. Capital appreciation is Subadviser: Lincoln Investment
a secondary objective. Management, Inc.
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT
FUND
Capital Appreciation Seeks primarily to provide long-term capital The Dreyfus Corporation
Portfolio growth consistent with the preservation of Subadviser: Fayez Sarofim & Co.
capital; current income is a secondary investment
objective. The portfolio invests primarily in the
common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers.
Small Cap Portfolio Seeks to maximize capital appreciation. The Dreyfus Corporation
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE
SERIES FUND, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Seeks long-term growth of capital. Current income Salomon Brothers Asset
Investors Fund is a secondary objective. Management ("SBAM")
</TABLE>

6
<PAGE> 15

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT
FUNDING OPTIONS OBJECTIVE INVESTMENT ADVISER/SUBADVISER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing Travelers Investment Adviser
predominantly in equity securities of companies ("TIA")
with a favorable outlook for earnings and whose Subadviser: Alliance Capital
rate of growth is expected to exceed that of the Management L.P.
U.S. economy over time. Current income is only an
incidental consideration.
MFS Total Return Portfolio Seeks to obtain above-average income (compared to TIA
a portfolio entirely invested in equity Subadviser: Massachusetts
securities) consistent with the prudent Financial Services Company
deployment of capital. Generally, at least 40% of ("MFS")
the Portfolio's assets will be invested in equity
securities.
Putnam Diversified Income Seeks high current income consistent with TIA
Portfolio preservation of capital. The Portfolio will Subadviser: Putnam Investment
allocate its investments among the U.S. Management, Inc.
Government Sector, the High Yield Sector, and the
International Sector of the fixed income
securities markets.
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio Seeks current income and capital appreciation by TAMIC
investing in convertible securities and in
combinations of nonconvertible fixed-income
securities and warrants or call options that
together resemble convertible securities
("synthetic convertible securities").
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Seeks growth of capital by investing primarily in TAMIC
Portfolio (formerly "Mid a broadly diversified portfolio of common stocks. Subadviser: TIMCO
Cap Disciplined Equity
Fund")
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Seeks long term capital appreciation by investing TAMIC
Portfolio primarily (at least 65% of its total assets) in Subadviser: TIMCO
the common stocks of U.S. companies with
relatively small market capitalizations at the
time of investment.
Equity Income Portfolio Seeks reasonable income by investing at least 65% TAMIC
in income-producing equity securities. The Subadviser: Fidelity Management
balance may be invested in all types of domestic & Research Company
and foreign securities, including bonds. The
Portfolio seeks to achieve a yield that exceeds
that of the securities comprising the S&P 500.
The Subadviser also considers the potential for
capital appreciation.
Federated High Yield Seeks high current income by investing primarily TAMIC
Portfolio in a professionally managed, diversified Subadviser: Federated
portfolio of fixed income securities. Investment Counseling, Inc.
Federated Stock Portfolio Seeks growth of income and capital by investing TAMIC
principally in a professionally managed and Subadviser: Federated
diversified portfolio of common stock of Investment Counseling, Inc.
high-quality companies (i.e., leaders in their
industries and characterized by sound management
and the ability to finance expected growth).
Large Cap Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing TAMIC
primarily in equity securities of companies with Subadviser: Fidelity Management
large market capitalizations. & Research Company
Lazard International Stock Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily TAMIC
Portfolio in the equity securities of non-United States Subadviser: Lazard Asset
companies (i.e., incorporated or organized Management
outside the United States).
MFS Emerging Growth Seeks long-term growth of capital. Dividend and TAMIC
Portfolio interest income from portfolio securities, if Subadviser: MFS
any, is incidental.
MFS Mid Cap Growth Seeks to obtain long-term growth of capital by TAMIC
Portfolio investing, under normal market conditions, at Subadviser: MFS
least 65% of its total assets in equity
securities of companies with medium market
capitalization which the investment adviser
believes have above-average growth potential.
</TABLE>

7
<PAGE> 16

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

If any of the funding options become unavailable for allocating purchase
payments, or if we believe that further investment in a funding option is
inappropriate for the purposes of the Contract, we may substitute another
funding option. However, we will not make any substitutions without notifying
you and obtaining any applicable state and SEC approval. From time to time we
may make new funding options available.

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

No sales charges are deducted from purchase payments when they are applied under
the Contract. However, a withdrawal charge will be deducted if any or all of the
contract value is withdrawn during the first seven years following a purchase
payment. The length of time from when we receive the purchase payment to the
time of withdrawal determines the amount of the charge.

The withdrawal charge is equal to a percentage of purchase payments withdrawn
from the Contract and is calculated as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LENGTH OF TIME FROM
PURCHASE PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
(NUMBER OF YEARS) CHARGE
<S> <C>
1 6%
2 6%
3 5%
4 5%
5 4%
6 3%
7 2%
8 and over 0%
</TABLE>

For purposes of the withdrawal charge calculation, withdrawals will be deemed to
be taken first from any free withdrawal amount (as described below); next from
remaining purchase payments (on a first-in, first-out basis); and then from
contract earnings (in excess of the free withdrawal amount). Unless you instruct
us otherwise, we will deduct the withdrawal charge from the amount requested.

We will not deduct a withdrawal charge (1) from payments we make due to the
death of the contract owner or the death of the annuitant with no contingent
annuitant surviving; (2) if an annuity payout has begun; or (3) if an income
option of at least five years' duration is begun after the first contract year.

8
<PAGE> 17

FREE WITHDRAWAL ALLOWANCE

There is a 10% free withdrawal allowance available each year after the first
contract year. The available amount will be calculated as of the end of the
previous contract year. The free withdrawal allowance applies to any partial
withdrawals and to full withdrawals, except those transferred directly to
annuity contracts issued by other financial institutions. In Washington state,
this provision applies to all withdrawals.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES

A Contract administrative charge of $30 is deducted annually from Contracts with
a value of less than $40,000. This charge compensates us for expenses incurred
in establishing and maintaining the Contract. The charge is deducted from the
contract value on the fourth Friday of each August by canceling accumulation
units applicable to each funding option on a pro rata basis. This charge will be
prorated from the date of purchase to the next charge deduction date. A prorated
charge will also be made if the Contract is completely withdrawn or terminated.
We will not deduct a contract administrative charge: (1) if the distribution
results from the death of the contract owner or the annuitant with no contingent
annuitant surviving, (2) after an annuity payout has begun, or (3) if the
contract value on the date of assessment is equal to or greater than $40,000.

An administrative expense charge (sometimes called "sub-account administrative
charge") is deducted on each business day from amounts allocated to the variable
funding options in order to compensate the Company for certain related
administrative and operating expenses. The charge equals, on an annual basis,
0.15% of the daily net asset value allocated to each of the variable funding
options.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

Each business day, the Company deducts a mortality and expense risk charge. The
deduction is reflected in our calculation of accumulation and annuity unit
values. This charge equals, on an annual basis, 1.25% of the amounts held in
each variable funding option. We reserve the right to lower this charge at any
time. The mortality risk portion compensates us for guaranteeing to provide
annuity payments according to the terms of the Contract regardless of how long
the annuitant lives and for guaranteeing to provide the death benefit if an
annuitant dies prior to the maturity date. The expense risk portion compensates
us for the risk that the charges under the Contract, which cannot be increased
during the duration of the Contract, will be insufficient to cover actual costs.

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF CONTRACT CHARGES

The withdrawal charge, the administrative charges, and the mortality and expense
risk charge under the Contract may be reduced or eliminated when certain sales
or administration of the Contract result in savings or reduction of
administrative or sales expenses, and/or mortality and expense risks. Any such
reduction will be based on the following: (1) the size and type of group to
which sales are to be made; (2) the total amount of purchase payments to be
received; and (3) any prior or existing relationship with the Company. There may
be other circumstances, of which we are not presently aware, which could result
in fewer sales expenses, administrative charges, or mortality and expense risk
charges. For certain trusts, the Company may change the order in which purchase
payments and earnings are withdrawn in order to determine the withdrawal charge.
In no event will reduction or elimination of the withdrawal charge or the
administrative charge be permitted where such reduction or elimination will be
unfairly discriminatory to any person.

FUNDING OPTION EXPENSES

The deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the various funding
options are summarized in the fee table and are described in the accompanying
prospectuses.

9
<PAGE> 18

PREMIUM TAX

Certain state and local governments charge premium taxes ranging from 0% to 5%,
depending upon jurisdiction. The Company is responsible for paying these taxes
and will determine the method used to recover premium tax expenses incurred.
Where required, the Company will deduct any applicable premium taxes from the
contract value either upon death, surrender, annuitization, or at the time
purchase payments are made to the Contract, but no earlier than when the Company
has a tax liability under state law.

CHANGES IN TAXES BASED UPON PREMIUM OR VALUE

If there is any change in a law assessing taxes against the Company based upon
premiums, contract gains or value of the contract, we reserve the right to
charge you proportionately for this tax.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYPES OF OWNERSHIP

Contract Owner (you). The Contract belongs to the contract owner named in the
Contract (on the Specifications page), or to any other person to whom the
contract is subsequently assigned. An assignment of ownership or a collateral
assignment may be made only for nonqualified contracts. You have sole power
during the annuitant's lifetime to exercise any rights and to receive all
benefits given in the contract provided you have not named an irrevocable
beneficiary and provided the Contract is not assigned.

You receive all payments while the annuitant is alive unless you direct them to
an alternate recipient. An alternate recipient does not become the contract
owner.

Joint Owner. For nonqualified contracts only, joint owners (i.e., spouses) may
be named in a written request before the contract is in effect. Joint owners may
independently exercise transfers allowed under the Contract. All other rights of
ownership must be exercised by both owners. Joint owners own equal shares of any
benefits accruing or payments made to them. All rights of a joint owner end at
death if the other joint owner survives. The entire interest of the deceased
joint owner in the Contract will pass to the surviving joint owner.

BENEFICIARY

The beneficiary is named by you in a written request. The beneficiary has the
right to receive any remaining contractual benefits upon the death of the
annuitant or the contract owner. If more than one beneficiary survives the
annuitant, they will share equally in benefits unless different shares are
recorded with the Company by written request before the death of the annuitant
or contract owner.

With nonqualified contracts, the beneficiary named in the contract may differ
from the designated beneficiary (for example, the joint owner or a contingent
annuitant). In such cases, the designated beneficiary receives the contract
benefits (rather than the beneficiary) upon your death.

Unless an irrevocable beneficiary has been named, you have the right to change
any beneficiary by written request during the lifetime of the annuitant and
while the Contract continues.

ANNUITANT

The annuitant is designated in the Contract (on the Specifications page), and is
the individual on whose life the maturity date and the amount of the monthly
annuity payments depend. The annuitant may not be changed after the contract is
in effect.

For nonqualified Contracts only, the contract owner may also name one individual
as a contingent annuitant by written request before the Contract becomes
effective. A contingent annuitant may not be changed, deleted or added after the
Contract becomes effective.

10
<PAGE> 19

TRANSFERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Up to 30 days before the maturity date, you may transfer all or part of the
contract value between funding options. There are no charges or restrictions on
the amount or frequency of transfers currently; however, we reserve the right to
charge a fee for any transfer request, and to limit the number of transfers to
one in any six-month period. Since different funding options have different
expenses, a transfer of contract values from one funding option to another could
result in your investment becoming subject to higher or lower expenses. After
the maturity date, you may make transfers between funding options only with our
consent.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

Dollar cost averaging (or "automated transfers") allows you to transfer a set
dollar amount to other funding options on a monthly or quarterly basis so that
more accumulation units are purchased in a funding option if the cost per unit
is low and less accumulation units are purchased if the cost per unit is high.
Therefore, a lower-than-average cost per unit may be achieved over the long run.

You may elect automated transfers through written request or other method
acceptable to the Company. You must have a minimum total contract value of
$5,000 to enroll in the Dollar Cost Averaging program. The minimum amount that
may be transferred through this program is $400.

You may establish automated transfers of contract values from the Fixed Account,
subject to certain restrictions. Automated transfers from the Fixed Account may
not deplete your Fixed Account Value in less than twelve months from your
enrollment in the Dollar Cost Averaging program.

You may start or stop participation in the Dollar Cost Averaging program at any
time, but you must give the Company at least 30 days' notice to change any
automated transfer instructions that are currently in place. All provisions and
terms of the Contract apply to automated transfers, including provisions
relating to the transfer of money between investment options. We reserve the
right to suspend or modify transfer privileges at any time and to assess a
processing fee for this service.

ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any time before the maturity date, you may redeem all or any portion of the cash
surrender value, that is, the contract value, less any withdrawal charge and any
premium tax not previously deducted. You must submit a written request
specifying the fixed or variable funding option(s) from which amounts are to be
withdrawn. The cash surrender value will be determined as of the close of
business after we receive your surrender request at the Home Office. The cash
surrender value may be more or less than the purchase payments made depending on
the contract value at the time of surrender.

We may defer payment of any cash surrender value for a period of up to seven
days after the written request is received, but it is our intent to pay as soon
as possible. We cannot process requests for withdrawal that are not in good
order. We will contact you if there is a deficiency causing a delay and will
advise what is needed to act upon the withdrawal request.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

Before the maturity date, you may choose to withdraw a specified dollar amount
(at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Any
applicable withdrawal charges (in excess of the free withdrawal allowance) and
any applicable premium taxes will be deducted. To elect systematic withdrawals,
you must have a contract value of at least $15,000 and you must make the
election on the form provided by the Company. We will surrender accumulation
units pro rata from all funding options in which you have an interest, unless
you instruct us otherwise. You may begin or discontinue systematic withdrawals
at any time by notifying us in writing, but at least

11
<PAGE> 20

30 days' notice must be given to change any systematic withdrawal instructions
that are currently in place.

We reserve the right to discontinue offering systematic withdrawals or to assess
a processing fee for this service upon 30 days' written notice to contract
owners (where allowed by state law).

Each systematic withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable
portion. In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on systematic
withdrawals if the contract owner is under age 59 1/2. You should consult with
your tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of systematic withdrawals.

LOANS

Loans may be available under your Contract. If available, all loan provisions
are described in your Contract or loan agreement.

DEATH BENEFIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the maturity date, a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary when
either the annuitant, the contract owner or the first of joint owners dies and
there is no contingent annuitant. The death benefit is calculated at the close
of the business day on which the Company's Home Office received due proof of
death and written payment instructions.

DEATH PROCEEDS BEFORE THE MATURITY DATE

DEATH OF ANY OWNER OR THE ANNUITANT BEFORE AGE 80. The Company will pay the
beneficiary an amount equal to the greatest of (1), (2) or (3) below, each
reduced by any applicable premium tax or outstanding loans:

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

3) the highest of all "final death benefit values" as described below.

A separate death benefit value will be established on the contract date and on
each anniversary of the contract date which occurs on or before the death report
date. The death benefit value established on the contract date will initially
equal the purchase payment. The death benefit value established on each contract
date anniversary will initially equal the contract value on that anniversary.
Thereafter, each death benefit value will be adjusted to reflect any purchase
payments made, or any partial withdrawals taken, from the date on which a
particular death benefit value was established until the death report date. Once
any adjustment has been made, a "death benefit value" then becomes equal to the
previous death benefit value plus or minus that adjustment.

Adjustments to the death benefit values for any purchase payments or partial
withdrawals will be made in the order that such purchase payments or partial
withdrawals occur. For each purchase payment, death benefit values will be
increased by the amount of the purchase payment. For each partial withdrawal,
death benefit values will be reduced by a "partial withdrawal reduction" which
equals the product of (i) the death benefit value immediately before the
reduction of the partial withdrawal, and (ii) the amount of the partial
withdrawal divided by the contract value immediately before the partial
withdrawal. The "final death benefit value" associated with the contract date
and with each contract date anniversary equals the initial death benefit value
plus or minus all adjustments until the death report date.

DEATH OF ANY OWNER OR THE ANNUITANT ON OR AFTER AGE 80, BUT BEFORE AGE 90. The
death benefit payable will be the greatest of (1), (2) or (3) below, less any
applicable premium tax or outstanding loans:

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

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3) the maximum of all "final death benefit values" associated with the
contract date or any contract date anniversary occurring on or before
the annuitant's 80th birthday.

DEATH OF ANY OWNER OR THE ANNUITANT ON OR AFTER AGE 90. The death benefit
payable will be the contract value, less any applicable premium tax or
outstanding loans.

PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS

The process of paying death benefit proceeds under various situations is
described below. Generally, the person(s) receiving the benefit may request that
the proceeds be paid in a lump sum, or be applied to one of the settlement
options available under the Contract.

DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS THE CONTRACT OWNER. The Company will pay the proceeds
to any surviving joint owner, or if none, to the beneficiary(ies), or if none,
to the contract owner's estate.

Under a nonqualified contract, the death benefit proceeds must be distributed to
the beneficiary within five years of the contract owner's death. Or, the
beneficiary may elect to receive payments from an annuity which begins within
one year of the contract owner's death and is payable over the life of the
beneficiary or over a period not exceeding the beneficiary's life expectancy.

If the beneficiary is the contract owner's spouse, he or she may elect to
continue the contract as the new contract owner rather than receiving the
distribution. In such case, the distribution rules applicable when a contract
owner dies generally will apply when that spouse, as contract owner, dies.

DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS NOT THE CONTRACT OWNER. If there is no contingent
annuitant, the Company will pay the death proceeds to the beneficiary. However,
if there is a contingent annuitant, he or she becomes the annuitant and the
Contract continues in effect (generally using the original maturity date). The
proceeds described above will be paid upon the death of the last surviving
contingent annuitant.

ENTITY AS OWNER. In the case of a nonqualified Contract owned by a nonnatural
person (e.g. a trust or another entity), any annuitant will be treated as the
contract owner. Any change in the annuitant will be treated as the death of the
contract owner.

DEATH PROCEEDS AFTER THE MATURITY DATE

If the death of any contract owner or annuitant occurs on or after the maturity
date, the Company will pay the beneficiary a death benefit consisting of any
benefit remaining under the annuity option then in effect.

THE ANNUITY PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATURITY DATE

Under the Contract, you can receive regular income payments (annuity payments).
You can choose the month and the year in which those payments begin (maturity
date). You can also choose among income plans (annuity or income options). While
the annuitant is alive, you can change your selection any time up to the
maturity date. Annuity or income payments will begin on the maturity date stated
in the Contract unless the Contract has been fully surrendered or the proceeds
have been paid to the beneficiary before that date. Annuity payments are a
series of periodic payments (a) for life; (b) for life with either a minimum
number of payments or a specific amount assured; or (c) for the joint lifetime
of the annuitant and another person, and thereafter during the lifetime of the
survivor. We may require proof that the annuitant is alive before annuity
payments are made.

Unless you elect otherwise, the maturity date will be the annuitant's 70th
birthday for qualified contracts and the annuitant's 75th birthday, or ten years
after the effective date of the contract, if later, for nonqualified contracts.
(For Contracts issued in Florida, the maturity date elected may not be later
than the annuitant's 90th birthday.)

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For nonqualified Contracts, at least 30 days before the original maturity date,
a contract owner may elect to extend the maturity date to any time prior to the
annuitant's 85th birthday or, for qualified Contracts, to a later date with the
Company's consent. Certain annuity options taken at the maturity date may be
used to meet the minimum required distribution requirements of federal tax law,
or a program of partial surrenders may be used instead. These mandatory
distribution requirements take effect generally upon the death of the contract
owner, or with qualified contracts upon either the later of the April 1
following the contract owner's attainment of age 70 1/2 or the year of
retirement; or upon the death of the contract owner. Independent tax advice
should be sought regarding the election of minimum required distributions.

ALLOCATION OF ANNUITY

When an annuity option is elected, it may be elected as a variable annuity, a
fixed annuity, or a combination of both. (Variable payouts may not be available
in all states. Refer to your Contract.) If, at the time annuity payments begin,
no election has been made to the contrary, the cash surrender value will be
applied to provide an annuity funded by the same investment options selected
during the accumulation period (contract value, in Oregon). At least 30 days
before the maturity date, you may transfer the contract value among the funding
options in order to change the basis on which annuity payments will be
determined. (See "Transfers.")

VARIABLE ANNUITY

You may choose an annuity payout that fluctuates depending on the investment
experience of the variable funding options. The number of annuity units credited
to the Contract is determined by dividing the first monthly annuity payment
attributable to each funding option by the corresponding annuity unit value as
of 14 days before the date annuity payments begin. An annuity unit is used to
measure the dollar value of an annuity payment. The number of annuity units (but
not their value) remains fixed during the annuity period.

DETERMINATION OF FIRST ANNUITY PAYMENT. The Contract contains Life Annuity
Tables used to determine the first monthly annuity payment. The amount applied
to effect a variable annuity will be the cash surrender value as of 14 days
before the date annuity payments begin less any applicable premium taxes not
previously deducted.

The amount of the first monthly payment depends on the annuity option elected. A
formula for determining the adjusted age is contained in the Contract. The total
first monthly annuity payment is determined by multiplying the benefit per
$1,000 of value shown in the tables of the Contract by the number of thousands
of dollars of value of the Contract applied to that annuity option. The Company
reserves the right to require satisfactory proof of age of any person on whose
life annuity payments are based before making the first payment under any of the
settlement options.

DETERMINATION OF SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT ANNUITY PAYMENTS. The dollar amount of
the second and subsequent annuity payments is not predetermined and may change
from month to month based on the investment experience of the applicable funding
option. The total amount of each annuity payment will be equal to the sum of the
basic payments in each funding option. The actual amounts of these payments are
determined by multiplying the number of annuity units credited to each funding
option by the corresponding annuity unit value as of the date 14 days before the
date the payment is due.

FIXED ANNUITY

You may choose a fixed annuity that provides payments which do not vary during
the annuity period. We will calculate the dollar amount of the first fixed
annuity payment as described under "Variable Annuity." If it would produce a
larger payment, the first fixed annuity payment will be determined using the
Life Annuity Tables in effect on the maturity date.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTION OF OPTIONS

While the annuitant is alive, you can change your annuity or income option
selection any time up to the maturity date. Income options differ from annuity
options in that the amount of the payments made under income options are not
based upon the life of any person. Therefore, the annuitant may outlive the
payment period. Once annuity or income payments have begun, no further elections
are allowed.

During the annuitant's lifetime, if you do not elect otherwise before the
maturity date, we will pay you (or another designated payee) the first of a
series of monthly annuity payments based on the life of the annuitant, in
accordance with Annuity Option 2 (Life Annuity with 120 monthly payments
assured). For certain qualified contracts, Annuity Option 4 (Joint and Last
Survivor Joint Life Annuity -- Annuity Reduced on Death of Primary Payee) will
be the automatic option as described in the contract.

The minimum amount that can be placed under an annuity or income option will be
$2,000 unless we agree to a lesser amount. If any monthly periodic payment due
is less than $100, the Company reserves the right to make payments at less
frequent intervals, or to pay the cash surrender value in a lump-sum. The amount
applied to effect an annuity or income option will be the cash surrender value
as of the date the payments begin, less any applicable premium taxes not
previously deducted. (Certain states may have different requirements that we
will honor.) The cash surrender value used to determine the amount of any such
payment will be determined on the same basis as the cash surrender value during
the accumulation period, including the deduction for mortality and expense risks
and the contract administrative expense charge.

On the maturity date, we will pay the amount due under the Contract in one lump
sum (except in Florida, where this is not permitted), or in accordance with the
payment option that you select. You must elect an option in writing, in a form
satisfactory to the Company. Any election made during the lifetime of the
annuitant must be made by the contract owner.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

Subject to the conditions described in "Election of Options" above, all or any
part of the cash surrender value (or, where required by state law, contract
value) may be paid under one or more of the following annuity options. Payments
under the annuity options may be elected on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or
annual basis.

Option 1 -- Life Annuity -- No Refund. The Company will make annuity payments
during the lifetime of the annuitant ending with the last payment before death.
This option offers the maximum periodic payment, since there is no assurance of
a minimum number of payments or provision for a death benefit for beneficiaries.

Option 2 -- Life Annuity with 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments Assured. The
Company will make monthly annuity payments during the lifetime of the annuitant,
with the agreement that if, at the death of that person, payments have been made
for less than 120, 180 or 240 months as elected, we will continue making
payments to the beneficiary during the remainder of the period.

Option 3 -- Joint and Last Survivor Life Annuity -- No Refund. The Company will
make regular annuity payments during the lifetime of the annuitant and a second
person. When either person dies, we will continue making payments to the
survivor. No further payments will be made following the death of the survivor.

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lifetime of the two persons. On the death of the primary payee, the Company will
continue to make annuity payments to the secondary payee in an amount equal to
50% of the payments which would have been made during the lifetime of the
primary payee. No further payments will be made once both payees have died.

Option 5 -- Other Annuity Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for annuity payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

INCOME OPTIONS

Instead of one of the annuity options described above, and subject to the
conditions described under "Election of Options," all or part of the cash
surrender value (or, where required by state law, contract value) may be paid
under one or more of the following income options, provided that they are
consistent with federal tax law qualification requirements. Payments under the
income options may be elected on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
basis:

Option 1 -- Payments of a Fixed Amount. The Company will make equal payments of
the amount elected until the cash surrender value applied under this option has
been exhausted. The first payment and all later payments will be paid from each
funding option or the Fixed Account in proportion to the cash surrender value
attributable to each. The final payment will include any amount insufficient to
make another full payment.

Option 2 -- Payments for a Fixed Period. The Company will make payments for the
fixed period selected based on the cash surrender value as of the date payments
begin. If, at the death of the annuitant, the total number of fixed payments has
not been made, the payments will be made to the beneficiary.

Option 3 -- Other Income Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for income payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RIGHT TO RETURN

You may return the Contract for a full refund of the contract value (including
charges) within twenty days after you receive it (the "right to return period").
You bear the investment risk during the right to return period; therefore, the
contract value returned may be greater or less than your purchase payment. If
the Contract is purchased as an Individual Retirement Annuity, and is returned
within the first seven days after delivery, your purchase payment will be
refunded in full; during the remainder of the right to return period, the
contract value (including charges) will be refunded. The contract value will be
determined following the close of the business day on which we receive a written
request for a refund. Where state law requires a longer period, or the return of
purchase payments or other variations of this provision, the Company will
comply. Refer to your Contract for any state-specific information.

TERMINATION

You do not need to make any purchase payments after the first to keep the
Contract in effect. However, we reserve the right to terminate the Contract on
any business day if the contract value as of that date is less than $1,000 and
no purchase payments have been made for at least two years, unless otherwise
specified by state law. Termination will not occur until 31 days after the
Company has mailed notice of termination to the contract owner's last known
address and to any assignee of record. If the Contract is terminated, we will
pay you the cash surrender value (contract value less any applicable premium
tax, in the states that so require), less any applicable administrative charge.

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REQUIRED REPORTS

As often as required by law, but at least once in each contract year before the
due date of the first annuity payment, we will furnish a report showing the
number of accumulation units credited to the Contract and the corresponding
accumulation unit value(s) as of the date of the report for each funding option
to which the contract owner has allocated amounts during the applicable period.
The Company will keep all records required under federal or state laws.

SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS

The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any payment or
determination of values on any business day (1) when the New York Stock Exchange
("the Exchange") is closed; (2) when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3)
when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that the sale of securities
held in the Separate Account may not reasonably occur or so that the Company may
not reasonably determine the value the Separate Account's net assets; or (4)
during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of
security holders.

TRANSFERS OF CONTRACT VALUES TO OTHER ANNUITIES

We may permit contract owners to transfer their contract values into other
annuities offered by us or our affiliated insurance companies under rules then
in effect.

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Travelers Fund ABD II For Variable Annuities ("Fund ABD II") was established
on October 17, 1995 and is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust
(separate account) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"). The assets of Fund ABD II will be invested exclusively in the
shares of the variable funding options.

The assets of Fund ABD II are held for the exclusive benefit of the owners of
this separate account, according to the laws of Connecticut. Income, gains and
losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to Fund ABD II are, in
accordance with the Contracts, credited to or charged against Fund ABD II
without regard to other income, gains and losses of the Company. The assets held
by Fund ABD II are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other
business which the Company may conduct. Obligations under the Contract are
obligations of the Company.

All investment income and other distributions of the funding options are payable
to Fund ABD II. All such income and/or distributions are reinvested in shares of
the respective funding option at net asset value. Shares of the funding options
are currently sold only to life insurance company separate accounts to fund
variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.

MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING

It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for both variable
annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts, or for variable separate
accounts of different insurance companies, to invest simultaneously in the same
portfolios (called "mixed" and "shared" funding). Currently neither the
insurance companies nor the portfolios foresee any such disadvantages to the
companies or to variable contract owners. Each portfolio's board of trustees,
directors or managers intends to monitor events in order to identify any
material conflicts between such policy owners and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response thereto.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

From time to time, we may advertise several types of historical performance for
the Contract's funding options. We may advertise the "standardized average
annual total returns" of the funding option, calculated in a manner prescribed
by the SEC, as well as the "nonstandardized total return," as described below.
Specific examples of the performance information appear in the SAI.

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STANDARDIZED METHOD. Quotations of average annual total returns are computed
according to a formula in which a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 is
applied to the funding option, and then related to ending redeemable values over
one-, five-, and ten-year periods, or for a period covering the time during
which the funding option has been in existence, if less. These quotations
reflect the deduction of all recurring charges during each period (on a pro rata
basis in the case of fractional periods). The deduction for the annual contract
administrative charge ($30) is converted to a percentage of assets based on the
actual fee collected (or anticipated to be collected, if a new product), divided
by the average net assets for Contracts sold (or anticipated to be sold). Each
quotation assumes a total redemption at the end of each period with the
applicable withdrawal charge deducted at that time.

NONSTANDARDIZED METHOD. Nonstandardized "total returns" will be calculated in a
similar manner based on the performance of the funding options over a period of
time, usually for the calendar year-to-date, and for the past one-, three-,
five- and ten-year periods. Nonstandardized total returns will not reflect the
deduction of any withdrawal charge or the $30 annual contract administrative
charge, which, if reflected, would decrease the level of performance shown. The
withdrawal charge is not reflected because the Contract is designed for
long-term investment.

For funding options that were in existence prior to the date they became
available under the Separate Account, the standardized average annual total
return quotations may be accompanied by returns showing the investment
performance that such funding options would have achieved (reduced by the
applicable charges) had they been held under the Contract for the period quoted.
The total return quotations are based upon historical earnings and are not
necessarily representative of future performance.

GENERAL. Within the guidelines prescribed by the SEC and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), performance information may be
quoted numerically or may be presented in a table, graph or other illustration.
Advertisements may include data comparing performance to well-known indices of
market performance (including, but not limited to, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and the S&P 400 Index, the Lehman
Brothers Long T-Bond Index, the Russell 1000, 2000 and 3000 Indices, the Value
Line Index, and the Morgan Stanley Capital International's EAFE Index).
Advertisements may also include published editorial comments and performance
rankings compiled by independent organizations (including, but not limited to,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc.) and publications that
monitor the performance of the Separate Account and the variable funding
options.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following general discussion of the federal income tax consequences under
this Contract is not intended to cover all situations, and is not meant to
provide tax advice. Because of the complexity of the law and the fact that the
tax results will vary depending on many factors, you should consult your tax
adviser regarding your personal situation. For your information, a more detailed
tax discussion is contained in the SAI.

GENERAL TAXATION OF ANNUITIES

Congress has recognized the value of saving for retirement by providing certain
tax benefits, in the form of tax deferral, for money put into an annuity. The
Internal Revenue Code (Code) governs how this money is ultimately taxed,
depending upon the type of contract, qualified or non-qualified, and the manner
in which the money is distributed, as briefly described below.

TYPES OF CONTRACTS: QUALIFIED OR NONQUALIFIED

are: IRAs, 403(b) annuities, pension and profit-sharing plans (including 401(k)
plans), Keogh Plans, and certain other qualified deferred compensation plans. If
you purchase the contract on an individual basis with after-tax dollars and not
under one of the programs described above, your contract is referred to as
nonqualified.

NONQUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

As the owner of a nonqualified annuity, you do not receive any tax benefit
(deduction or deferral of income) on purchase payments, but you will not be
taxed on increases in the value of your contract until a distribution
occurs -- either as a withdrawal (distribution made prior to the maturity date),
or as annuity payments. When a withdrawal is made, you are taxed on the amount
of the withdrawal that is considered earnings. Similarly, when you receive an
annuity payment, part of each payment is considered a return of your purchase
payments and will not be taxed. The remaining portion of the annuity payment
(i.e., any earnings) will be considered ordinary income for tax purposes.

If a nonqualified annuity is owned by other than an individual, however (e.g.,
by a corporation), increases in the value of the contract attributable to
purchase payments made after February 28, 1986 are includable in income
annually. Furthermore, for contracts issued after April 22, 1987, if you
transfer the contract without adequate consideration all deferred increases in
value will be includable in your income at the time of the transfer.

If you make a partial withdrawal, this money will generally be taxed as first
coming from earnings (income in the contract), and then from your purchase
payments. These withdrawn earnings are includable in your income. (See "Penalty
Tax for Premature Distributions" below.) There is income in the contract to the
extent the cash value exceeds your investment in the contract. The investment in
the contract equals the total purchase payments you paid less any amount
received previously which was excludable from gross income. Any direct or
indirect borrowing against the value of the contract or pledging of the contract
as security for a loan will be treated as a cash distribution under the tax law.

Federal tax law requires that nonqualified annuity contracts meet minimum
mandatory distribution requirements upon the death of the contract owner,
including the first of joint owners. If these requirements are not met, the
surviving joint owner, or the beneficiary, will have to pay taxes prior to
distribution. The distribution required depends, among other things, upon
whether an annuity option is elected or whether the new contract owner is the
surviving spouse. We will administer Contracts in accordance with these rules
and we will notify you when you should begin receiving payments.

QUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

Under a qualified annuity, since amounts paid into the contract have not yet
been taxed, the full amount of all distributions, including lump-sum withdrawals
and annuity payments, are taxed at the ordinary income tax rate unless the
distribution is transferred to an eligible rollover account or contract. The
Contract is available as a vehicle for IRA rollovers and for other qualified
contracts. There are special rules which govern the taxation of qualified
contracts, including withdrawal restrictions, requirements for mandatory
distributions, and contribution limits. We have provided a more complete
discussion in the SAI.

PENALTY TAX FOR PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS

Taxable distributions taken before the contract owner has reached the age of
59 1/2 will be subject to a 10% additional tax penalty unless the distribution
is taken in a series of periodic distributions, for life or life expectancy, or
unless the distribution follows the death or disability of the contract owner.
Other exceptions may be available in certain tax-qualified plans.

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DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

The Code requires that any nonqualified variable annuity contracts based on a
separate account shall not be treated as an annuity for any period if
investments made in the account are not adequately diversified. Final tax
regulations define how separate accounts must be diversified. The Company
monitors the diversification of investments constantly and believes that its
accounts are adequately diversified. The consequence of any failure to diversify
is essentially the loss to the Contract Owner of tax deferred treatment. The
Company intends to administer all contracts subject to this provision of law in
a manner that will maintain adequate diversification.

OWNERSHIP OF THE INVESTMENTS

Assets in the separate accounts, also referred to as segregated asset accounts,
must be owned by the Company and not by the Contract Owner for federal income
tax purposes. Otherwise, the deferral of taxes is lost and income and gains from
the accounts would be includable annually in the Contract Owner's gross income.

The Internal Revenue Service has stated in published rulings that a variable
contract owner will be considered the owner of the assets of a segregated asset
account if the owner possesses an incident of ownership in those assets, such as
the ability to exercise investment control over the assets. The Treasury
Department announced, in connection with the issuance of temporary regulations
concerning investment diversification, that those regulations "do not provide
guidance concerning the circumstances in which investor control of the
investments of a segregated asset account may cause the investor, rather than
the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets of the account."
This announcement, dated September 15, 1986, also stated that the guidance would
be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to which policyholders
may direct their investments to particular subaccounts [of a segregated asset
account] without being treated as owners of the underlying assets." As of the
date of this prospectus, no such guidance has been issued.

The Company does not know if such guidance will be issued, or if it is, what
standards it may set. Furthermore, the Company does not know if such guidance
may be issued with retroactive effect. New regulations are generally issued with
a prospective-only effect as to future sales or as to future voluntary
transactions in existing contracts. The Company therefore reserves the right to
modify the contract as necessary to attempt to prevent Contract Owners from
being considered the owner of the assets of the separate account.

MANDATORY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS

Federal tax law requires that minimum annual distributions begin by April 1st of
the calendar year following the calendar year in which an IRA owner attains age
70 1/2. Participants in qualified plans and 403(b) annuities may defer minimum
distributions until the later of April 1st of the calendar year following the
calendar year in which they attain age 70 1/2 or the year of retirement.
Distributions must begin or be continued according to required patterns
following the death of the contract owner or annuitant of both qualified and
nonqualified annuities.

OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company is a stock insurance company chartered in
1973 in Connecticut and continuously engaged in the insurance business since
that time. It is licensed to conduct life insurance business in a majority of
the states of the United States. It intends to seek licensure in the remaining
states except New York. The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Travelers Group Inc. The Company's Home Office is located at One Tower Square,
Hartford, Connecticut 06183.

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IMSA

The Company is a member of the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association
("IMSA"), and as such may use the IMSA logo and IMSA membership in its
advertisements. Companies that belong to IMSA subscribe to a set of ethical
standards covering the various aspects of sales and service for individually
sold life insurance and annuities. IMSA members have adopted policies and
procedures that demonstrate a commitment to honesty, fairness and integrity in
all customer contacts involving the sale and service of individual life
insurance and annuity products.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

Generally, computer programs were designed without considering the impact of the
upcoming change in the century. As a result, software and computer systems may
need to be upgraded or replaced in order to comply with "Year 2000"
requirements. If not corrected, these computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. The business, financial condition, and
result of operations of a company could be materially and adversely affected by
the failure of its systems and applications (or those either provided or
operated by third-parties) to properly operate or manage dates beyond the year
1999.

The Company has investigated the nature and extent of the work required for our
computer systems to process beyond the turn of the century, and has made
progress toward achieving this goal, including upgrading and/or replacing
existing systems. We are confirming with our service providers that they are
also in the process of replacing or modifying their systems with the same goal.
We expect that our principal systems will be Year 2000 compliant by early 1999.
While these efforts involve substantial costs, we closely monitor associated
costs and continue to evaluate associated risks based on actual expenses. While
it is likely that these efforts will be successful, if necessary modifications
and conversions are not completed in a timely manner, the Year 2000 issue could
have a material adverse effect on certain operations of the Company.

DISTRIBUTION OF VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

The Company intends to sell the Contracts in all jurisdictions where it is
licensed to do business and where the Contract is approved. The Contracts will
be sold by life insurance sales agents who represent the Company, and who are
licensed registered representatives of the Company or certain other registered
broker-dealers. The compensation paid to sales representatives will not exceed
7% of the payments made under the Contracts.

From time to time, the Company may pay or permit other promotional incentives,
in cash, credit or other compensation.

Any sales representative or employee will have been qualified to sell variable
annuities under applicable federal and state laws. Each broker-dealer is
registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all are
members of the NASD. The principal underwriter for the Contracts is Tower Square
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Company; however, it is currently
anticipated that Travelers Distribution Company, an affiliated broker-dealer,
may become the principal underwriter for the Contracts during 1998.

CONFORMITY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

The Contract is governed by the laws of the state in which it is delivered. Any
paid-up annuity, cash surrender value or death benefits that are available under
the Contract are not less than the minimum benefits required by the statutes of
the state in which the Contract is delivered. We reserve the right to make any
changes, including retroactive changes, in the Contract to the extent that the
change is required to meet the requirements of any law or regulation issued by
any governmental agency to which the Company, the Contract or the contract owner
is subject.

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VOTING RIGHTS

The Company is the legal owner of the shares of the funding options. However, we
believe that when a funding option solicits proxies in conjunction with a vote
of shareholders, we are required to obtain from you and from other owners
instructions on how to vote those shares. When we receive those instructions, we
will vote all of the shares we own in proportion to those instructions. This
will also include any shares we own on our own behalf. Should we determine that
we are no longer required to comply with the above, we will vote on the shares
in our own right.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND OPINIONS

There are no pending material legal proceedings affecting the Separate Account,
the Principal Underwriter or the Company. Legal matters in connection with the
federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contract
described in this prospectus, as well as the organization of the Company, its
authority to issue variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law and the
validity of the forms of the variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law,
have been passed on by the General Counsel of the Company.

22
<PAGE> 31

APPENDIX A: CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERIOD FROM
ENDED JUNE 24, 1996
DECEMBER 31, (EFFECTIVE DATE) TO
FUNDING OPTION 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.032 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.283 1.032
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 6,344,051 29,824
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "CASH INCOME TRUST") (2/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.033 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,369,177 N/A
ALLIANCE GROWTH PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.037 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.319 1.037
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 8,259,362 2,250
MFS TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.183 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 9,959,634 N/A
PUTNAM DIVERSIFIED INCOME PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.007 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.070 1.007
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 1,132,608 3,300
TRAVELERS QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.001 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.057 1.001
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 3,137,736 95,203
LAZARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.027 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.095 1.027
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,694,288 5,702
MFS EMERGING GROWTH PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.004 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.198 1.004
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,218,974 31,886
FEDERATED STOCK PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.285 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 3,816,999 N/A
FEDERATED HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.140 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,566,993 N/A
LARGE CAP PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.023 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.245 1.023
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,816,858 7,800
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.026 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.339 1.026
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 6,719,150 30,196
DISCIPLINED MID CAP STOCK PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "MID CAP
DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND") (6/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.195 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 1,668,723 N/A
</TABLE>

Funding Options not listed had no amounts yet allocated to them. The financial
statements for Fund ABD II are contained in the Annual Report to contract
owners. The consolidated financial statements of The Travelers Life and Annuity
Company are contained in the SAI.

23
<PAGE> 32

APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The Fixed Account is secured by part of the general assets of the Company. The
general assets of the Company include all assets of the Company other than those
held in the Separate Account or any other separate account sponsored by the
Company or its affiliates.

The staff of the SEC does not generally review the disclosure in the prospectus
relating to the Fixed Account. Disclosure regarding the Fixed Account and the
general account may, however, be subject to certain provisions of the federal
securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in
the prospectus.

Under the Fixed Account, the Company assumes the risk of investment gain or
loss, guarantees a specified interest rate, and guarantees a specified periodic
annuity payment. The investment gain or loss of the Separate Account or any of
the variable funding options does not affect the Fixed Account portion of the
contract owner's contract value, or the dollar amount of fixed annuity payments
made under any payout option.

We guarantee that, at any time, the Fixed Account contract value will not be
less than the amount of the purchase payments allocated to the Fixed Account,
plus interest credited, less any applicable premium taxes or prior surrenders.
If the contract owner effects a surrender, the amount available from the Fixed
Account will be reduced by any applicable withdrawal charge as described under
"Charges and Deductions" in this prospectus.

Purchase payments allocated to the Fixed Account and any transfers made to the
Fixed Account become part of the Company's general account which supports
insurance and annuity obligations. Neither the general account nor any interest
therein is registered under, nor subject to the provisions of, the Securities
Act of 1933 or Investment Company Act of 1940. We will invest the assets of the
Fixed Account at our discretion. Investment income from such Fixed Account
assets will be allocated to us and to the Contracts participating in the Fixed
Account.

Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to us includes compensation
for mortality and expense risks borne by us in connection with Fixed Account
Contracts. The amount of such investment income allocated to the Contracts will
vary from year to year in our sole discretion at such rate or rates as we
prospectively declare from time to time.

The initial rate for any allocations into the Fixed Account is guaranteed for
one year from the date of such allocation. Subsequent renewal rates will be
guaranteed for the calendar quarter. We also guarantee that for the life of the
Contract we will credit interest at not less than 3% per year. Any interest
credited to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account in excess of 3% per year will
be determined in our sole discretion. You assume the risk that interest credited
to the Fixed Account may not exceed the minimum guarantee of 3% for any given
year.

TRANSFERS

You may make transfers from the Fixed Account to any other available funding
option(s) twice a year during the 30 days following the semiannual anniversary
of the contract effective date. The transfers are limited to an amount of up to
15% of the Fixed Account Value on the semiannual contract effective date
anniversary. (This restriction does not apply to transfers under the Dollar Cost
Averaging Program.) Amounts previously transferred from the Fixed Account to
other funding options may not be transferred back to the Fixed Account for a
period of at least six months from the date of transfer. We reserve the right to
waive either of these restrictions.

Automated transfers from the Fixed Account to any of the funding options may
begin at any time. Automated transfers from the Fixed Account may not deplete
your Fixed Account value in a period of less than twelve months from your
enrollment in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program.

24
<PAGE> 33

APPENDIX C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Statement of Additional Information contains more specific information and
financial statements relating to The Travelers Life and Annuity Company. A list
of the contents of the Statement of Additional Information is set forth below:

The Insurance Company
Principal Underwriter
Distribution and Management Agreement
Valuation of Assets

Performance Information

Federal Tax Considerations
Independent Accountants
Financial Statements

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copies of the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1998 (Form No.
L-12548S) are available without charge. To request a copy, please clip this
coupon on the dotted line above, enter your name and address in the spaces
provided below, and mail to: The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity
Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-9061.

Name:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25
<PAGE> 34

TRAVELERS PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT VARIABLE ANNUITY
(FUND ABD II) CONTRACT PROFILE

MAY 1, 1998

THIS PROFILE IS A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT POINTS THAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW AND CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACT IS MORE FULLY
DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS PROFILE. PLEASE READ THE
PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY. THE TERMS "WE," "US," "OUR" AND THE "COMPANY" REFER TO THE
TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY. "YOU" AND "YOUR" REFER TO THE CONTRACT
OWNER.

1. THE VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT. The Contract offered by The Travelers Life
and Annuity Company is a variable annuity that is intended for retirement
savings or other long-term investment purposes. The Contract provides a death
benefit as well as guaranteed income options. The contract may be issued as an
individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only group Contracts
are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the provisions of
the group contract. For convenience, we refer to both Contracts and certificates
as "Contracts." Under a qualified Contract, you can make one or more payments,
as you choose, on a tax-deferred basis. Under a nonqualified Contract, you can
make one or more payments with after-tax dollars. You direct your payment(s) to
one or more of the variable funding options listed in Section 4 and/or to the
Fixed Account. We guarantee money directed to the Fixed Account as to principal
and interest. The variable funding options are designed to produce a higher rate
of return than the Fixed Account; however, this is not guaranteed. You may also
lose money in the variable funding options.

4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS. You can direct your money into the Fixed Account or any
or all of the following funding options. The funding options described in the
prospectuses for the funds. Depending on market conditions, you may make or lose
money in any of these options:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund
Money Market Portfolio
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio
Small Cap Portfolio
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio
Diversified Strategic Income Portfolio
Total Return Portfolio
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES
FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio
MFS Total Return Portfolio
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio
Federated High Yield Portfolio
Federated Stock Portfolio
Large Cap Portfolio
Lazard International Stock Portfolio
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio
</TABLE>

5. EXPENSES. The Contract has insurance features and investment features, and
there are costs related to each. For Contracts with a value of less than
$40,000, the Company deducts an annual contract administrative charge of $30.
The annual insurance charge is 1.25% of the amounts you direct to the funding
options, and a related sub-account administrative charge of .15% annually is
charged.

Each funding option charges for management and other expenses. The charges range
from .40% to 1.40% annually, of the average daily net asset balance of the
funding option, depending on the funding option.

The following table is designed to help you understand the Contract charges. The
column "Total Annual Insurance Charges" column includes the mortality and
expense risk charge, the sub-account administrative charge, and reflects the $30
annual contract administrative charge as .014%. The "Total Annual Funding Option
Expenses" column reflects the investment charges for each portfolio, including
any expense waiver or reimbursement. The column "Total Annual Charges" reflects
the sum of the previous two columns. The columns under the heading "Examples"
show you how much you would pay under the Contract for a one-year period and for
a 10-year period. As required by the SEC, the examples assume that you invested
$1,000 in a Contract that earns 5% annually and that you withdraw your money at
the end of year 1 and at the end of year 10. For year 1, the examples show the
total annual charges assessed during that time as well as the withdrawal charge.
For the 10-year example, the total annual charges are included, but no
withdrawal charge is reflected.

ii
<PAGE> 36

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL EXAMPLES: TOTAL
TOTAL ANNUAL ANNUAL EXPENSES
ANNUAL FUNDING TOTAL AT END OF:
INSURANCE OPTION ANNUAL -----------------
PORTFOLIO NAME CHARGES EXPENSES CHARGES 1 YEAR 10 YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund.............................. 1.41% 0.84% 2.25% $83 $259
Money Market Portfolio................................. 1.41% 0.40% 1.81% 78 213
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series........................................ 1.41% 0.85% 2.26% 83 260
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio..................... 1.41% 0.80% 2.21% 82 255
Small Cap Portfolio................................ 1.41% 0.78% 2.19% 82 253
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio............................. 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
Diversified Strategic Income Portfolio............. 1.41% 0.98% 2.39% 84 273
Total Return Portfolio............................. 1.41% 0.79% 2.20% 82 254
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund........... 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio.......................... 1.41% 0.82% 2.23% 83 257
MFS Total Return Portfolio......................... 1.41% 0.86% 2.27% 83 261
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio......................... 1.41% 0.80% 2.21% 82 255
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio................ 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio.............. 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
Equity Income Portfolio............................ 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Federated High Yield Portfolio..................... 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Federated Stock Portfolio.......................... 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Large Cap Portfolio................................ 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
Lazard International Stock Portfolio............... 1.41% 1.25% 2.66% 87 300
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio...................... 1.41% 0.95% 2.36% 84 270
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio....................... 1.41% 1.00% 2.41% 84 275
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio................... 1.41% 0.75% 2.16% 82 250
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio......................... 1.41% 1.40% 2.81% 88 314
</TABLE>

7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY. You can take withdrawals any time during the
accumulation phase. A withdrawal charge may apply. The amount of the charge
depends on a number of factors, including the length of time since the purchase
payment was made (6% if withdrawn within one year, gradually decreasing to 0%
for payments held by the company for 8 years or more). After the first contract
year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the contract value (as of the previous
Contract year end) without a withdrawal charge. Of course, you may also have to
pay income taxes and a tax penalty on any money you take out.

iii
<PAGE> 37

performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information that
predates the separate account is considered "nonstandard" by the SEC. Such
performance information is shown in the Statement of Additional Information that
you may request free of charge.

LAST TEN CALENDAR YEARS (OR FULL YEARS SINCE INCEPTION):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund................................... 24.36%
Money Market Portfolio...................................... 3.59%
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio................................. 27.22%
MFS Total Return Portfolio................................ 19.55%
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Equity Income Portfolio................................... 30.47%
Federated High Yield Portfolio............................ 13.84%
Federated Stock Portfolio................................. 31.66%
Large Cap Portfolio....................................... 21.72%
Lazard International Stock Portfolio...................... 6.61%
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio............................. 19.33%
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio.......................... 5.64%
</TABLE>

Those funding options not illustrated above do not yet have one full year of
performance history.

9. DEATH BENEFIT. The death benefit applies upon the first death of the owner,
joint owner or annuitant. Assuming you are the Annuitant, if you die before you
move to the income phase, the person you have chosen as your beneficiary will
receive a death benefit. The death benefit paid depends on your age at the time
of your death. The death benefit value is calculated at the close of the
business day on which the Company's Home Office receives due proof of death. If
you die before you reach age 90, the death benefit equals the greatest of: (1)
the contract value; (2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less
all partial withdrawals; or (3) the maximum "final death benefit value"
occurring on or before your 80(th) birthday (after adjustments for all purchase
payments and withdrawals). (See the Contract prospectus for a full explanation
of "final death benefit value.")

Assuming you are the annuitant, if you die on or after age 90 and before the
maturity date, the death benefit payable will be the contract value, less any
applicable premium tax or outstanding loans.

NOTE: In all cases described above, amounts will be reduced by loans
outstanding, premium taxes owed and partial withdrawals not previously deducted.
Certain states may have varying age requirements.

10. OTHER INFORMATION

TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDING OPTIONS. You can transfer between the funding options
as frequently as you wish without any current tax implications. Currently there
is no charge for transfers, nor a limit to the number of transfers allowed. We
may, in the future, charge a fee for any transfer request, or limit the number
of transfers allowed. We, at the minimum, would always allow one transfer every
six months. You may transfer between the Fixed Account and the variable funding
options twice a year (during the 30 days after the six-month contract date
anniversary), provided the amount is not greater than 15% of the Fixed Account
value on that date.

iv
<PAGE> 38

ADDITIONAL FEATURES. This Contract has other features you may be interested in.
These include:

AUTOMATIC REBALANCING. You may elect to have the Company periodically
reallocate the values in your Contract to match your original (or your latest)
funding option allocation request.

11. INQUIRIES. If you need more information, please contact us at (800)
842-8573 or:

Travelers Life and Annuity Company
Annuity Investor Services
One Tower Square
Hartford, CT 06183-9061

v
<PAGE> 39

PROSPECTUS

PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT (ABD II)

This prospectus describes PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT, a flexible premium
variable annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by The Travelers Life and
Annuity Company (the "Company," "we" or "our"). The Contract is available in
connection with certain retirement plans that qualify for special federal income
tax treatment ("qualified Contracts") as well as those that do not qualify for
such treatment ("nonqualified Contracts"). Portfolio Architect Select may be
issued as an individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only
group Contracts are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the
provisions of the group Contract. For convenience, this prospectus refers to
both Contracts and certificates as "Contracts."

You can choose to have your purchase payments accumulate on a fixed basis (i.e.,
a Fixed Account funded through the Company's general account) and/or a variable
basis (i.e., one or more of the sub-accounts ("funding options")) of the
Travelers Fund ABD II for Variable Annuities ("Fund ABD II"). Your contract
value will vary daily to reflect the investment experience of the funding
options you select and any interest credited to the Fixed Account. The variable
funding options currently available are:

This prospectus provides the information that you should know before investing
in the Contract. You can receive additional information about Fund ABD II by
requesting a copy of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated May
1, 1998. The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To request a
copy, write to The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity Investor
Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-9061, call (800)
842-8573 or access the SEC's website (http//www.sec.gov). The contents of the
SAI appears in Appendix C of this prospectus.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS................. 2
FEE TABLE.............................. 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION........ 5
THE ANNUITY CONTRACT................... 5
Purchase Payments...................... 6
Accumulation Units..................... 6
The Funding Options.................... 6
Substitutions and Additions............ 8
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS................. 8
Withdrawal Charge...................... 8
Free Withdrawal Allowance.............. 9
Administrative Charges................. 9
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge...... 9
Reduction or Elimination of Contract
Charges.............................. 10
Funding Option Expenses................ 10
Premium Tax............................ 10
Changes in Taxes Based Upon Premium or
Value................................ 10
OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS................... 10
Types of Ownership..................... 10
Beneficiary............................ 11
Annuitant.............................. 11
TRANSFERS.............................. 11
Dollar Cost Averaging.................. 11
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY................... 12
Systematic Withdrawals................. 12
Loans.................................. 12
DEATH BENEFIT.......................... 13
Death Proceeds Before the Maturity
Date................................. 13
Payment of Proceeds.................... 13
Death Proceeds After the Maturity
Date................................. 14
THE ANNUITY PERIOD..................... 14
Maturity Date.......................... 14
Allocation of Annuity.................. 15
Variable Annuity....................... 15
Fixed Annuity.......................... 15
PAYMENT OPTIONS........................ 15
Election of Options.................... 15
Annuity Options........................ 16
Income Options......................... 17
MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS...... 17
Right to Return........................ 17
Termination............................ 17
Required Reports....................... 18
Suspension of Payments................. 18
Transfers of Contract Values to Other
Annuities............................ 18
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT................... 18
Mixed and Shared Funding............... 18
Performance Information................ 19
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS............. 19
General Taxation of Annuities.......... 20
Types of Contracts: Qualified or
Nonqualified......................... 20
Nonqualified Annuity Contracts......... 20
Qualified Annuity Contracts............ 20
Penalty Tax for Premature
Distributions........................ 21
Diversification Requirements for
Variable Annuities................... 21
Ownership of the Investments........... 21
Mandatory Distributions for Qualified
Plans................................ 21
OTHER INFORMATION...................... 22
The Insurance Company.................. 22
IMSA................................... 22
Year 2000 Compliance................... 22
Distribution of Variable Annuity
Contracts............................ 22
Conformity with State and Federal
Laws................................. 23
Voting Rights.......................... 23
Legal Proceedings And Opinions......... 23
APPENDIX A: Condensed Financial
Information.......................... 24
APPENDIX B: The Fixed Account.......... 25
APPENDIX C: Contents of the Statement
of Additional Information............ 26
</TABLE>

INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS

The following terms are italicized throughout the prospectus. Refer to the page
listed for an explanation of each term.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accumulation Unit...................... 6
Annuitant.............................. 11
Annuity Payments....................... 14
Annuity Unit........................... 6
Cash Surrender Value................... 12
Contract Date.......................... 6
Contract Owner (You, Your)............. 5
Contract Value......................... 5
Contract Year.......................... 6
Fixed Account.......................... 24
Funding Option(s)...................... 6
Income Payments........................ 15
Maturity Date.......................... 5
Purchase Payment....................... 5
Written Request........................ 6
</TABLE>

2
<PAGE> 41

FUND ABD II FEE TABLE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE (as a percentage of purchase payments
withdrawn):

LENGTH OF TIME FROM PURCHASE PAYMENT
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MANAGEMENT OTHER TOTAL ANNUAL
FEE EXPENSES FUNDING
(AFTER EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSES OPTION
PORTFOLIO NAME ARE REIMBURSED) ARE REIMBURSED) EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund..................... 0.75% 0.09% 0.84%
Money Market Portfolio........................ 0.32% 0.08%(1) 0.40%
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series............................... 0.75% 0.10%(2) 0.85%
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio............ 0.75% 0.05% 0.80%
Small Cap Portfolio....................... 0.75% 0.03% 0.78%
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio.................... 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
Diversified Strategic Income Portfolio.... 0.65% 0.33% 0.98%
Total Return Portfolio.................... 0.55% 0.24% 0.79%
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors
Fund.................................... 0.70% 0.30%(3) 1.00%
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio................. 0.80% 0.02%(4) 0.82%
MFS Total Return Portfolio................ 0.80% 0.06%(4) 0.86%
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio................ 0.60% 0.20%(5) 0.80%
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio....... 0.70% 0.25%(6) 0.95%
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio..... 0.80% 0.20%(5) 1.00%
Equity Income Portfolio................... 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
Federated High Yield Portfolio............ 0.65% 0.30%(6) 0.95%
Federated Stock Portfolio................. 0.63% 0.32%(6) 0.95%
Large Cap Portfolio....................... 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
Lazard International Stock Portfolio...... 0.83% 0.42%(6) 1.25%
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio............. 0.75% 0.20%(6) 0.95%
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio.............. 0.80% 0.20%(5) 1.00%
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio.......... 0.32% 0.43%(6) 0.75%
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio................ 0.45% 0.95%(7) 1.40%
</TABLE>

3
<PAGE> 42

NOTES:

(4) Other expenses are as of October 31, 1997 (the Fund's fiscal year end).
There were no fees waived or expenses reimbursed for these funds in 1997.

(5) Other Expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year and will
include fees for shareholder services, administrative fees, custodial fees ,
legal and accounting fees, printing costs and registration fees.
Additionally, these fees reflect a voluntary expense reimbursement
arrangement by Travelers to reimburse the Portfolios for the amount by which
their aggregate total operating expenses exceed 1.00% for the DISCIPLINED
SMALL CAP STOCK PORTFOLIO and MFS MID CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO; and 0.80% for
the CONVERTIBLE BOND PORTFOLIO. These expenses have been illustrated at a
limit which the Portfolios' adviser believes to be in line with the actual
projected expenses of the Portfolios.

4
<PAGE> 43

EXAMPLE*

Assuming a 5% annual return on assets, a $1,000 investment would be subject to
the following expenses:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF CONTRACT IS SURRENDERED AT THE IF CONTRACT IS NOT SURRENDERED OR
END OF PERIOD SHOWN ANNUITIZED AT END OF PERIOD SHOWN:
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Appreciation Fund............... $83 $120 $161 $259 $23 $70 $121 $259
Money Market Portfolio.................. 78 107 138 213 18 57 98 213
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC.
REIT Series.......................... 83 121 161 260 23 71 121 260
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio....... 82 119 159 255 22 69 119 255
Small Cap Portfolio.................. 82 119 158 253 22 69 118 253
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio............... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
Diversified Strategic Income
Portfolio.......................... 84 125 168 273 24 75 128 273
Total Return Portfolio............... 82 119 158 254 22 69 118 254
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS,
INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors
Fund................................. 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio............ 83 120 160 257 23 70 120 257
MFS Total Return Portfolio........... 83 121 162 261 23 71 122 261
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio........... 82 119 159 255 22 69 119 255
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock
Portfolio.......................... 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Disciplined Small Cap Stock
Portfolio.......................... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
Equity Income Portfolio.............. 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Federated High Yield Portfolio....... 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Federated Stock Portfolio............ 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Large Cap Portfolio.................. 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
Lazard International Stock
Portfolio.......................... 87 133 181 300 27 83 141 300
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio........ 84 124 166 270 24 74 126 270
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio......... 84 125 169 275 24 75 129 275
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio..... 82 118 156 250 22 68 116 250
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio........... 88 137 189 314 28 87 149 314
</TABLE>

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Appendix A

THE ANNUITY CONTRACT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travelers Portfolio Architect Select is a contract between you, the contract
owner, and The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (called "us" or the
"Company"). Under this contract, you make purchase payments to us and we credit
them to your account. The Company promises to pay you an income, in the form of
annuity or income payments, beginning on a future date that you choose, the
maturity date. The purchase payments accumulate tax deferred in the funding
options of your choice. We offer multiple variable funding options, and one
fixed account option. You assume the risk of gain or loss according to the
performance of the variable funding options. The contract value is the amount of
purchase payments, plus or minus any investment experience or interest. The
contract value also reflects all surrenders made and charges deducted. There is
generally no guarantee that at the maturity date the contract value will equal
or exceed the total purchase payments made under the Contract. The date the
contract and its benefits became

5
<PAGE> 44

effective is referred to as the contract date. Each anniversary of this contract
date is called a contract year.

PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The initial purchase payment must be at least $5,000. Additional payments of at
least $500 may be made under the Contract at any time. Under certain
circumstances, we may waive the minimum purchase payment requirement. Purchase
payments over $1,000,000 may be made with our prior consent. In some states, we
do not accept additional purchase payments.

ACCUMULATION UNITS

THE FUNDING OPTIONS

The current funding options are listed below, along with their investment
advisers and any subadviser:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUNDING OPTION INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE INVESTMENT ADVISER/SUBADVISER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund Seeks growth of capital through the use of Travelers Asset Management
common stocks. Income is not an objective. International Corporation
The Fund invests principally in common stocks ("TAMIC")
of small to large companies which are Subadviser: Janus Capital Corp.
expected to experience wide fluctuations in
price in both rising and declining markets.
Money Market Portfolio Seeks high current income from short-term TAMIC
(formerly "Cash Income money market instruments while preserving
Trust") capital and maintaining a high degree of
liquidity.
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM
FUND, INC.
REIT Series Seeks maximum long-term total return. Capital Delaware Management Company, Inc.
appreciation is a secondary objective. Subadviser: Lincoln Investment
Management, Inc.
</TABLE>

6
<PAGE> 45

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUNDING OPTION INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE INVESTMENT ADVISER/SUBADVISER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT
FUND
Capital Appreciation Seeks primarily to provide long-term capital The Dreyfus Corporation
Portfolio growth consistent with the preservation of Subadviser: Fayez Sarofim & Co.
capital, current income is a secondary
investment objective. The portfolio invests
primarily in the common stocks of domestic
and foreign issuers.
Small Cap Portfolio Seeks to maximize capital appreciation. The Dreyfus Corporation

GREENWICH STREET SERIES
FUND
Appreciation Portfolio Seeks long term appreciation of capital by Mutual Management Corp. ("MMC")
investing primarily in equity securities.
Diversified Strategic Seeks high current income by investing MMC
Income Portfolio primarily in the following fixed income Subadviser: Smith Barney Global
securities. U.S. Gov't. and mortgage-related Capital Management, Inc.
securities, foreign gov't. bonds and
corporate bonds rated below investment grade.
Total Return Portfolio An equity portfolio that seeks to provide MMC
total return, consisting of long-term capital
appreciation and income. The Portfolio will
invest primarily in a diversified portfolio
of dividend-paying common stocks.
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE
SERIES FUND, INC.
Salomon Brothers Variable Seeks long-term growth of capital. Current Salomon Brothers Asset Management
Investors Fund income is a secondary objective.

TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Growth Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital by Travelers Investment Adviser
investing predominantly in equity securities ("TIA")
of companies with a favorable outlook for Subadviser: Alliance Capital
earnings and whose rate of growth is expected Management L.P.
to exceed that of the U.S. economy over time.
Current income is only an incidental
consideration.
MFS Total Return Seeks to obtain above-average income TIA
Portfolio (compared to a portfolio entirely invested in Subadviser: Massachusetts
equity securities) consistent with the Financial Services Company ("MFS")
prudent deployment of capital. Generally, at
least 40% of the Portfolio's assets will be
invested inequity securities.

THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Seeks current income and capital appreciation TAMIC
Portfolio by investing in convertible securities and in
combinations of nonconvertible fixed-income
securities and warrants or call options that
together resemble convertible securities
("synthetic convertible securities").
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Seeks growth of capital by investing TAMIC
Portfolio (formerly "Mid primarily in a broadly diversified portfolio Subadviser: TIMCO
Cap Disciplined Equity of common stocks.
Fund")
Disciplined Small Cap Seeks long term capital appreciation by TAMIC
Stock Portfolio investing primarily (at least 65% of its Subadviser: TIMCO
total assets) in the common stocks of U.S.
companies with relatively small market
capitalizations at the time of investment.
</TABLE>

7
<PAGE> 46

TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
(CONT'D)
Equity Income Portfolio Seeks reasonable income by investing at least TAMIC
65% in income-producing equity securities. Subadviser: Fidelity Management &
The balance may be invested in all types of Research Company
domestic and foreign securities, including
bonds. The Portfolio seeks to achieve a yield
that exceeds that of the securities
comprising the S&P 500. The Subadviser also
considers the potential for capital
appreciation.
Federated High Yield Seeks high current income by investing TAMIC
Portfolio primarily in a professionally managed, Subadviser: Federated Investment
diversified portfolio of fixed income Counseling, Inc.
securities.
Federated Stock Portfolio Seeks growth of income and capital by TAMIC
investing principally in a professionally Subadviser: Federated Investment
managed and diversified portfolio of common Counseling, Inc.
stock of high-quality companies (i.e.,
leaders in their industries and characterized
by sound management and the ability to
finance expected growth).
Large Cap Portfolio Seeks long-term growth of capital by TAMIC
investing primarily in equity securities of Subadviser: Fidelity Management &
companies with large market capitalizations. Research Company
Lazard International Seeks capital appreciation by investing TAMIC
Stock Portfolio primarily in the equity securities of Subadviser: Lazard Asset
non-United States companies (i.e., Management
incorporated or organized outside the United
States).
MFS Emerging Growth Seeks long-term growth of capital by TAMIC
Portfolio investing in common stocks of companies that Subadviser: MFS
are believed to be early in their lifecycles,
but which are also believed to have the
potential to become major enterprises.
Dividend and interest income from portfolio
securities, if any, is incidental.
MFS Mid Cap Growth Seeks to obtain long term growth of capital TAMIC
Portfolio by investing, under normal market conditions, Subadviser: MFS
at least 65% of its total assets in equity
securities of companies with medium market
capitalization which the investment adviser
believes have above-average growth potential.
Travelers Quality Bond Seeks current income, moderate capital TAMIC
Portfolio volatility and total return.
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Seeks long-term growth of capital by Warburg Pincus Asset Management,
Portfolio investing primarily in equity securities of Inc.
non-U.S. issuers consisting of companies in
emerging securities markets.
</TABLE>

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

8
<PAGE> 47

The withdrawal charge is equal to a percentage of purchase payments withdrawn
from the Contract and is calculated as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LENGTH OF TIME FROM
PURCHASE PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
(NUMBER OF YEARS) CHARGE
<S> <C>
1 6%
2 6%
3 5%
4 5%
5 4%
6 3%
7 2%
8 and over 0%
</TABLE>

FREE WITHDRAWAL ALLOWANCE

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

9
<PAGE> 48

annuitant lives and for guaranteeing to provide the death benefit if an
annuitant dies prior to the maturity date. The expense risk portion compensates
us for the risk that the charges under the Contract, which cannot be increased
during the duration of the Contract, will be insufficient to cover actual costs.

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF CONTRACT CHARGES

FUNDING OPTION EXPENSES

The deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the various funding
options are summarized in the fee table and are described in the accompanying
prospectuses.

PREMIUM TAX

CHANGES IN TAXES BASED UPON PREMIUM OR VALUE

If there is any change in a law assessing taxes against the Company based upon
premiums, contract gains or value of the contract, we reserve the right to
charge you proportionately for this tax.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYPES OF OWNERSHIP

You receive all payments while the annuitant is alive unless you direct them to
an alternate recipient. An alternate recipient does not become the contract
owner.

Joint Owner. For nonqualified contracts only, joint owners (i.e., spouses) may
be named in a written request before the contract is in effect. Joint owners may
independently exercise transfers

10
<PAGE> 49

allowed under the Contract. All other rights of ownership must be exercised by
both owners. Joint owners own equal shares of any benefits accruing or payments
made to them. All rights of a joint owner end at death if the other joint owner
survives. The entire interest of the deceased joint owner in the Contract will
pass to the surviving joint owner.

BENEFICIARY

Unless an irrevocable beneficiary has been named, you have the right to change
any beneficiary by written request during the lifetime of the annuitant and
while the Contract continues.

ANNUITANT

TRANSFERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

11
<PAGE> 50

ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any time before the maturity date, you may redeem all or any portion of the cash
surrender value, that is, the contract value, less any withdrawal charge,
outstanding loans and any premium tax not previously deducted. You must submit a
written request specifying the fixed or variable funding option(s) from which
amounts are to be withdrawn. The cash surrender value will be determined as of
the close of business after we receive your surrender request at the Home
Office. The cash surrender value may be more or less than the purchase payments
made depending on the contract value at the time of surrender.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

We reserve the right to discontinue offering systematic withdrawals or to assess
a processing fee for this service upon 30 days' written notice to contract
owners (where allowed by state law).

LOANS

Loans may be available under your Contract. If available, all loan provisions
are described in your Contract or loan agreement.

12
<PAGE> 51

DEATH BENEFIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the maturity date, when there is no contingent annuitant, a death benefit
is payable to the beneficiary when either the annuitant, the contract owner or
the first of joint owners dies. The death benefit is calculated at the close of
the business day on which the Company's Home Office received due proof of death
and written payment instructions.

DEATH PROCEEDS BEFORE THE MATURITY DATE

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

3) the highest of all "final death benefit values" as described below.

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

3) the maximum of all "final death benefit value" associated with the
contract date or any contract date anniversary occurring on or before
the annuitant's 80th birthday.

DEATH OF ANY OWNER OR THE ANNUITANT ON OR AFTER AGE 90. The death benefit
payable will be the contract value, less any applicable premium tax or
outstanding loans.

PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS

13
<PAGE> 52

DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS THE CONTRACT OWNER. The Company will pay the proceeds
to any surviving joint owner, or if none, to the beneficiary(ies), or if none,
to the contract owner's estate.

DEATH PROCEEDS AFTER THE MATURITY DATE

THE ANNUITY PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATURITY DATE

14
<PAGE> 53

or upon the death of the contract owner. Independent tax advice should be sought
regarding the election of minimum required distributions.

ALLOCATION OF ANNUITY

VARIABLE ANNUITY

FIXED ANNUITY

PAYMENT OPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTION OF OPTIONS

While the annuitant is alive, you can change your annuity or income option
selection any time up to the maturity date. Income options differ from annuity
options in that the amount of the payments

15
<PAGE> 54

made under income options are not based upon the life of any person. Therefore,
the annuitant may outlive the payment period. Once annuity or income payments
have begun, no further elections are allowed.

The amount applied to effect an annuity or income option will be the cash
surrender value as of the date income payments begin, less any applicable
premium taxes not previously deducted. (Certain states may have different
requirements that we will honor.) The cash surrender value used to determine the
amount of any payment will be determined on the same basis as the cash surrender
value during the accumulation period, including the deduction for mortality and
expense risks and the contract administrative expense charge.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

Option 4 -- Joint and Last Survivor Life Annuity -- Annuity Reduced on Death of
Primary Payee. The Company will make annuity payments during the lifetimes of
the annuitant and a second person. One will be designated the primary payee, the
other will be designated the secondary payee. On the death of the secondary
payee, the Company will continue to make monthly annuity payments to the primary
payee in the same amount that would have been payable during the joint lifetime
of the two persons. On the death of the primary payee, the Company will continue
to make annuity payments to the secondary payee in an amount equal to 50% of the
payments which

16
<PAGE> 55

would have been made during the lifetime of the primary payee. No further
payments will be made once both payees have died.

Option 5 -- Other Annuity Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for annuity payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

INCOME OPTIONS

Option 3 -- Other Income Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for income payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RIGHT TO RETURN

TERMINATION

17
<PAGE> 56

REQUIRED REPORTS

SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS

The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any payment or
determination of values on any business day (1) when the New York Stock Exchange
("the Exchange") is closed; (2) when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3)
when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that the sale of securities
held in the Separate Account may not reasonably occur or so that the Company may
not reasonably determine the value of the Separate Account's net assets; or (4)
during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of
security holders.

TRANSFERS OF CONTRACT VALUES TO OTHER ANNUITIES

We may permit contract owners to transfer their contract values into other
annuities offered by us or our affiliated insurance companies under rules then
in effect.

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING

18
<PAGE> 57

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

From time to time, we may advertise several types of historical performance for
the Contract's funding options. We may advertise the "standardized average
annual total returns" of the funding option, calculated in a manner prescribed
by the SEC, as well as the "nonstandardized total returns," as described below.
Specific examples of the performance information appears in the SAI.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19
<PAGE> 58

GENERAL TAXATION OF ANNUITIES

TYPES OF CONTRACTS: QUALIFIED OR NONQUALIFIED

If you purchase an annuity contract with proceeds of an eligible rollover
distribution from any pension plan, specially sponsored program, or individual
retirement annuity (IRA) with pre-tax dollars, your contract is referred to as a
qualified contract. Some examples of qualified contracts are: IRAs, 403(b)
annuities, pension and profit-sharing plans (including 401(k) plans), Keogh
Plans, and certain other qualified deferred compensation plans. If you purchase
the contract on an individual basis with after-tax dollars and not under one of
the programs described above, your contract is referred to as nonqualified.

NONQUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

QUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

20
<PAGE> 59

There are special rules which govern the taxation of qualified contracts,
including withdrawal restrictions, requirements for mandatory distributions, and
contribution limits. We have provided a more complete discussion in the SAI.

PENALTY TAX FOR PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS

DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

The Code requires that any nonqualified variable annuity contracts based on a
separate account shall not be treated as an annuity for any period if
investments made in the account are not adequately diversified. Final tax
regulations define how separate accounts must be diversified. The Company
monitors the diversification of investments constantly and believes that its
accounts are adequately diversified. The consequence of any failure is
essentially the loss to the Contract Owner of tax deferred treatment. The
Company intends to administer all contracts subject to this provision of law in
a manner that will maintain adequate diversification.

OWNERSHIP OF THE INVESTMENTS

Assets in the separate accounts, also referred to as segregated asset accounts
must be owned by the Company and not by the Contract Owner for federal income
tax purposes. Otherwise, the deferral of taxes is lost and income and gains from
the accounts would be includible annually in the Contract Owner's gross income.

MANDATORY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS

21
<PAGE> 60

OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company is a stock insurance company chartered in
1973 in Connecticut and continuously engaged in the insurance business since
that time. It is licensed to conduct life insurance business in a majority of
the states of the United States and intends to seek licensure in the remaining
states, except New York. The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Travelers Group Inc. The Company's Home Office is located at One Tower Square,
Hartford, Connecticut 06183.

IMSA

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

Generally, computer programs were designed without considering the impact of the
upcoming change in the century. As a result, software and computer systems may
need to be upgraded or replaced in order to comply with "Year 2000"
requirements. If not corrected, these computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. The business, financial condition, and
results of operation of a company could be materially and adversely affected by
the failure of its systems and applications (or those either provided or
operated by third-parties) to properly operate or manage dates beyond the year
1999.

DISTRIBUTION OF VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

From time to time, the Company may pay or permit other promotional incentives,
in cash, credit or other compensation.

22
<PAGE> 61

anticipated that Travelers Distribution Company, an affiliated broker-dealer,
may become the principal underwriter for the Contracts during 1998.

CONFORMITY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

VOTING RIGHTS

The Company is the legal owner of the shares of the funding options. However, we
believe that when a funding option solicits proxies in conjunction with a vote
of shareholders we are required to obtain from you and from other owners
instructions on how to vote those shares. When we receive those instructions, we
will vote all of the shares we own in proportion to those instructions. This
will also include any shares we own on our own behalf. Should we determine that
we are no longer required to comply with the above, we will vote on the shares
in our own right.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND OPINIONS

There are no pending material legal proceedings affecting the Separate Account,
the principal underwriter and the Company. Legal matters in connection with the
federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contract
described in this prospectus, as well as the organization of the Company, its
authority to issue variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law and the
validity of the forms of the variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law,
have been passed on by the General Counsel of the Company.

23
<PAGE> 62

APPENDIX A: CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD PERIOD FROM
ENDED JUNE 24, 1996
DECEMBER 31, (EFFECTIVE DATE) TO
FUNDING OPTION 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.032 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.283 1.032
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 6,344,051 29,824
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "CASH INCOME TRUST") (2/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.033 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,369,177 N/A
ALLIANCE GROWTH PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.037 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.319 1.037
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 8,259,362 2,250
MFS TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.183 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 9,959,634 N/A
TRAVELERS QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.001 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.057 1.001
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 3,137,736 95,203
LAZARD INTERNATIONAL STOCK PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.027 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.095 1.027
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,694,288 5,702
MFS EMERGING GROWTH PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.004 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.198 1.004
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,218,974 31,886
FEDERATED STOCK PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.285 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 3,816,999 N/A
FEDERATED HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO (1/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.140 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,566,993 N/A
LARGE CAP PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.023 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.245 1.023
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 4,816,858 7,800
EQUITY INCOME PORTFOLIO (12/96)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.026 $ 1.000
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.339 1.026
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 6,719,150 30,196
DISCIPLINED MID CAP STOCK PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "MID CAP
DISCIPLINED EQUITY FUND") (6/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.195 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 1,668,723 N/A
APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO (6/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.092 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,241,524 N/A
DIVERSIFIED STRATEGIC INCOME PORTFOLIO (6/97)
Unit Value at beginning of period....................... $ 1.000 N/A
Unit Value at end of period............................. 1.048 N/A
Number of units outstanding at end of period............ 5,444,154 N/A
</TABLE>

24
<PAGE> 63

APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The Fixed Account is secured by part of the general assets of the Company. The
general assets of the Company include all assets of the Company other than those
held in Fund ABD II or any other separate account sponsored by the Company or
its affiliates.

Under the Fixed Account, the Company assumes the risk of investment gain or
loss, guarantees a specified interest rate, and guarantees a specified periodic
annuity payment. The investment gain or loss of Fund ABD II or any of the
variable funding options does not affect the Fixed Account portion of the
contract owner's contract value, or the dollar amount of fixed annuity payments
made under any payout option.

We guarantee that, at any time, the Fixed Account contract value will not be
less than the amount of the purchase payments allocated to the Fixed Account,
plus interest credited less any applicable premium taxes or prior surrenders. If
the contract owner effects a surrender, the amount available from the Fixed
Account will be reduced by any applicable withdrawal charge as described under
"Charges and Deductions" in this prospectus.

TRANSFERS

25
<PAGE> 64

APPENDIX C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Insurance Company
Principal Underwriter
Distribution and Management Agreement
Valuation of Assets
Performance Information
Federal Tax Considerations
Independent Accountants
Financial Statements

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copies of the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1998 (Form No.
L-12548S) are available without charge. To request a copy, please clip this
coupon on the dotted line above, enter your name and address in the spaces
provided below, and mail to: The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity
Investor Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-9061.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Name: -----------------------------------------------------------------
Address: -----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

26
<PAGE> 65

TRAVELERS PREMIER ADVISERS VARIABLE ANNUITY
(ABD II) CONTRACT PROFILE

MAY 1, 1998

1. THE VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT. The Contract offered by The Travelers Life
and Annuity Company is a variable annuity that is intended for retirement
savings or other long-term investment purposes. The Contract provides a death
benefit as well as guaranteed income options. The contract may be issued as an
individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only group Contracts
are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the provisions of
the group contract. For convenience, we refer to both Contracts and certificates
as "Contracts." Under a qualified Contract, you can make one or more payments,
as you choose, on a tax-deferred basis. Under a nonqualified Contract, you can
make one or more payments with after-tax dollars. You direct your payment(s) to
one or more of the variable funding options listed in Section 4 and/or to the
Fixed Account. We guarantee money directed to the Fixed Account as to principal
and interest. The variable funding options are designed to produce a higher rate
of return than the Fixed Account, however, this is not guaranteed. You may also
lose money in the variable funding options.

2. ANNUITY PAYMENTS (THE INCOME PHASE). You may choose to receive annuity
payments from the Fixed Account or the variable funding options. If you want to
receive payments from your annuity, you can choose one of the following annuity
options: Option 1 -- payments for your life (life annuity) -- assuming that you
are the annuitant; Option 2 -- payments for your life with an added guarantee
that payments will continue to your beneficiary for a certain number of months
(120, 180 or 240, as you select), if you should die during that period; Option
3 -- Joint and Last Survivor Life Annuity, in which payments are made for your
life and the life of another person (usually your spouse). Option 3 can also be
elected with payments continuing at a reduced rate after the death of one payee.
There are also two Income Options: Fixed Amount -- the cash surrender value of
your Contract will be paid to you in equal payments; or Fixed Period -- the cash
surrender value will be used to make payments for a fixed time period. If you
should die before the end of the Fixed Period, the remaining amount would go to
your beneficiary.

3. PURCHASE. You may purchase the Contract with an initial payment of at least
$5,000. You may make additional payments of at least $500 at any time during the
accumulation phase.

WHO SHOULD PURCHASE THIS CONTRACT? The Contract is currently available for use
in connection with (1) individual nonqualified purchases; (2) rollovers from
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs); and (3) rollovers from other qualified
retirement plans. Qualified contracts include contracts qualifying under Section
401(a), 403(b), or 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
Global Equity Portfolio
Mid Cap Value Portfolio
Value Portfolio
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Salomon Brothers Variable Capital Fund
Salomon Brothers Variable High Yield Bond Fund

Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund
Salomon Brothers Variable Strategic Bond Fund
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE
INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio
Emerging Growth Portfolio
Enterprise Portfolio
Government Portfolio
Growth and Income Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities
Portfolio

Each funding option charges for management and other expenses. The charges range
from 0.60% to 1.75% annually, of the average daily net asset balance of the
funding option, depending on the funding option.

If you withdraw money, the Company may deduct a withdrawal charge (0% to 6%) of
the purchase payments from the Contract. If you withdraw all amounts under the
contract, or if you begin receiving annuity payments, the Company may be
required by your state to deduct a premium tax of 0%-5%.

The following table is designed to help you understand the Contract charges. The
"Total Annual Insurance Charges" column includes the mortality and expense risk
charge and the sub-account administrative charge and reflects the $30 annual
contract administrative charge as .064%. The "Total Annual Funding Option
Expenses" column reflects the investment charges for each portfolio, including
any expense waiver or reimbursement. The column "Total Annual Charges" reflects
the sum of the previous two columns. The columns under the heading "Examples"
show you how much you would pay under the Contract for a one-year period and for
a 10-year period. As required by the SEC, the examples assume that you invested
$1,000 in a Contract that earns 5% annually and that you withdraw your money at
the end of year 1 and at the end of year 10. For year 1, the Total Annual
Insurance Charges are assessed as well as the withdrawal charges. For year 10,
the example shows the aggregate of all the annual charges assessed during that
time, but no withdrawal charge is shown. For these examples, the premium tax is
assumed to be 0%.

ii
<PAGE> 67

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLES:
TOTAL ANNUAL
TOTAL ANNUAL TOTAL ANNUAL TOTAL EXPENSES
INSURANCE FUNDING OPTION ANNUAL AT END OF:
PORTFOLIO NAME CHARGES EXPENSES CHARGES 1 YEAR 10 YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio............... 1.46% 1.75% 3.21% $92 $352
Global Equity Portfolio......................... 1.46% 1.15% 2.61% 86 295
Mid Cap Value Portfolio......................... 1.46% 1.05% 2.51% 85 285
Value Portfolio................................. 1.46% 0.85% 2.31% 83 285
SOLOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Variable Investors Fund......................... 1.46% 1.00% 2.46% 85 280
Variable Capital Fund........................... 1.46% 1.00% 2.46% 85 280
Variable High Yield Bond Fund................... 1.46% 1.00% 2.46% 85 280
Variable Strategic Bond Fund.................... 1.46% 1.00% 2.46% 85 280
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT
TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio....................... 1.46% 0.60% 2.06% 81 239
Emerging Growth Portfolio....................... 1.46% 0.85% 2.31% 83 265
Enterprise Portfolio............................ 1.46% 0.60% 2.06% 81 239
Government Portfolio............................ 1.46% 0.60% 2.06% 81 239
Growth and Income Portfolio..................... 1.46% 0.75% 2.21% 82 255
Money Market Portfolio.......................... 1.46% 0.60% 2.06% 81 239
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities
Portfolio..................................... 1.46% 1.07% 2.53% 86 287
</TABLE>

6. TAXES. The payments you make to a qualified Contract during the accumulation
phase are made with before-tax dollars. You will be taxed on your purchase
payments and on any earnings when you make a withdrawal or begin receiving
annuity or income payments. Under a nonqualified Contract, payments to the
contract are made with after-tax dollars, and any earnings will accumulate
tax-deferred. You will be taxed on these earnings when they are withdrawn from
the Contract.

7. ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY. You can take withdrawals any time during the
accumulation phase. A withdrawal charge may apply. The amount of the charge
depends on a number of factors, including the length of time since the purchase
payment was made (6% if withdrawn within one year, gradually decreasing to 0%
for payments held by the Company for 8 years or more). After the first contract
year, you may withdraw up to 10% of the contract value (as of the end of the
prior year) without a withdrawal charge. Of course, you may also have to pay
income taxes and a tax penalty on any taxable amounts withdrawn.

8. PERFORMANCE. The value of the Contract will vary depending upon the
investment performance of the funding options you choose. The Statement of
Additional Information reflects adjusted historical total returns for each
funding option. These rates of return reflect the insurance charges,
administrative charge, investment charges and all other expenses of the funding
option. The rates of return do not reflect any withdrawal charge or any
applicable taxes, which, if applied, would reduce such performance. Past
performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Those funding options not illustrated do not yet have one full year of
performance history in the Separate Account.

9. DEATH BENEFIT. The death benefit applies upon the first death of the owner,
joint owner or annuitant. Assuming you are the annuitant, if you die before you
move to the income phase, the person you have chosen as your beneficiary will
receive a death benefit. The death benefit paid depends on your age at the time
of your death. The death benefit value is calculated at the close of the
business day on which the Company's Home Office receives due proof of death. If
you die

iii
<PAGE> 68

before you reach age 90, the death benefit equals the greatest of: (1) the
Contract Value;(2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all
partial withdrawals; or (3) the maximum "final death benefit value" occurring on
or before your 80(th) birthday (after adjustments for all purchase payments and
withdrawals). (See the Contract prospectus for a full explanation of "final
death benefit value.")

Assuming you are the annuitant, if you die on or after age 90 and before the
maturity date, the death benefit payable will be the contract value.

NOTE: In all cases, death benefit amounts will be reduced by premium taxes owed,
partial withdrawals not previously deducted, and any outstanding loans. Certain
states may have varying age requirements.

10. OTHER INFORMATION

TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDING OPTIONS. You can transfer between the funding options
as frequently as you wish without any current tax implications. Currently there
is no charge for transfers, nor a limit to the number of transfers allowed. The
Company may, in the future, charge a fee for any transfer request, or limit the
number of transfers allowed. The Company, at the minimum, would always allow one
transfer every six months. You may transfer between the Fixed Account and the
funding options twice a year (during the 30 days after the six-month contract
date anniversary), provided the amount is not greater than 15% of the Fixed
Account Value on that date.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES. This Contract has other features you may be interested in.
These include:

AUTOMATIC REBALANCING. You may elect to have the Company periodically
reallocate the values in your Contract to match your original (or your latest)
funding option allocation request.

11. INQUIRIES. If you need more information, please contact us at (800)
599-9460 or:

Travelers Life and Annuity Company
Annuity Investor Services
One Tower Square
Hartford, CT 06183

iv
<PAGE> 69

TRAVELERS PREMIER ADVISERS (ABD II)

PROSPECTUS

This prospectus describes TRAVELERS PREMIER ADVISERS, a flexible premium
variable annuity contract (the "Contract") issued by The Travelers Life and
Annuity Company (the "Company" "we" or "our"). The Contract is available in
connection with certain retirement plans that qualify for special federal income
tax treatment ("qualified Contracts") as well as those that do not qualify for
such treatment ("nonqualified Contracts"). Travelers Premier Advisers may be
issued as an individual Contract or as a group Contract. In states where only
group Contracts are available, you will be issued a certificate summarizing the
provisions of the group Contract. For convenience, this prospectus refers to
both Contracts and certificates as "Contracts."

The Fixed Account is described in Appendix A. Unless specified otherwise, this
prospectus refers to the variable funding options. The contracts and/or some of
the funding options may not be available in all states. THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID
ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE VARIABLE FUNDING
OPTIONS. THESE PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

This prospectus provides the information that you should know before investing
in the Contract. You can receive additional information about Fund ABD II by
requesting a copy of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated May
1, 1998. The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To request a
copy, write to The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity Investor
Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-8034, call (800)
599-9460 or access the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). The contents of the
SAI appears in Appendix B of this prospectus.

PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1998
<PAGE> 70

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS................. 2
FEE TABLE.............................. 3
THE ANNUITY CONTRACT................... 5
Purchase Payments...................... 5
Accumulation Units..................... 5
The Funding Options.................... 5
Substitutions and Additions............ 7
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS................. 7
Withdrawal Charge...................... 7
Free Withdrawal Allowance.............. 8
Administrative Charges................. 8
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge...... 8
Reduction or Elimination of Contract
Charges.............................. 8
Funding Option Expenses................ 9
Premium Tax............................ 9
Changes in Taxes Based Upon Premium or
Value................................ 9
OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS................... 9
Types of Ownership..................... 9
Beneficiary............................ 9
Annuitant.............................. 10
TRANSFERS.............................. 10
Dollar Cost Averaging.................. 10
ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY................... 10
Systematic Withdrawals................. 11
Loans.................................. 11
DEATH BENEFIT.......................... 11
Death Proceeds Before the Maturity
Date................................. 11
Payment of Proceeds.................... 12
Death Proceeds After the Maturity
Date................................. 12
THE ANNUITY PERIOD..................... 12
Maturity Date.......................... 12
Allocation of Annuity.................. 13
Variable Annuity....................... 13
Fixed Annuity.......................... 14
PAYMENT OPTIONS........................ 14
Election of Options.................... 14
Annuity Options........................ 14
Income Options......................... 15
MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS...... 15
Right to Return........................ 15
Termination............................ 16
Required Reports....................... 16
Suspension of Payments................. 16
Transfers of Contract Values to Other
Annuities............................ 16
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT................... 16
Performance Information................ 16
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS............. 17
General Taxation of Annuities.......... 17
Types of Contracts: Qualified or
Negotiated........................... 18
Nonqualified Annuity Contracts......... 18
Qualified Annuity Contracts............ 18
Penalty Tax for Premature
Distributions........................ 18
Diversification Requirements for
Variable Annuities................... 19
Ownership of the Investments........... 19
Mandatory Distributions for Qualified
Plans................................ 19
OTHER INFORMATION...................... 19
The Insurance Company.................. 19
IMSA................................... 20
Year 2000 Compliance................... 20
Distribution of Variable Annuity
Contracts............................ 20
Conformity with State and Federal
Laws................................. 20
Voting Rights.......................... 20
Legal Proceedings and Opinions......... 21
APPENDIX A: The Fixed Account.......... 22
APPENDIX B: Contents of the Statement
of Additional Information............ 23
</TABLE>

INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS

The following terms are italicized throughout the prospectus. Refer to the page
listed for an explanation of each term.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accumulation Unit...................... 5
Annuitant.............................. 10
Annuity Payments....................... 13
Annuity Unit........................... 13
Cash Surrender Value................... 10
Contract Date.......................... 5
Contract Owner (You, Your)............. 5
Contract Value......................... 5
Contract Year.......................... 5
Fixed Account.......................... 22
Funding Option(s)...................... 5
Income Payments........................ 13
Maturity Date.......................... 5
Purchase Payment....................... 5
Written Request........................ 5
</TABLE>

2
<PAGE> 71

FUND ABD II FEE TABLE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE (as a percentage of purchase payments withdrawn):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LENGTH OF TIME FROM PURCHASE PAYMENT
(NUMBER OF YEARS) CHARGE
<S> <C>
1 6%
2 6%
3 5%
4 5%
5 4%
6 3%
7 2%
8 and over 0%
ANNUAL CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE
(Waived if contract value is $40,000 or more) $30
</TABLE>

ANNUAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES: (as a percentage of the average daily net
assets of the Separate Account)

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.................... 1.25%
Administrative Expense Charge........................ 0.15%
-----
Total Separate Account Charges.................... 1.40%
</TABLE>

FUNDING OPTION EXPENSES:

(as a percentage of average daily net assets of the Funding Option as of
December 31, 1997, unless noted otherwise)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL ANNUAL
FUNDING
MANAGEMENT OTHER OPTION
FEE EXPENSES EXPENSES
(AFTER EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSES
PORTFOLIO NAME ARE REIMBURSED) ARE REIMBURSED) ARE REIMBURSED)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio.............. 0.00%(1) 1.75% 1.75%
Global Equity Portfolio........................ 0.00%(1) 1.15% 1.15%
Mid Cap Value Portfolio........................ 0.00%(1) 1.05% 1.05%
Value Portfolio................................ 0.00%(1) 0.85% 0.85%
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund....... 0.70% 0.30%(2) 1.00%
Salomon Brothers Variable Capital Fund......... 0.85% 0.15%(2) 1.00%
Salomon Brothers Variable High Yield Bond Fund... 0.75% 0.25%(2) 1.00%
Salomon Brothers Variable Strategic Bond
Fund......................................... 0.75% 0.25%(2) 1.00%
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio...................... 0.05%(3) 0.55% 0.60%
Emerging Growth Portfolio...................... 0.00%(3) 0.85% 0.85%
Enterprise Portfolio........................... 0.44%(3) 0.16% 0.60%
Government Portfolio........................... 0.36%(3) 0.24% 0.60%
Growth and Income Portfolio.................... 0.00%(3) 0.75% 0.75%
Money Market Portfolio......................... 0.12%(3) 0.48% 0.60%
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities
Portfolio.................................... 1.00%(3) 0.07% 1.07%
</TABLE>

NOTES:

3
<PAGE> 72

(NOTES CONTINUED)

(1) The Advisers, with respect to the Portfolios listed in the Morgan Stanley
Universal Funds, Inc. Series Trust, have voluntarily agreed to a reduction
in its management fees and to reimburse the Portfolios for which it acts as
investment adviser if such fees would cause total annual operating expenses
to exceed the amounts set forth in the tables above. Absent of such
reductions, the expenses would have been as follow:

(2) Reflects the voluntary agreement by Salomon Brothers Asset Management to
impose an expense cap for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998 on the
total annual operating expenses of each fund at the amount shown in the
table through the reimbursement of expenses. Absent such agreement, the
ratio of other expenses and total operating expenses would be:

(3) Van Kampen American Capital has voluntarily agreed to a reduction in its
management fees and to reimburse the Portfolios for which it acts as
investment adviser if such fees would cause total annual operating expenses
to exceed the amounts set forth in the tables above. Absent of such
reductions, the expenses would have been:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL ANNUAL
MANAGEMENT OTHER OPERATING
PORTFOLIO FEES EXPENSES EXPENSES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Domestic Income Portfolio...................... 0.50% 0.55% 1.05%
Enterprise Portfolio........................... 0.50% 0.16% 0.66%
Emerging Growth Portfolio...................... 0.70% 1.44% 2.14%
Government Portfolio........................... 0.50% 0.24% 0.74%
Growth and Income Portfolio.................... 0.60% 1.03% 1.63%
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities
Portfolio.................................... (no waiver) (no waiver) (no waiver)
Money Market Portfolio......................... 0.50% 0.48% 0.98%
</TABLE>

EXAMPLE*

Assuming a 5% annual return, a $1,000 investment would be subject to the
following expenses:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF ANNUITIZED, OR IF NO WITHDRAWALS
IF SURRENDERED OR WITHDRAWN AT THE ARE MADE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD
END OF THE PERIOD SHOWN SHOWN.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Portfolio..................... $92 $149 $208 $352 $32 $99 $168 $352
Global Equity Portfolio........................ 86 131 179 295 26 81 139 295
Mid Cap Value Portfolio........................ 85 128 174 285 25 78 134 285
Value Portfolio................................ 83 122 164 265 23 72 124 265
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Variable Capital Fund.......................... 85 127 171 280 25 77 131 280
Variable High Yield Bond Fund.................. 85 127 171 280 25 77 131 280
Variable Investors Fund........................ 85 127 171 280 25 77 131 280
Variable Strategic Bond Fund................... 85 127 171 280 25 77 131 280
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio...................... 81 115 151 239 21 65 111 239
Emerging Growth Portfolio...................... 83 122 164 265 23 72 124 265
Enterprise Portfolio........................... 81 115 151 239 21 65 111 239
Government Portfolio........................... 81 115 151 239 21 65 111 239
Growth and Income Portfolio.................... 82 119 159 255 22 69 119 255
Money Market Portfolio......................... 81 115 151 239 21 65 111 239
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities
Portfolio..................................... 86 129 175 287 26 79 135 287
</TABLE>

4
<PAGE> 73

THE ANNUITY CONTRACT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travelers Premier Advisers is a contract between you, the contract owner, and
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (called "us" or the "Company"). Under
this contract, you make purchase payments to us and we credit them to your
Contract. The Company promises to pay you an income, in the form of annuity or
income payments, beginning on a future date that you choose, the maturity date.
The purchase payments accumulate tax deferred in the funding options of your
choice. We offer multiple variable funding options, and one fixed account
option. The contract owner assumes the risk of gain or loss according to the
performance of the variable funding options. The contract value is the amount of
purchase payments, plus or minus any investment experience or interest. The
contract value also reflects all surrenders made and charges deducted. There is
generally no guarantee that at the maturity date the contract value will equal
or exceed the total purchase payments made under the Contract. The date the
contract and its benefits became effective is referred to as the contract date.
Each anniversary of this contract date marks a contract year.

PURCHASE PAYMENTS

ACCUMULATION UNITS

An accumulation unit is used to calculate the value of a Contract. An
accumulation unit works like a share of a mutual fund. Each funding option has a
corresponding accumulation unit value. The accumulation units are valued each
business day and may increase or decrease from day to day. The number of
accumulation units we will credit to your Contract once we receive a purchase
payment is determined by dividing the amount directed to each funding option by
the value of the accumulation unit. We calculate the value of an accumulation
unit for each funding option each day after the New York Stock Exchange closes.
After the value is calculated, your Contract is credited. During the annuity
period (i.e., after the maturity date), you are credited with annuity units.

THE FUNDING OPTIONS

The current variable funding options are listed below, along with their
investment adviser:

5
<PAGE> 74

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNDING INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
OPTION OBJECTIVE ADVISER/SUBADVISER
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL
FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing Morgan Stanley Asset
Portfolio primarily in equity securities of emerging market Management Inc. ("MSAM")
country issuers with a focus on those in which the
adviser believes the economies are developing strongly
and in which the markets are becoming more
sophisticated.
Global Equity Portfolio Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing MSAM
primarily in equity securities of issuers throughout the
world, including the U.S.
Mid Cap Value Portfolio Seeks above-average total return over a market cycle of Miller Anderson &
three to five years by investing in common stock and Sherrerd, LLP ("MAS")
other equity securities of issuers with equity
capitalizations in the range of the companies
represented in the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index (currently $100
million to $8 billion).
Value Portfolio Seeks above-average total return over a market cycle of MAS
three to five years by investing primarily in a
diversified portfolio of common stocks and other equity
securities that the adviser believes to be relatively
undervalued based on various measures such as price
earnings ratios and price book ratios.
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE
SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Variable Capital Fund Capital appreciation, primarily through investments in Salomon Brothers Asset
common stocks which are believed to have above-average Management ("SBAM")
price appreciation potential and which may involve
above-average risk.
Variable High Yield To maximize current income, and, secondarily, to seek SBAM
Bond Fund capital appreciation through investments in medium or
lower rating categories.
Variable Investors Fund Long-term growth of capital, and, secondarily, current SBAM
income, through investments in common stocks of well-
known companies.
Variable Strategic Bond Seeks a high level of current income. As a secondary SBAM
Fund objective, the portfolio will seek capital appreciation.
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Seeks current income, primarily and capital appreciation Van Kampen American
Portfolio as a secondary objective only when consistent with its Capital Asset Management,
primary investment objective. The Portfolio attempts to Inc. ("VKACAM")
achieve these objectives through investment primarily in
a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities. The
Portfolio may invest in investment-grade securities and
lower rated and nonrated securities. Lower rated
securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") are regarded
by the rating agencies as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet
principal and interest payments.
Emerging Growth Seeks capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio VKACAM
Portfolio of securities consisting principally of common stocks of
small and medium sized companies considered by the
adviser to be emerging growth companies.
Enterprise Portfolio Seeks capital appreciation through investments believed VKACAM
by the Adviser to have above-average potential for
capital appreciation.
Government Portfolio Seeks to provide investors with a high current return VKACAM
consistent with preservation of capital by investing
primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Growth and Income Seeks long-term growth of capital and income by VKACAM
Portfolio investing primarily in income-producing equity
securities, including common stocks and convertible
securities.
</TABLE>

6
<PAGE> 75

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

The withdrawal charge is equal to a percentage of purchase payments withdrawn
from the Contract and is calculated as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LENGTH OF TIME FROM
PURCHASE PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
(NUMBER OF YEARS) CHARGE
<S> <C>
1 6%
2 6%
3 5%
4 5%
5 4%
6 3%
7 2%
8 and over 0%
</TABLE>

For purposes of the withdrawal charge calculation, withdrawals will be deemed to
be taken in the following order:

(a) from any purchase payments to which no withdrawal charge is
applicable;

(b) from any remaining free withdrawal allowance (as described below)
after reduction by the amount of (a);

(d) from any Contract earnings.

NOTE: Any free withdrawals taken will not reduce purchase payments still subject
to a withdrawal charge.

7
<PAGE> 76

FREE WITHDRAWAL ALLOWANCE

Any withdrawal deemed to be taken from purchase payments to which no withdrawal
charge applies will reduce any free withdrawal allowance available in that
contract year. Any withdrawal deemed to be taken from the free withdrawal
allowance will not reduce the amount of purchase payments to which withdrawal
charges are applicable.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES

A Contract administrative charge of $30 is deducted annually from Contracts with
a value of less than $40,000. This charge compensates us for expenses incurred
in establishing and maintaining the Contract. The charge is deducted from the
contract value on the fourth Friday of each August by canceling accumulation
units applicable to each funding option on a pro rata basis. For the first
contract year this charge will be prorated (i.e., calculated) from the date of
purchase. A prorated charge will also be made if the Contract is completely
withdrawn or terminated. We will not deduct a contract administrative charge:
(1) if the distribution results from the death of the contract owner or the
annuitant with no contingent annuitant surviving, (2) after an annuity payout
has begun, or (3) if the contract value on the date of assessment is equal to or
greater than $40,000.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF CONTRACT CHARGES

8
<PAGE> 77

administrative charge be permitted where such reduction or elimination will be
unfairly discriminatory to any person.

FUNDING OPTION EXPENSES

The deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the various funding
options are summarized in the fee table and are described in the accompanying
prospectuses.

PREMIUM TAX

CHANGES IN TAXES BASED UPON PREMIUM OR VALUE

If there is any change in a law assessing taxes against the Company based upon
premiums, contract gains or value of the contract, we reserve the right to
charge you proportionately for this tax.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYPES OF OWNERSHIP

You receive all payments while the annuitant is alive unless you direct them to
an alternate recipient. An alternate recipient does not become the contract
owner.

BENEFICIARY

Unless an irrevocable beneficiary has been named, you have the right to change
any beneficiary by written request during the lifetime of the annuitant and
while the Contract continues.

9
<PAGE> 78

ANNUITANT

For nonqualified Contracts only, the contract owner may also name one individual
as a contingent annuitant by written request before the Contract becomes
effective. If the annuitant dies prior to the maturity date, and a contingent
annuitant has been named, the contingent annuitant becomes the annuitant and the
Contract continues. A contingent annuitant may not be changed, deleted or added
after the Contract becomes effective.

TRANSFERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

ACCESS TO YOUR MONEY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any time before the maturity date, you may redeem all or any portion of the cash
surrender value, that is, the contract value, less any withdrawal charge and any
premium tax not previously deducted. You must submit a written request
specifying the fixed or variable funding option(s) from which amounts are to be
withdrawn. If no funding options are specified, the withdrawal will be made on a
pro rata basis. The cash surrender value will be determined as of the close of
business after we receive your surrender request at the Home Office. The cash
surrender value may be more or less than the purchase payments made depending on
the contract value at the time of surrender.

We may defer payment of any cash surrender value for a period of up to seven
days after the written request is received, but it is our intent to pay as soon
as possible. We cannot process

10
<PAGE> 79

requests for withdrawal that are not in good order. We will contact you if there
is a deficiency causing a delay and will advise what is needed to act upon the
withdrawal request.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

Beginning in the second contract year and before the maturity date, you may
choose to withdraw a specified dollar amount (at least $100) on a monthly,
quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Any applicable withdrawal charges (in
excess of the free withdrawal allowance) and any applicable premium taxes will
be deducted. To elect systematic withdrawals, you must have a contract value of
at least $15,000 and you must make the election on the form provided by the
Company. We will surrender accumulation units pro rata from all funding options
in which you have an interest, unless you instruct us otherwise. You may begin
or discontinue systematic withdrawals at any time by notifying us in writing,
but at least 30 days' notice must be given to change any systematic withdrawal
instructions that are currently in place.

We reserve the right to discontinue offering systematic withdrawals or to assess
a processing fee for this service upon 30 days' written notice to contract
owners (where allowed by state law).

LOANS

Loans may be available under your Contract. If available, all loan provisions
are described in your Contract or loan agreement.

DEATH BENEFIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEATH PROCEEDS BEFORE THE MATURITY DATE

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

3) the highest of all "final death benefit values" as described below.

11
<PAGE> 80

equals the product of (i) the death benefit value immediately before the
reduction of the partial withdrawal, and (ii) the amount of the partial
withdrawal divided by the contract value immediately before the partial
withdrawal. The "final death benefit value" associated with the contract date
and with each contract date anniversary equals the initial death benefit value
plus or minus all adjustments until the death report date.

1) the contract value;

2) the total purchase payments made under the Contract less all partial
withdrawals; or

3) the maximum of all "final death benefit values" associated with the
contract date or any contract date anniversary occurring on or before
the annuitant's 80th birthday.

DEATH OF ANY OWNER OR THE ANNUITANT ON OR AFTER AGE 90. The death benefit
payable will be the contract value, less any applicable premium tax or
outstanding loans.

PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS

DEATH OF ANNUITANT WHO IS THE CONTRACT OWNER. The Company will pay the proceeds
to any surviving joint owner, or if none, to the beneficiary(ies), or if none,
to the contract owner's estate.

Under a nonqualified contract, the death benefit proceeds must be distributed to
the beneficiary within five years of the contract owner's death. Or, the
beneficiary may elect to receive payments from an annuity which begins within
one year of the contract owner's death and which is payable over the life of the
beneficiary or over a period not exceeding the beneficiary's life expectancy.

DEATH PROCEEDS AFTER THE MATURITY DATE

If any owner or the annuitant dies on or after the maturity date, the Company
will pay the beneficiary a death benefit consisting of any benefit remaining
under the annuity or income option then in effect.

THE ANNUITY PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATURITY DATE

12
<PAGE> 81

change your selection any time up to the maturity date. Annuity or income
payments will begin on the maturity date stated in the Contract unless the
Contract has been fully surrendered or the proceeds have been paid to the
beneficiary before that date. Annuity payments are a series of periodic payments
(a) for life; (b) for life with either a minimum number of payments or a
specific amount assured; or (c) for the joint lifetime of the annuitant and
another person, and thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor. We may
require proof that the annuitant is alive before annuity payments are made.

ALLOCATION OF ANNUITY

When an annuity option is elected, it may be elected as a variable annuity, a
fixed annuity, or a combination of both. (Variable payouts may not be available
in all states. Refer to your contract.) If, at the time annuity payments begin,
no election has been made to the contrary, the cash surrender value will be
applied to provide an annuity funded by the same investment options selected
during the accumulation period (contract value, in Oregon). At least 30 days
before the maturity date, you may transfer the contract value among the funding
options in order to change the basis on which annuity payments will be
determined. (See "Transfers.")

VARIABLE ANNUITY

13
<PAGE> 82

each funding option by the corresponding annuity unit value as of the date 14
days before the date the payment is due.

FIXED ANNUITY

PAYMENT OPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTION OF OPTIONS

The amount applied to effect an annuity or income option will be the cash
surrender value as of the date the payments begin, less any applicable premium
taxes not previously deducted and any applicable withdrawal charge. (Certain
states may have different requirements that we will honor.) The cash surrender
value used to determine the amount of any such payment will be determined on the
same basis as the cash surrender value during the accumulation period, including
the deduction for mortality and expense risks and the contract administrative
expense charge.

ANNUITY OPTIONS

Option 2 -- Life Annuity with 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments Assured. The
Company will make monthly annuity payments during the lifetime of the annuitant,
with the agreement that if, at

14
<PAGE> 83

the death of that person, payments have been made for less than 120, 180 or 240
months as elected, we will continue making payments to the beneficiary during
the remainder of the period.

Option 5 -- Other Annuity Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for annuity payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

INCOME OPTIONS

Option 3 -- Other Income Options. The Company will make any other arrangements
for income payments as may be mutually agreed upon.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACT PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RIGHT TO RETURN

15
<PAGE> 84

TERMINATION

REQUIRED REPORTS

SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS

TRANSFERS OF CONTRACT VALUES TO OTHER ANNUITIES

We may permit contract owners to transfer their contract values into other
annuities offered by us or our affiliated insurance companies under rules then
in effect.

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

From time to time, we may advertise several types of historical performance for
the Contract's funding options. We may advertise the "standardized average
annual total returns" of the funding

16
<PAGE> 85

option, calculated in a manner prescribed by the SEC, as well as the
"nonstandardized total returns," as described below. Specific examples of the
performance information appear in the SAI.

GENERAL Within the guidelines prescribed by the SEC and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), performance information may be
quoted numerically or may be presented in a table, graph or other illustration.
Advertisements may include data comparing performance to well-known indices of
market performance (including, but not limited to, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and the S&P 400 Index, the Lehman
Brothers Long T-Bond Index, the Russell 1000, 2000 and 3000 Indices, the Value
Line Index, and the Morgan Stanley Capital International's EAFE Index).
Advertisements may also include published editorial comments and performance
rankings compiled by independent organizations (including, but not limited to,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc.) and publications that
monitor the performance of the Separate Account and the variable funding
options.

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL TAXATION OF ANNUITIES

17
<PAGE> 86

TYPES OF CONTRACTS: QUALIFIED OR NONQUALIFIED

NONQUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

QUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

PENALTY TAX FOR PREMATURE DISTRIBUTIONS

18
<PAGE> 87

for life or life expectancy, or unless the distribution follows the death or
disability of the contract owner. Other exceptions may be available in certain
tax-qualified plans.

DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

OWNERSHIP OF THE INVESTMENTS

MANDATORY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS

OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company is a stock insurance company chartered in
1973 in Connecticut and continuously engaged in the insurance business since
that time. It is licensed to conduct life insurance business in a majority of
the states of the United States, and intends to seek licensure in the remaining
states, except New York. The Company is an indirect wholly owned

19
<PAGE> 88

subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc. The Company's Home Office is located at One
Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183.

IMSA

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

DISTRIBUTION OF VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

From time to time, the Company may pay or permit other promotional incentives,
in cash, credit or other compensation.

CONFORMITY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

20
<PAGE> 89

VOTING RIGHTS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND OPINIONS

There are no pending material legal proceedings affecting the Separate Account,
the principal underwriter or the Company. Legal matters in connection with the
federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contract
described in this prospectus, as well as the organization of the Company, its
authority to issue variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law and the
validity of the forms of the variable annuity contracts under Connecticut law,
have been passed on by the General Counsel of the Company.

21
<PAGE> 90

APPENDIX A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

Under the Fixed Account, the Company assumes the risk of investment gain or
loss, guarantees a specified interest rate, and guarantees a specified periodic
annuity payment. The investment gain or loss of Fund ABD II or any of the
variable funding options does not affect the Fixed Account portion of the
contract owner's contract value, or the dollar amount of fixed annuity payments
made under any payout option.

TRANSFERS

You may make transfers from the Fixed Account to any other available funding
option(s) twice a year during the 30 days following the semi-annual anniversary
of the contract effective date. The transfers are limited to an amount of up to
15% of the Fixed Account Value on the semiannual contract effective date
anniversary. (This restriction does not apply to transfers under the Dollar Cost
Averaging Program.) Amounts previously transferred from the Fixed Account to
other funding options may not be transferred back to the Fixed Account for a
period of at least six months from the date of transfer. We reserve the right to
waive either of these restrictions.

22
<PAGE> 91

APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Insurance Company
Principal Underwriter
Distribution and Management Agreement

Performance Information

Valuation of Assets
Federal Tax Considerations
Independent Accountants
Financial Statements

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copies of the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1998 (Form No.
L-12548S) are available without charge. To request a copy, please clip this
coupon on the dotted line above, enter your name and address in the spaces
provided below, and mail to: The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity
Investor Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-8034.

Name: ______________________________

Address: ______________________________

______________________________

23
<PAGE> 92
PART B

Information Required in a Statement of Additional Information

<PAGE> 93
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT
PREMIER ADVISERS

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

dated

May 1, 1998

for

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES

ISSUED BY

THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus but relates
to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Individual Variable Annuity
Contract Prospectus dated May 1, 1998. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained
by writing to The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, Annuity Services, One
Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-9061, or by calling (800) 842-8735.
This SAI should be read in conjunction with the accompanying 1997 Annual Report
for the Fund.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE INSURANCE COMPANY ................................................1

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER ................................................1

DISTRIBUTION AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT ................................1

VALUATION OF ASSETS ..................................................2

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ..............................................3

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS ..........................................8

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ..............................................11

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..................................................F-1

<PAGE> 94
THE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (the "Company"), is a stock
insurance company chartered in 1973 in Connecticut. The Company is a wholly
owned subsidiary of The Travelers Insurance Company, which is indirectly owned,
through a wholly owned subsidiary, by Travelers Group Inc., a financial services
holding company engaged, through its subsidiaries, principally in four business
segments: (i) Investment Services; (ii) Consumer Finance Services; (iii) Life
Insurance Services; and (iv) Property and Casualty Insurance Services.

STATE REGULATION. The Company is subject to the laws of the state of Connecticut
governing insurance companies and to regulation by the Insurance Commissioner of
the state of Connecticut. An annual statement covering the operations of the
Company for the preceding year, as well as its financial conditions as of
December 31 of such year, must be filed with the Commissioner in a prescribed
format on or before March 1 of each year. The Company's books and assets are
subject to review or examination by the Commissioner or his agents at all times,
and a full examination of its operations is conducted at least once every four
years.

The Company is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all
other states in which it is licensed to operate. However, the insurance
departments of each of these states generally apply the laws of the home state
(jurisdiction of domicile) in determining the field of permissible investments.

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT. Fund ABD II meets the definition of a separate account
under the federal securities laws, and will comply with the provisions of the
1940 Act. Additionally, the operations of Fund ABD II are subject to the
provisions of Section 38a-433 of the Connecticut General Statutes which
authorizes the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner to adopt regulations under it.
Section 38a-433 contains no restrictions on the investments of the Separate
Account, and the Commissioner has adopted no regulations under the Section that
affect the Separate Account.

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

Tower Square Securities, Inc. ("Tower Square"), an affiliate of the
Company, serves as principal underwriter for Fund ABD II and the Contracts. The
offering is continuous. Tower Square is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Travelers Group Inc. and its principal executive offices are located at One
Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut. It is anticipated that Travelers
Distribution Company, an affiliated broker-dealer, will become the principal
underwriter during 1998.

DISTRIBUTION AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

Under the terms of the Distribution and Management Agreement among Fund
ABD II, the Company and Tower Square, the Company provides all administrative
services and mortality and expense risk guarantees related to variable annuity
contracts sold by the Company in connection with Fund ABD II. Tower Square
performs the sales functions related to the Contracts. The Company reimburses
Tower Square for commissions paid, other sales expenses and certain overhead
expenses connected with sales functions. The Company also pays all costs
(including costs associated with the preparation of sales literature); all costs
of qualifying Fund ABD II and the variable annuity contract

1
<PAGE> 95
with regulatory authorities; the costs of proxy solicitation; and all custodian,
accountant's and legal fees. The Company also provides without cost to Fund ABD
II all necessary office space, facilities, and personnel to manage its affairs.

VALUATION OF ASSETS

FUNDING OPTIONS: The value of the assets of each funding option is determined on
each business day as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Each security
traded on a national securities exchange is valued at the last reported sale
price on the business day. If there has been no sale on that day, then the value
of the security is taken to be the mean between the reported bid and asked
prices on the business day or on the basis of quotations received from a
reputable broker or any other recognized source.

Any security not traded on a securities exchange but traded in the
over-the-counter-market and for which market quotations are readily available is
valued at the mean between the quoted bid and asked prices on the business day
or on the basis of quotations received from a reputable broker or any other
recognized source.

Securities traded on the over-the-counter-market and listed securities
with no reported sales are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and
asked prices or on the basis of quotations received from a reputable broker or
other recognized source.

Short-term investments for which a quoted market price is available are
valued at market. Short-term investments maturing in more than sixty days for
which there is no reliable quoted market price are valued by "marking to market"
(computing a market value based upon quotations from dealers or issuers for
securities of a similar type, quality and maturity.) "Marking to market" takes
into account unrealized appreciation or depreciation due to changes in interest
rates or other factors which would influence the current fair values of such
securities. Short-term investments maturing in sixty days or less for which
there is no reliable quoted market price are valued at amortized cost which
approximates market.

THE CONTRACT VALUE: The value of an accumulation unit on any business day is
determined by multiplying the value on the preceding business day by the net
investment factor for the valuation period just ended. The net investment factor
is used to measure the investment performance of a funding option from one
valuation period to the next. The net investment factor for a funding option for
any valuation period is equal to the sum of 1.000000 plus the net investment
rate (the gross investment rate less any applicable funding option deductions
during the valuation period relating to the mortality and expense risk charge
and the administrative expense charge). The gross investment rate of a funding
option is equal to (a) minus (b), divided by (c) where:

(a) = investment income plus capital gains and losses (whether realized or
unrealized);
(b) = any deduction for applicable taxes (presently zero); and
(c) = the value of the assets of the funding option at the beginning of the
valuation period.

The gross investment rate may be either positive or negative. A funding
option's investment income includes any distribution whose ex-dividend date
occurs during the valuation period.

2
<PAGE> 96
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE. The value of the accumulation unit for each funding
option was initially established at $1.00. The value of an accumulation unit on
any business day is determined by multiplying the value on the preceding
business day by the net investment factor for the valuation period just ended.
The net investment factor is calculated for each funding option and takes into
account the investment performance, expenses and the deduction of certain
expenses.

ANNUITY UNIT VALUE. The initial Annuity Unit Value applicable to each funding
option was established at $1.00. An annuity unit value as of any business day is
equal to (a) the value of the annuity unit on the preceding business day,
multiplied by (b) the corresponding net investment factor for the valuation
period just ended, divided by (c) the assumed net investment factor for the
valuation period. (For example, the assumed net investment factor based on an
annual assumed net investment rate of 3.0% for a Valuation Period of one day is
1.000081 and, for a period of two days, is 1.000081 x 1.000081.)

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

From time to time, the Company may advertise several types of historical
performance for the Funding Options of Fund ABD II. The Company may advertise
the "standardized average annual total returns" of the Funding Option,
calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as
well as the "nonstandardized total returns," as described below:

STANDARDIZED METHOD. Quotations of average annual total returns are
computed according to a formula in which a hypothetical initial investment of
$1,000 is applied to the Funding Option, and then related to ending redeemable
values over one-, five-, and ten-year periods, or for a period covering the time
during which the Funding Option has been in existence, if less. If a Funding
Option has been in existence for less than one year, the "since inception" total
return performance quotations are year-to-date and are not average annual total
returns. These quotations reflect the deduction of all recurring charges during
each period (on a pro rata basis in the case of fractional periods). The
deduction for the annual contract administrative charge ($30) is converted to a
percentage of assets based on the actual fee collected (or anticipated to be
collected, if a new product), divided by the average net assets for contracts
sold (or anticipated to be sold) under the Prospectus to which this Statement of
Additional Information relates. Each quotation assumes a total redemption at the
end of each period with the assessment of any applicable withdrawal charge at
that time.

NONSTANDARDIZED METHOD. Nonstandardized "total returns" will be
calculated in a similar manner based on the performance of the Funding Options
over a period of time, usually for the calendar year-to-date, and for the past
one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. Nonstandardized total returns will not
reflect the deduction of any applicable withdrawal charge or the $30 annual
contract administrative charge, which, if reflected, would decrease the level of
performance shown. The withdrawal charge is not reflected because the Contract
is designed for long-term investment.

For Funding Options that were in existence prior to the date they became
available under Fund ABD II, the standardized average annual total return
quotations may be accompanied by returns showing the investment performance that
such Funding Options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had
they been held under the Contract for the period quoted. The total return
quotations are based upon historical earnings and are not necessarily
representative of future performance.

3
<PAGE> 97
GENERAL. Within the guidelines prescribed by the SEC and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), performance information may be
quoted numerically or may be presented in a table, graph or other illustration.
Advertisements may include data comparing performance to well-known indices of
market performance (including, but not limited to, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and the S&P 400 Index, the Lehman
Brothers Long T-Bond Index, the Russell 1000, 2000 and 3000 Indices, the Value
Line Index, and the Morgan Stanley Capital International's EAFE Index).
Advertisements may also include published editorial comments and performance
rankings compiled by independent organizations (including, but not limited to,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc.) and publications that
monitor the performance of Fund ABD II and the Funding Options.

Average annual total returns for each of the Funding Options (excluding
Money Market Portfolio) computed according to the standardized and
nonstandardized methods for the period ending December 31, 1997 are set forth in
the following table.

4
<PAGE> 98
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
FUNDING OPTIONS OF FUND ABD II

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
-----------------------------------------
(taking into account all charges and fees)

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME SUBACCOUNT 1 YEAR 5 YEAR 10 YEAR
INCEPTION
DATE (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Capital Appreciation Fund 12/4/96 18.36% 20.63%* --
Money Market Portfolio 12/4/96 -2.41% -2.55%* --
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC
REIT Series 5/1/98 -- -- --
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- --
Small Cap Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- --
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES
FUNDS, INC
Salomon Brothers Variable 3/23/98 -- -- --
Investors Fund
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC
Alliance Growth Portfolio 12/4/96 21.22% 23.92%* --
MFS Total Return Portfolio 12/4/96 12.33% 11.43%* --
Putnam Diversified Income Portfoio 12/4/96 0.24% 0.90%* --
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio 4/1/97 13.46%* -- --
Disciplined Small Cap Stock 5/1/98 --
Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio 12/4/96 24.47% 25.70%* --
Federated High Yield Portfolio 12/4/96 7.84% 7.39%* --
Federated Stock Portfolio 12/4/96 25.65% 20.76%* --
Large Cap Portfolio 12/4/96 15.72% 17.13%* --
Lazard International Stock 12/4/96 0.61% 3.25%* --
Portfolio
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio 12/4/96 13.33% 12.81%* --
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- --
MFS Research Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- --
Strategic Stock Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio 12/4/96 -0.37% -0.25%* --
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NONSTANDARDIZED TOTAL RETURNS
-----------------------------
(taking into account all charges and fees except
deferred sales charges and contract administrative charge)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEAR 5 YEAR 10 YEAR
INCEPTION
DATE (2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Capital Appreciation Fund 5/26/83 24.38% 28.32% 17.62% 14.77%
Money Market Portfolio 12/31/87 3.60% 3.03% 2.64% 3.83%
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC
REIT Series -- -- -- --
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio -- -- -- --
Small Cap Portfolio -- -- -- --
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES
FUNDS, INC
Salomon Brothers Variable -- -- -- --
Investors Fund
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC
Alliance Growth Portfolio 6/20/94 27.24% 29.21% 25.91% --
MFS Total Return Portfolio 6/20/94 19.56% 18.70% 14.94%* --
Putnam Diversified Income Portfoio 6/20/94 6.26% 9.48% 8.22%*
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio -- -- -- --
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio 4/1/97 33.00%* -- -- --
Disciplined Small Cap Stock -- --
Portfolio
Equity Income Portfolio 8/30/96 30.48% 32.07% -- --
Federated High Yield Portfolio 8/30/96 13.85% 15.99%* -- --
Federated Stock Portfolio 8/30/96 31.67% 33.78%* -- --
Large Cap Portfolio 8/30/96 21.74% 26.74%* -- --
Lazard International Stock 8/30/96 6.63% 9.88%* -- --
Portfolio
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio 8/30/96 19.34% 18.80%* -- --
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio -- -- -- --
MFS Research Portfolio -- -- -- --
Strategic Stock Portfolio -- -- -- --
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio 8/30/96 5.65% 6.57%* -- --
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

- ----------
* Figures represent period "Since Inception," as defined below.

(1) Subaccount Inception Date reflects the actual date that the underlying fund
became available under the Separate Account, as determined by the effective
date of the Separate Account's 1940 Act Registration Statement.

(2) Fund Inception Date reflects the date that the underlying fund commenced
operations. For those funds that were in existence prior to the date that
they became available under the Separate Account, the performance figures
represent actual returns of the fund adjusted to reflect the charges that
would have been assessed under the Separate Account during the period(s)
shown. As illustrated herein, periods greater than 1 year reflect
Hypothetical Adjusted Returns.

5
<PAGE> 99
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
FUNDING OPTIONS OF FUND ABD II

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
-----------------------------------------
(taking into account all charges and fees)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO NAME SUBACCOUNT 1 YEAR 5 YEAR 10 YEAR FUND
INCEPTION INCEPTION
DATE (1) DATE (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund 12/4/96 18.36% 20.63%* -- 5/26/83
Money Market Portfolio 12/4/96 -2.41% -2.55%* -- 12/31/87
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC
REIT Series 5/1/98 -- -- -- --
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- -- --
Small Cap Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- -- --
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio 6/2/97 3.18%* -- -- 10/16/91
Diversified Strategic Income Portfolio 6/2/97 -1.19%* -- -- 10/16/91
Total Return Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund 3/23/98 -- -- --
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC
Alliance Growth Portfolio 12/4/96 21.22% 23.92%* -- 6/20/94
MFS Total Return Portfolio 12/4/96 12.33% 11.43%* -- 6/20/94
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio 4/1/97 13.46%* -- -- 4/1/97
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
Equity Income Portfolio 12/4/96 24.47% 25.70%* -- 8/30/96
Federated High Yield Portfolio 12/4/96 7.84% 7.39%* -- 8/30/96
Federated Stock Portfolio 12/4/96 25.65% 20.76%* -- 8/30/96
Large Cap Portfolio 12/4/96 15.72% 17.13% -- 8/30/96
Lazard International Stock Portfolio 12/4/96 0.61% 3.25%* -- 8/30/96
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio 12/4/96 13.33% 12.81%* -- 8/30/96
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio 3/23/98 -- -- --
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio 12/4/96 -0.37% -0.25%* -- 8/30/96
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio 5/1/98 -- -- --
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund 24.38% 28.32% 17.62% 14.77%
Money Market Portfolio 3.60% 3.03% 2.64% 3.83%
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND, INC
REIT Series -- -- -- --
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Capital Appreciation Portfolio -- -- -- --
Small Cap Portfolio -- -- -- --
GREENWICH STREET SERIES FUND
Appreciation Portfolio 24.66% 23.24% 14.03% 12.78%*
Diversified Strategic Income Portfolio 6.63% 10.21% 7.32% 6.04%*
Total Return Portfolio -- -- -- --
SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund -- -- -- --
TRAVELERS SERIES FUND, INC
Alliance Growth Portfolio 27.24% 29.21% 25.91% --
MFS Total Return Portfolio 19.56% 18.70% 14.94%* --
THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
Convertible Bond Portfolio -- -- -- --
Disciplined Mid Cap Stock Portfolio 33.00%* -- -- --
Disciplined Small Cap Stock Portfolio -- -- -- --
Equity Income Portfolio 30.48% 32.07% -- --
Federated High Yield Portfolio 13.85% 15.99%* -- --
Federated Stock Portfolio 31.67% 33.78%* -- --
Large Cap Portfolio 21.74% 26.74%* -- --
Lazard International Stock Portfolio 6.63% 9.88%* -- --
MFS Emerging Growth Portfolio 19.34% 18.80%* -- --
MFS Mid Cap Growth Portfolio -- -- -- --
Travelers Quality Bond Portfolio 5.65% 6.57%* -- --
WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
Emerging Markets Portfolio -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

* Figures represent period "Since Inception," as defined below.

6
<PAGE> 100
TRAVELERS PREMIER ADVISERS
VARIABLE ANNUITY
FUND PERFORMANCE AS OF 12/31/97

---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio -1.09% - - - - - - - - - - - -
Global Equity Portfolio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MAS Mid Cap Value Portfolio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MAS Value Portfolio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio 10.36% 28.15% 38.62% 76.90%
Emerging Growth Portfolio 18.77% - - - - - - - - - - - -
Enterprise Portfolio 32.46% 117.01% 122.98% 340.64%
Government Portfolio 8.10% 25.78% 25.82% 90.87%
Growth and Income Portfolio 19.90% - - - - - - - - - - - -
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio 19.83% - - - - - - - - - - - -
Money Market Portfolio 3.60% 11.44% 15.38% 48.40%

SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Salomon Brothers Variable High Yield Bond Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Salomon Brothers Variable Capital Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Salomon Brothers Variable Strategic Bond Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NONSTANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND NAME 3 YR 5 YR 10 YR SINCE INCEPTION
INCEPTION DATE
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio - - - - - - - - - -2.76% 10/1/96
Global Equity Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 18.57% 1/2/97
MAS Mid Cap Value Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 39.40% 1/2/97
MAS Value Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 19.50% 1/2/97

VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
Domestic Income Portfolio 8.60% 6.74% 5.86% 5.90% 11/4/87
Emerging Growth Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 20.37% 7/3/95
Enterprise Portfolio 29.41% 17.39% 15.97% 11.14% 4/7/86
Government Portfolio 7.93% 4.70% 6.67% 5.62% 4/7/86
Growth and Income Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 19.05% 12/23/96
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio - - - - - - - - - 26.09% 7/3/95
Money Market Portfolio 3.67% 2.90% 4.02% 4.12% 4/7/86

SALOMON BROTHERS VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.:
Salomon Brothers Variable Investors Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2/17/98
Salomon Brothers Variable High Yield Bond Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2/17/98
Salomon Brothers Variable Capital Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2/17/98
Salomon Brothers Variable Strategic Bond Fund - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2/17/98
</TABLE>

7
<PAGE> 101
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following description of the federal income tax consequences under
this Contract is not exhaustive and is not intended to cover all situations.
Because of the complexity of the law and the fact that the tax results will vary
according to the factual status of the individual involved, tax advice may be
needed by a person contemplating purchase of an annuity contract and by a
contract owner or beneficiary who may make elections under a contract. For
further information, please consult a qualified tax adviser.

MANDATORY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS

Federal tax law requires that minimum annual distributions begin by
April 1st of the calendar year following the calendar year in which a
participant under a qualified plan, a Section 403(b) annuity, or an IRA attains
age 70 1/2. Distributions must also begin or be continued according to required
patterns following the death of the contract owner or the annuitant.

NONQUALIFIED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

Individuals may purchase tax-deferred annuities without tax law funding
limits. The purchase payments receive no tax benefit, deduction or deferral, but
increases in the value of the contract are generally deferred from tax until
distribution. If a nonqualified annuity is owned by other than an individual,
however, (e.g., by a corporation), the increases in value attributable to
purchase payments made after February 28, 1986 are includable in income
annually. Furthermore, for contracts issued after April 22, 1987, all deferred
increases in value will be includable in the income of a contract owner when the
contract owner transfers the contract without adequate consideration.

If two or more annuity contracts are purchased from the same insurer
within the same calendar year, distributions from any of them will be taxed
based upon the amount of income in all of the same calendar year series of
annuities. This will generally have the effect of causing taxes to be paid
sooner on the deferred gain in the contracts.

Those receiving partial distributions made before the maturity date will
generally be taxed on an income-first basis to the extent of income in the
contract. If you are exchanging another annuity contract for this annuity,
certain pre-August 14, 1982 deposits into an annuity contract that have been
placed in the contract by means of a tax-deferred exchange under Section 1035 of
the Code may be withdrawn first without income tax liability. This information
on deposits must be provided to the Company by the other insurance company at
the time of the exchange. There is income in the contract generally to the
extent the cash value exceeds the investment in the contract. The investment in
the contract is equal to the amount of premiums paid less any amount received
previously which was excludable from gross income. Any direct or indirect
borrowing against the value of the contract or pledging of the contract as
security for a loan will be treated as a cash distribution under the tax law.

The federal tax law requires that nonqualified annuity contracts meet
minimum mandatory distribution requirements upon the death of the contract
owner, including the first of joint owners. Failure to meet these requirements
will cause the surviving joint owner, or the beneficiary to lose the tax
benefits associated with annuity contracts, i.e., primarily the tax deferral
prior to distribution. The distribution required depends, among other things,
upon whether an annuity option is elected or whether the new contract owner is
the surviving spouse. Contracts will be administered by the

8
<PAGE> 102
Company in accordance with these rules and the Company will make a notification
when payments should be commenced.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

To the extent of earned income for the year and not exceeding $2,000 per
individual, an individual may make deductible contributions to an individual
retirement annuity (IRA). There are certain limits on the deductible amount
based on the adjusted gross income of the individual and spouse and based on
their participation in a retirement plan. If an individual is married and the
spouse does not have earned income, the individual may establish IRAs for the
individual and spouse. Purchase payments may then be made annually into IRAs for
both spouses in the maximum amount of 100% of earned income up to a combined
limit of $4,000.

The Code provides for the purchase of a Simplified Employee Pension
(SEP) plan. A SEP is funded through an IRA with an annual employer contribution
limit of 15% of compensation up to $30,000 for each participant.

SIMPLE Plan IRA Form

Effective January 1, 1997, employers may establish a savings incentive
match plan for employees ("SIMPLE plan") under which employees can make elective
salary reduction contributions to an IRA based on a percentage of compensation
of up to $6,000. (Alternatively, the employer can establish a SIMPLE cash or
deferred arrangement under IRS Section 401(k)). Under a SIMPLE plan IRA, the
employer must either make a matching contribution of 100% on the first 3% or 7%
contribution for all eligible employees. Early withdrawals are subject to the
10% early withdrawal penalty generally applicable to IRAs, except that an early
withdrawal by an employee under a SIMPLE plan IRA, within the first two years of
participation, shall be subject to a 25% early withdrawal tax.

ROTH IRAS

Effective January 1, 1998, Section 408A of the Code permits certain
individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA. Eligibility to make contributions is
based upon income, and the applicable limits vary based on marital status and/or
whether the contribution is a rollover contribution from another IRA or an
annual contribution. Contributions to a Roth IRA, which are subject to certain
limitations ($2,000 per year for annual contributions), are not deductible and
must be made in cash or as a rollover or transfer from another Roth IRA or other
IRA. A conversion of a "traditional" IRA to a Roth IRA may be subject to tax and
other special rules apply. You should consult a tax adviser before combining any
converted amounts with other Roth IRA contributions, including any other
conversion amounts from other tax years.

Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are tax-free. A qualified
distribution requires that the Roth IRA has been held for at least 5 years, and
the distribution is made after age 59 1/2, on death or disability of the owner,
or for a limited amount ($10,000) for a qualified first time home purchase for
the owner or certain relatives. Income tax and a 10% penalty tax may apply to
distributions made (1) before age 59 1/2 (subject to certain exceptions) or (2)
during five taxable years starting with the year in which the first contribution
is made to the Roth IRA.

9
<PAGE> 103
QUALIFIED PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS

Under a qualified pension or profit-sharing plan, purchase payments made
by an employer are not currently taxable to the participant and increases in the
value of a contract are not subject to taxation until received by a participant
or beneficiary.

Distributions are taxable to the participant or beneficiary as ordinary
income in the year of receipt. Any distribution that is considered the
participant's "investment in the contract" is treated as a return of capital and
is not taxable. Certain lump-sum distributions may be eligible for special
forward averaging tax treatment for certain classes of individuals.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

The portion of a distribution which is taxable income to the recipient
will be subject to federal income tax withholding as follows:

1. ELIGIBLE ROLLOVER DISTRIBUTION FROM SECTION 403(b) PLANS OR ARRANGEMENTS OR
FROM QUALIFIED PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS

There is a mandatory 20% tax withholding for plan distributions that are
eligible for rollover to an IRA or to another retirement plan but that are not
directly rolled over. A distribution made directly to a participant or
beneficiary may avoid this result if:

(a) a periodic settlement distribution is elected based upon a life or life
expectancy calculation, or

(b) a term-for-years settlement distribution is elected for a period of ten
years or more, payable at least annually, or

(c) a minimum required distribution as defined under the tax law is taken
after the attainment of the age of 701/2 or as otherwise required by
law.

A distribution including a rollover that is not a direct rollover will be
subject to the 20% withholding, and a 10% additional tax penalty may apply to
any amount not added back in the rollover. The 20% withholding may be recovered
when the participant or beneficiary files a personal income tax return for the
year if a rollover was completed within 60 days of receipt of the funds, except
to the extent that the participant or spousal beneficiary is otherwise
underwithheld or short on estimated taxes for that year.

2. OTHER NON-PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS (FULL OR PARTIAL REDEMPTIONS)

To the extent not described as requiring 20% withholding in 1 above, the
portion of a non-periodic distribution which constitutes taxable income will be
subject to federal income tax withholding, if the aggregate distributions exceed
$200 for the year, unless the recipient elects not to have taxes withheld. If no
such election is made, 10% of the taxable distribution will be withheld as
federal income tax. Election forms will be provided at the time distributions
are requested. This form of withholding applies to all annuity programs.

10
<PAGE> 104

3. PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS (DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE OVER A PERIOD GREATER THAN ONE
YEAR)

The portion of a periodic distribution which constitutes taxable income will
be subject to federal income tax withholding under the wage withholding tables
as if the recipient were married claiming three exemptions. A recipient may
elect not to have income taxes withheld or have income taxes withheld at a
different rate by providing a completed election form. Election forms will be
provided at the time distributions are requested. This form of withholding
applies to all annuity programs. As of January 1, 1998, a recipient receiving
periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual payments under an annuity option)
which total $15,200 or less per year, will generally be exempt from periodic
withholding.

Recipients who elect not to have withholding made are liable for payment of
federal income tax on the taxable portion of the distribution. All recipients
may also be subject to penalties under the estimated tax payment rules if
withholding and estimated tax payments are not sufficient to cover tax
liabilities.

Recipients who do not provide a social security number or other taxpayer
identification number will not be permitted to elect out of withholding.
Additionally, U.S citizens residing outside of the country, or U.S. legal
residents temporarily residing outside the country, are not permitted to elect
out of withholding.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1997 of
Fund ABD II, included in the Annual Report incorporated by reference in this
SAI, have been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1997, have been included herein in reliance upon the report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing
elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.

11
<PAGE> 105
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Shareholder
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The Travelers Life and
Annuity Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
income and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The Travelers Life and Annuity
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
January 26, 1998

F-1
<PAGE> 106
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
($ in thousands)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----

<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Premiums $ 35,190 $ 17,462 $ 10,691
Net investment income 168,653 151,326 123,197
Realized investment gains (losses) 44,871 (9,613) 18,713
Other 8,163 2,276 1,286
-------- -------- --------
Total Revenues 256,877 161,451 153,887
-------- -------- --------

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Current and future insurance benefits 95,639 77,285 73,818
Interest credited to contractholders 35,165 35,607 30,472
Operating expenses, including amortization of deferred acquisition
costs and value of insurance in force 16,498 8,977 6,161
-------- -------- --------
Total Benefits and Expenses 147,302 121,869 110,451
-------- -------- --------

Income before federal income taxes 109,575 39,582 43,436
-------- -------- --------

Federal income taxes:
Current 33,859 29,456 2,555
Deferred expense (benefit) 4,344 (15,665) 11,964
-------- -------- --------
Total Federal Income Taxes 38,203 13,791 14,519
-------- -------- --------

Net income 71,372 25,791 28,917
Retained earnings beginning of year 167,698 157,907 128,990
Dividends to parent 14,000 16,000 -
-------- -------- --------
Retained Earnings End of Year $225,070 $167,698 $157,907
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-2
<PAGE> 107
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)

DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996
- ------------ ---- ----

<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available for sale at fair value (cost, $1,571,121; $1,440,806) $1,678,120 $1,484,670
Equity securities, at fair value (cost, $15,092; $12,396) 16,289 15,902
Mortgage loans 160,247 128,440
Real estate held for sale - 10,111
Policy loans 2,894 1,750
Short-term securities 169,229 81,162
Other invested assets 118,348 88,641
---------- ----------
Total Investments $2,145,127 $1,810,676
---------- ----------

Separate accounts 812,059 290,940
Deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force 90,966 40,027
Deferred federal income taxes 33,661 57,617
Other assets 73,414 55,023
---------- ----------
Total Assets $3,155,227 $2,254,283
---------- ----------

LIABILITIES
Future policy benefits $971,602 $967,621
Contractholder funds 818,971 582,183
Separate accounts 812,059 290,716
Other liabilities 86,934 41,895
---------- ----------
Total Liabilities $2,689,566 $1,882,415
---------- ----------

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, par value $100; 100,000 shares authorized, 30,000 issued and outstanding 3,000 3,000
Additional paid-in capital 167,314 167,314
Retained earnings 225,070 167,698
Unrealized investment gains, net of taxes 70,277 33,856
---------- ----------
Total Shareholder's Equity 465,661 371,868
---------- ----------

Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity $3,155,227 $2,254,283
========== ==========
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-3

<PAGE> 108
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
($ in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------- ---- ---- ----

<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Premiums collected $ 34,553 $ 6,472 $ 1,950
Net investment income received 170,460 71,083 66,219
Benefits and claims paid (90,820) (70,331) (71,710)
Interest credited to contractholders (35,165) (813) -
Operating expenses paid (40,868) (5,482) (3,013)
Income taxes paid (22,440) (23,931) (35,305)
Other (7,702) (6,857) (6,772)
---------- --------- ---------
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 8,018 (29,859) (48,631)
---------- --------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from maturities of investments
Fixed maturities 81,899 20,301 11,752
Mortgage loans 8,972 37,789 24,137
Proceeds from sales of investments
Fixed maturities 856,846 978,970 459,971
Equity securities 12,404 12,818 11,823
Mortgage loans 5,483 22,437 7,013
Real estate held for sale 4,493 - -
Purchases of investments
Fixed maturities (1,020,803) (994,443) (515,098)
Equity securities (6,382) (5,412) (156)
Mortgage loans (41,967) (21,450) (4,890)
Policy loans (1,144) (1,750) -
Short-term securities, purchases, net (88,067) (19,688) (5,051)
Other investments, (purchases) sales, net (51,502) (6,160) 9,274
Securities transactions in course of settlement 10,526 (51,703) 45,727
---------- --------- ---------
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities (229,242) (28,291) 44,502
---------- --------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Contractholder fund deposits 325,932 96,490 5,707
Contractholder fund withdrawals (89,145) (22,340) (1,874)
Dividends to parent company (14,000) (16,000) -
---------- --------- ---------
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $ 222,787 $ 58,150 $ 3,833
---------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash $ 1,563 $ - $ (296)
---------- --------- ---------
Cash at December 31, $ 1,563 $ - $ -
========== ========= =========
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-4
<PAGE> 109
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the accompanying
financial statements follow.

Basis of Presentation

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (the Company) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Travelers Insurance Company (TIC), an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc. (Travelers Group). The financial
statements and accompanying footnotes of the Company are prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation
of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of revenues and benefits and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accompanying financial statements reflect a change in presentation of
the assets, liabilities and operations of the structured settlement
separate account business of the Company. The assets and liabilities were
previously reported in separate account line items and are now incorporated
in various financial statement classifications. As a result of this change,
invested assets in the amount of $814.5 million and $863.6 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, associated with structured
settlement contract obligations, are reported as investments. The related
structured settlement contract obligations, which were $842.3 million and
$809.1 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are included in
future policy benefits and contractholder funds. Additionally, structured
settlement transactions included in the income statement for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are premiums of $23.2 million, $8.1
million and $8.0 million, respectively, net investment income of $65.9
million, $62.3 million and $60.0 million, respectively, and benefits and
expenses of $66.5 million, $56.4 million and $51.8 million, respectively.
The 1996 and 1995 amounts were previously reported as a net $13.9 million
and $16.2 million, respectively, included in other revenue.

This change in presentation has no effect on net income, total assets,
total liabilities, or shareholder's equity as reflected in the statements
of income and retained earnings, and balance sheets for the periods
presented.

The Company has determined that a change in presentation was warranted
because of the nature of this particular separate account and the change in
product focus of the Company. The assets of the structured settlement
separate account are owned by, and investment risk is borne by, the
Company, which also guarantees the obligations of this separate account.
Consequently, the Company, not the contractholder, bears the risks of this
separate account.

The Company is now offering a variety of variable annuity products where
the investment risk is borne by the contractholder, not the Company, and
the benefits are not guaranteed. The premiums and deposits related to these
products are reported in separate accounts. The Company considers it
necessary to differentiate, for financial statement purposes, the results
of the risks it has assumed from those it has not. See also Note 6.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial
statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

F-5
<PAGE> 110
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Accounting Changes

EMPLOYERS' DISCLOSURES ABOUT PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

In February, 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers'
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" (FAS 132).
FAS 132 supersedes the disclosure requirements in FASB Statements No. 87,
"Employers' Accounting for Pensions," No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for
Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefits Pension Plans and
Termination of Benefits," and No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." FAS 132 addresses disclosure
only and does not address measurement or recognition. In addition to other
disclosure changes, FAS 132 allows employers to disclose total
contributions to multi-employer plans without disaggregating the amounts
attributable to pensions and other postretirement benefits. This statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Earlier
application is encouraged. Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted
FAS 132. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on results
of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

ACCOUNTING FOR TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND
EXTINGUISHMENTS OF LIABILITIES

Effective January 1, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of
Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" (FAS 125). FAS 125
establishes accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing
of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. These standards are
based on an approach that focuses on control. Under this approach, after a
transfer of financial assets, an entity recognizes the financial and
servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred,
derecognizes financial assets when control has been surrendered, and
derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. FAS 125 provides standards for
distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers
that are secured borrowings. The requirements of FAS 125 are effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of
liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996, and are to be applied
prospectively. However, in December 1996 the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of
Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125," which delays until January
1, 1998 the effective date for certain provisions. Application of FAS 125
prior to the effective date or retroactively is not permitted. The adoption
of the provisions of FAS 125 effective January 1, 1997 did not have a
material impact on results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
The adoption of the provisions of FAS 127 effective January, 1998 will not
have a material impact on the results of operations, financial condition or
liquidity of the Company.

ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED
ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF

Effective January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement
establishes accounting standards for the impairment of long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed. This statement
requires a write down to fair value when long-lived assets to be held and
used are impaired. The statement also requires long-lived assets to be
disposed (e.g., real estate held for sale) be carried at the lower of cost
or fair value less cost to sell, and does not allow such assets to be
depreciated. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact
on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

F-6

<PAGE> 111
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (FAS 123).
This statement establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for
stock-based employee compensation plans as well as transactions in which an
entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods or services from
non-employees. This statement defines a fair value-based method of
accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments, and
encourages all entities to adopt this method of accounting for all employee
stock compensation plans. However, it also allows an entity to continue to
measure compensation cost for those plans using the intrinsic value-based
method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25). Entities electing
to remain with the accounting method prescribed in APB 25 must make
pro-forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share, as if the fair
value-based method of accounting defined by FAS 123 had been applied. FAS
123 is applicable to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The
Company has elected to continue to account for its stock-based employee
compensation plans using the accounting method prescribed by APB 25 and,
had the Company applied FAS 123 in accounting for stock options, net income
would have been reduced by an insignificant amount in 1997, 1996 and 1995.
The Company has adopted FAS 123 for its stock-based non-employee
compensation plans.

Accounting Policies

INVESTMENTS

Fixed maturities include bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stocks. Fair
values of investments in fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices
or dealer quotes or, if these are not available, discounted expected cash
flows using market rates commensurate with the credit quality and maturity
of the investment. Fixed maturities are classified as "available for sale"
and are reported at fair value, with unrealized investment gains and
losses, net of income taxes, charged or credited directly to shareholder's
equity.

Equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred
stocks, are classified as "available for sale" and are carried at fair
value based primarily on quoted market prices. Changes in fair values of
equity securities are charged or credited directly to shareholder's equity,
net of income taxes.

Mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost. A mortgage loan is considered
impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect
principal and interest amounts due. For mortgage loans that are determined
to be impaired, a reserve is established for the difference between the
amortized cost and fair market value of the underlying collateral. In
estimating fair value, the Company uses interest rates reflecting the
higher returns required in the current real estate financing market.
Impaired loans were insignificant at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value
less estimated cost to sell. Fair value of foreclosed properties is
established at the time of foreclosure by internal analysis or external
appraisers, using discounted cash flow analyses and other accepted
techniques. Thereafter, an allowance for losses on real estate held for
sale is established if the carrying value of the property exceeds its
current fair value less estimated costs to sell. There was no such
allowance at December 31, 1996.

Short-term securities, consisting primarily of money market instruments and
other debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year, are
carried at amortized cost which approximates market.

F-7
<PAGE> 112
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Accrual of income, included in other assets, is suspended on fixed
maturities or mortgage loans that are in default, or on which it is likely
that future payments will not be made as scheduled. Interest income on
investments in default is recognized only as payment is received.

Included in investments are invested assets associated with Structured
Settlement Guaranteed Separate Accounts where the investment risk is borne
by the Company. See Note 6.

INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES

Realized investment gains and losses are included as a component of pre-tax
revenues based upon specific identification of the investments sold on the
trade date. Also included are gains and losses arising from the
remeasurement of the local currency value of foreign investments to U.S.
dollars, the functional currency of the Company.

POLICY LOANS

Policy loans are carried at the amount of the unpaid balances that are not
in excess of the net cash surrender values of the related insurance
policies. The carrying value of policy loans, which have no defined
maturities, is considered to be fair value.

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

The Company has separate account assets and liabilities representing funds
for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly
to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholders. Each of these
accounts have specific investment objectives. The assets and liabilities of
these accounts are carried at fair value, and amounts assessed to the
contractholders for management services are included in revenues. Deposits,
net investment income and realized investment gains and losses for these
accounts are excluded from revenues, and related liability increases are
excluded from benefits and expenses.

The Company also has a separate account for structured settlement annuity
obligations where the investment risk is borne by the Company. The assets
and liabilities of this separate account are included in investments,
future policy benefits and contractholder funds for financial reporting
purposes. See Note 6.

DEFERRED ACQUISITION COSTS AND VALUE OF INSURANCE IN FORCE

Costs of acquiring individual life insurance and annuity business,
principally commissions and certain expenses related to policy issuance,
underwriting and marketing, all of which vary with and are primarily
related to the production of new business, are deferred. Acquisition costs
relating to traditional life insurance are amortized in relation to
anticipated premiums; universal life in relation to estimated gross
profits; and annuity contracts employing a level yield method. A 10- to
25-year amortization period is used for life insurance, and a 10- to
20-year period is employed for annuities. Deferred acquisition costs are
reviewed periodically for recoverability to determine if any adjustment is
required. Adjustments, if any are charged to income.

F-8
<PAGE> 113
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

The value of insurance in force represents the actuarially determined
present value of anticipated profits to be realized from annuities
contracts at the date of acquisition using the same assumptions that were
used for computing related liabilities where appropriate. The value of
insurance in force was the actuarially determined present value of the
projected future profits discounted at an interest rate of 16% for the
business acquired. The value of the business in force is amortized using
current interest crediting rates to accrete interest and amortized
employing a level yield method. The value of insurance in force is reviewed
periodically for recoverability to determine if any adjustment is required.
Adjustments, if any, are charged to income.

FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS

Benefit reserves represent liabilities for future insurance policy
benefits. Benefit reserves for life insurance and annuity policies have
been computed based upon mortality, morbidity, persistency and interest
assumptions applicable to these coverages, which range from 3.0% to 7.5%,
including a provision for adverse deviation. These assumptions consider
Company experience and industry standards. The assumptions vary by plan,
age at issue, year of issue and duration.

CONTRACTHOLDER FUNDS

Contractholder funds represent receipts from the issuance of universal
life, certain individual annuity contracts, and structured settlement
contracts. Contractholder fund balances are increased by such receipts and
credited interest and reduced by withdrawals, mortality charges and
administrative expenses charged to the contractholders. Interest rates
credited to contractholder funds range from 3.9% to 7.2%.

PERMITTED STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

The Company, domiciled in the State of Connecticut, prepares statutory
financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed
or permitted by the State of Connecticut Insurance Department. Prescribed
statutory accounting practices include certain publications of the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners as well as state laws, regulations,
and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices
encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The impact of any
permitted accounting practices on the statutory surplus of the Company is
not material.

PREMIUMS

Premiums are recognized as revenues when due. Reserves are established for
the portion of premiums that will be earned in future periods.

OTHER REVENUES

Other revenues include surrender, mortality and administrative charges, and
fees earned on investment and other insurance contracts.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The provision for federal income taxes is comprised of two components,
current income taxes and deferred income taxes. Deferred federal income
taxes arise from changes during the year in cumulative temporary
differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities.
The deferred federal income tax asset is recognized to the extent that
future realization of the tax benefit is more likely than not, with a
valuation allowance for the portion that is not likely to be recognized.

F-9
<PAGE> 114
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Future Application of Accounting Standards

In December 1997, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of
Position 97-3, "Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for
Insurance-Related Assessments" (SOP 97-3). SOP 97-3 provides guidance for
determining when an entity should recognize a liability for guaranty-fund
and other insurance-related assessments, how to measure that liability, and
when an asset may be recognized for the recovery of such assessments
through premium tax offsets or policy surcharges. This SOP is effective for
financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998,
and the effect of initial adoption is to be reported as a cumulative
catch-up adjustment. Restatement of previously issued financial statements
is not allowed. The Company has not yet determined when it will implement
this SOP and does not anticipate any material impact on the Company's
financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (FAS 130). FAS 130 establishes
standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its
components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. All items
that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as components
of comprehensive income are to be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. FAS 130
stipulates that comprehensive income reflect the change in equity of an
enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and
circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income will thus
represent the sum of net income and other comprehensive income, although
FAS 130 does not require the use of the terms comprehensive income or other
comprehensive income. The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income
shall be displayed separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in
capital in the statement of financial position. FAS 130 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company anticipates
that the adoption of FAS 130 will result primarily in reporting unrealized
gains and losses on investments in debt and equity securities in
comprehensive income.

In June 1997, the FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" (FAS 131). FAS 131 establishes standards for the way that
public enterprises report information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires that selected information about those
operating segments be reported in interim financial statements. FAS 131
supersedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 14, "Financial
Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise" (FAS 14). FAS 131 requires
that all public enterprises report financial and descriptive information
about its reportable operating segments. Operating segments are defined as
components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is
available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decisionmaker
in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. FAS 131
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The
Company's reportable operating segment will not change as a result of the
adoption of FAS 131.

F-10
<PAGE> 115
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

2. REINSURANCE

The Company participates in reinsurance in order to limit losses, minimize
exposure to large risks, provide capacity for future growth and to effect
business-sharing arrangements. The Company remains primarily liable as the
direct insurer on all risks reinsured.

Life insurance in force ceded to TIC at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was
$76.4 million and $90.7 million, respectively. Life insurance in force
ceded to non-affiliates at December 31, 1997 and 1996, was $4.5 billion and
$2.2 billion, respectively.

3. SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

See Note 11 for an analysis of the change in unrealized gains and losses on
investments.

Shareholder's Equity and Dividend Availability

The Company's statutory net income was $80.3 million, $17.9 million and
$23.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

Statutory capital and surplus was $328.2 million and $254.1 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Company is currently subject to various regulatory restrictions that
limit the maximum amount of dividends available to be paid to its parent
without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities. Statutory
surplus of $63.6 million is available in 1998 for dividend payments by the
Company without prior approval of the Connecticut Insurance Department.

4. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, including financial
futures, equity options, forward contracts and interest rate swaps as a
means of hedging exposure to foreign currency, equity price changes and/or
interest rate risk on anticipated transactions or existing assets and
liabilities. The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for
trading purposes.

These derivative financial instruments have off-balance sheet risk.
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of these
instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in a
particular class of financial instrument. However, the maximum loss of cash
flow associated with these instruments can be less than these amounts. For
forward contracts and interest rate swaps, credit risk is limited to the
amounts calculated to be due the Company on such contracts. Financial
futures contracts and purchased listed option contracts have little credit
risk since organized exchanges are the counterparties.

F-11
<PAGE> 116
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

The Company monitors creditworthiness of counterparties to these financial
instruments by using criteria of acceptable risk that are consistent with
on-balance sheet financial instruments. The controls include credit
approvals, limits and other monitoring procedures.

The Company uses exchange traded financial futures contracts to manage its
exposure to changes in interest rates which arise from the sale of certain
insurance and investment products, or the need to reinvest proceeds from
the sale or maturity of investments. To hedge against adverse changes in
interest rates, the Company enters long or short positions in financial
futures contracts to offset asset price changes resulting from changes in
market interest rates until an investment is purchased or a product is
sold.

Margin payments are required to enter a futures contract and contract gains
or losses are settled daily in cash. The contract amount of futures
contracts represents the extent of the Company's involvement, but not
future cash requirements, as open positions are typically closed out prior
to the delivery date of the contract.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company held financial futures contracts
with notional amounts of $156.3 million and $20.3 million, respectively. At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company's futures contracts had no fair
value because these contracts are marked to market and settled in cash
daily.

The off-balance sheet risks of equity options, forward contracts, and
interest rate swaps were not significant at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company issues fixed and variable
rate loan commitments and has unfunded commitments to partnerships. The
off-balance sheet risk of these financial instruments was not significant
at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments

The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its
business. Fair values of financial instruments that are considered
insurance contracts are not required to be disclosed and are not included
in the amounts discussed.

At December 31, 1997, investments in fixed maturities had a carrying value
and a fair value of $1.7 billion, compared with a carrying value and a fair
value of $1.5 billion at December 31, 1996. See Notes 1 and 11.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, mortgage loans had a carrying value of
$160.2 million and $128.4 million, respectively, which approximates fair
value. In estimating fair value, the Company used interest rates reflecting
the higher returns required in the current real estate financing market.

The carrying values of $33.8 million and $22.7 million of financial
instruments classified as other assets approximated their fair values at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The carrying values of $72.7
million and $38.5 million of financial instruments classified as other
liabilities also approximated their fair values at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Fair value is determined using various methods,
including discounted cash flows, as appropriate for the various financial
instruments.

F-12
<PAGE> 117
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1997, contractholder funds with defined maturities had a
carrying value of $694.9 million and a fair value of $695.9 million,
compared with a carrying value of $546.5 million and a fair value of $545.2
million at December 31, 1996. The fair value of these contracts is
determined by discounting expected cash flows at an interest rate
commensurate with the Company's credit risk and the expected timing of cash
flows. Contractholder funds without defined maturities had a carrying value
of $98.5 million and a fair value of $93.9 million at December 31, 1997,
compared with a carrying value of $26.9 million and a fair value of $25.6
million at December 31, 1996. These contracts generally are valued at
surrender value.

The carrying values of short-term securities and policy loans approximated
their fair values.

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company has, in the normal course of business, provided fixed rate loan
commitments and commitments to partnerships.

The off-balance sheet risks of fixed rate loan commitments, commitments to
partnerships and forward contracts were not significant at December 31,
1997 and 1996.

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in various litigation matters in the normal
course of business. Although there can be no assurances, as of December 31,
1997, the Company believes, based on information currently available, that
the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings would not be likely to
have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial
condition or liquidity.

6. STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT CONTRACTS

The Company has structured settlement contracts that provide guarantees for
the contractholders independent of the investment performance of the assets
held in the related separate account. The assets held in the separate
account are owned by the Company and contractholders do not share in their
investment performance.

The Company maintains assets sufficient to fund the guaranteed benefits
attributable to the liabilities. Assets held in the separate account cannot
be used to satisfy any other obligations of the Company.

The Company reports the related assets and liabilities in investments,
future policy benefit reserves and contractholder funds.

F-13
<PAGE> 118
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

7. BENEFIT PLANS

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company participates in a qualified, noncontributory defined benefit
pension plan sponsored by an affiliate. In addition, the Company provides
certain other postretirement benefits to retired employees through a plan
sponsored by an affiliate. The Company's share of net expense for the
qualified pension and other postretirement benefit plans was not
significant for 1997, 1996 and 1995. Beginning January 1, 1996, the
Company's other postretirement benefit plans were amended to restrict
benefit eligibility to retirees and certain retiree-eligible employees.
Previously, covered employees could become eligible for postretirement
benefits if they reached retirement age while working for the Company.

401(k) Savings Plan

Substantially all of the Company's employees are eligible to participate in
a 401(k) savings plan sponsored by Travelers Group. Prior to January 1,
1996, the Company made matching contributions to the 401(k) savings plan on
behalf of participants in the amount of 50% of the first 5% of pre-tax
contributions made by the employee, plus an additional variable matching
contribution based on the profitability of The Travelers Insurance Group
Inc. (TIGI) and its subsidiaries. During 1996, the Company made matching
contributions in an amount equal to the lesser of 100% of the pre-tax
contributions made by the employee or $1,000. Effective January 1, 1997,
the Company discontinued matching contributions for the majority of its
employees. The Company's expenses in connection with the 401(k) savings
plan were not significant in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The principal banking functions, including payment of salaries and
expenses, for certain subsidiaries and affiliates of TIGI, including the
Company, are handled by two companies. TIC handles banking functions for
the life and annuity operations of Travelers Life and Annuity and some of
its non-insurance affiliates. The Travelers Indemnity Company handles
banking functions for the property-casualty operations, including most of
its property-casualty insurance and non-insurance affiliates. Settlements
between companies are made at least monthly. TIC provides various employee
benefit coverages to certain subsidiaries of TIGI. The premiums for these
coverages were charged in accordance with cost allocation procedures based
upon salaries or census. In addition, investment advisory and management
services, data processing services and claims processing services are
provided by affiliated companies. Charges for these services are shared by
the companies on cost allocation methods based generally on estimated usage
by department.

TIC maintains a short-term investment pool in which the Company
participates. The position of each company participating in the pool is
calculated and adjusted daily. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the pool
totaled approximately $2.6 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. The
Company's share of the pool amounted to $145.5 million and $68.2 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and is included in short-term
securities in the balance sheet.

The Company's TTM Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contracts are subject to a
limited guarantee agreement by TIC in a principal amount of up to $400
million. TIC's obligation is to pay in full to any owner or beneficiary of
the TTM Modified Guaranteed Annuity Contracts principal and interest as and
when due under the annuity contract to the extent that the Company fails to
make such payment. In addition, TIC guarantees that the Company will
maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus level.

F-14
<PAGE> 119
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

The Company sells structured settlement annuities to an affiliate, The
Travelers Indemnity Company. Premiums and deposits were $70.6 million,
$36.9 million and $36.6 million for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Company began marketing variable annuity products through its
affiliate, Salomon Smith Barney, in 1995. Premiums and deposits
related to these products were $615.6 million, $300.0 million and $20.5
million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Company participates in a stock option plan sponsored by Travelers
Group that provides for the granting of stock options in Travelers Group
common stock to officers and key employees. To further encourage employee
stock ownership, during 1997 Travelers Group introduced the WealthBuilder
stock option program. Under this program, all employees meeting certain
requirements have been granted Travelers Group stock options.

Most leasing functions for TIGI and its subsidiaries are handled by TAP.
Rent expense related to these leases are shared by the companies on a cost
allocation method based generally on estimated usage by department. The
Company's rent expense was insignificant in 1997, 1996 and 1995.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had investments in Tribeca
Investments LLC in the amounts of $16.5 million and $7.8 million, included
in other invested assets.

9. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
($ in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
------------------------------- ---- ---- ----

<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income Before Federal Income Taxes $109,575 $39,582 $43,436
Statutory Tax Rate 35% 35% 35%
-------- ------- -------
Expected Federal Income Taxes 38,351 13,854 15,203
Tax Effect of:
Non-taxable investment income (24) (15) (13)
Other, net (124) (48) (671)
-------- ------- -------
Federal Income Taxes 38,203 $13,791 $14,519
======== ======= =======
Effective Tax Rate 35% 35% 33%
-------- ------- -------

COMPOSITION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Current:
United States 33,805 $29,435 $2,555
Foreign 54 21 -
-------- ------- -------
Total 33,859 29,456 2,555
-------- ------- -------

Deferred:
United States 4,344 (15,665) 11,964
-------- ------- -------
Total Net Earned Premiums $38,203 $13,791 $14,519
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>

F-15
<PAGE> 120
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

The net deferred tax assets at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were comprised of
the tax effects of temporary differences related to the following assets
and liabilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

($ in thousands) 1997 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>

Deferred Tax Assets:
Benefit, reinsurance and other reserves $100,969 $79,484
Other 2,571 3,043
-------- -------
Total 103,540 82,527
-------- -------

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Investments, net 42,933 12,113
Deferred acquisition costs and value of insurance in force 23,650 10,066
Other 1,226 662
------- -------
Total 67,809 22,841
------- -------

Net Deferred Tax Asset Before Valuation Allowance 35,731 59,686
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets (2,070) (2,070)
------- -------

Net Deferred Tax Asset After Valuation Allowance $33,661 $57,616
------- -------
</TABLE>

Starting in 1994 and continuing for at least five years, TIC and its life
insurance subsidiaries, including the Company, has filed, and will file, a
consolidated federal income tax return. Federal income taxes are allocated
to each member on a separate return basis adjusted for credits and other
amounts required by the consolidation process. Any resulting liability has
been, and will be, paid currently to TIC. Any credits for losses have been,
and will be, paid by TIC to the extent that such credits are for tax
benefits that have been utilized in the consolidated federal income tax
return.

A net deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $2.1 million has been
established to reduce the deferred tax asset on investment losses to the
amount that, based upon available evidence, is more likely than not to be
realized. Reversal of the valuation allowance is contingent upon the
recognition of future capital gains in the Company's consolidated life
insurance company federal income tax return through 1998, and if
life/non-life consolidation is elected in 1999, the consolidated federal
income tax return of Travelers Group commencing in 1999, or a change in
circumstances which causes the recognition of the benefits to become more
likely than not. There was no change in the valuation allowance during
1997. The initial recognition of any benefit provided by the reversal of
the valuation allowance will be recognized by reducing goodwill.

In management's judgment, the $33.7 million "net deferred tax asset after
valuation allowance" as of December 31, 1997, is fully recoverable against
expected future years' taxable ordinary income and capital gains. At
December 31, 1997, the Company has no ordinary or capital loss
carryforwards.

The "policyholders surplus account", which arose under prior tax law, is
generally that portion of the gain from operations that has not been
subjected to tax, plus certain deductions. The balance of this account,
which, under provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, will not increase
after 1983, is estimated to be $2.0 million. This amount has not been
subjected to current income taxes but, under certain conditions that
management considers to be remote, may become subject to income taxes in
future years. At current rates, the maximum amount of such tax (for which
no provision has been made in the financial statements) would be
approximately $700 thousand.

F-16
<PAGE> 121
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

10. NET INVESTMENT INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
($ in thousands) 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----

<S> <C> <C> <C>
GROSS INVESTMENT INCOME
Fixed maturities $120,900 $113,296 $105,821
Equity securities 704 554 835
Mortgage loans 14,905 18,278 14,974
Real estate held for sale 1,457 3,480 2,476
Other 32,459 19,854 2,537
-------- -------- --------
170,425 155,462 126,643
-------- -------- --------

Investment expenses 1,772 4,136 3,446
-------- -------- --------
Net investment income $168,653 $151,326 $123,197
-------- -------- --------
</TABLE>

11. INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

Realized investment gains (losses) for the periods were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
($ in thousands) 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>

REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)
Fixed maturities $29,236 $(11,491) $(4,240)
Equity securities 8,385 4,613 6,138
Mortgage loans (8) 1,979 725
Real estate held for sale 2,164 (73) (35)
Other 5,094 (4,641) 16,125
------- -------- -------
Total Realized Investment Gains (Losses) $44,871 $(9,613) $18,713
------- -------- -------
</TABLE>

Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) that are included as a
separate component of shareholder's equity were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
($ in thousands) 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----

<S> <C> <C> <C>
UNREALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)
Fixed maturities $34,451 $(23,953) $111,551
Equity securities (2,394) (746) 1,834
Other 23,975 22,431 4,390
------- -------- --------
Total Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) 56,032 (2,268) 117,775

Related taxes 19,611 (794) 41,221
------- -------- --------
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 36,421 (1,474) 76,554
Balance beginning of year 33,856 35,330 (41,224)
------- -------- -------
Balance End of Year $70,277 $33,856 $35,330
------- -------- -------
</TABLE>

F-17
<PAGE> 122
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Fixed Maturities

Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities classified as available for sale
were $856.8 million and $2.1 billion in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Gross
gains of $38.1 million and $8.4 million and gross losses of $8.9 million
and $19.9 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, were realized on those
sales.

Fair values of investments in fixed maturities are based on quoted market
prices or dealer quotes or, if these are not available, discounted expected
cash flows using market rates commensurate with the credit quality and
maturity of the investment. The fair value of investments for which a
quoted market price or dealer quote are not available amounted to $485.3
million and $360.1 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The amortized cost and fair values of investments in fixed maturities were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1997 GROSS GROSS
($ in thousands) AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Mortgage-backed securities - CMOs and
pass-through securities $ 144,921 $ 8,254 $ (223) $ 152,952
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government and
government agencies and authorities 248,081 34,111 (123) 282,069
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 14,560 392 (2) 14,950
Debt securities issued by foreign
governments 85,367 6,194 (228) 91,333
All other corporate bonds 1,077,211 59,972 (1,387) 1,135,796
Redeemable preferred stock 981 48 (9) 1,020
---------- -------- ------- ----------
Total Available For Sale $1,571,121 $108,971 $(1,972) $1,678,120
========== ======== ======= ==========
</TABLE>

F-18
<PAGE> 123
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1996 GROSS GROSS
($ in thousands) AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Mortgage-backed securities - CMOs and
pass-through securities $154,788 $ 3,312 $(901) $157,199
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
U.S. Government and government agencies and
authorities 255,858 16,855 (61) 272,652
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions 16,124 263 (189) 16,198
Debt securities issued by foreign
governments 109,120 3,215 (1,447) 110,888
All other corporate bonds 904,831 28,204 (5,387) 927,648
Redeemable preferred stock 85 - - 85
---------- ------- ------- ----------
Total Available For Sale $1,440,806 $51,849 $(7,985) $1,484,670
========== ======= ======= ==========
</TABLE>

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities available for sale at
December 31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may
have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ in thousands) AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE

<S> <C> <C>
MATURITY:
Due in one year or less $ 17,978 $ 18,312
Due after 1 year through 5 years 211,272 216,191
Due after 5 years through 10 years 381,690 401,338
Due after 10 years 815,260 889,327
---------- ----------
1,426,200 1,525,168
---------- ----------
Mortgage-backed securities 144,921 152,952
---------- ----------
Total Maturity $1,571,121 $1,678,120
========== ==========
</TABLE>

The Company makes significant investments in collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs). CMOs typically have high credit quality, offer good
liquidity, and provide a significant advantage in yield and total return
compared to U.S. Treasury securities. The Company's investment strategy is
to purchase CMO tranches which are protected against prepayment risk,
including planned amortization class (PAC) tranches. Prepayment protected
tranches are preferred because they provide stable cash flows in a variety
of interest rate scenarios. The Company does invest in other types of CMO
tranches if a careful assessment indicates a favorable risk/return
tradeoff. The Company does not purchase residual interests in CMOs.

F-19
<PAGE> 124
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company held CMOs with a market value of
$122.8 million and $126.3 million, respectively. The Company's CMO holdings
were 97.5% and 97.6% collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC securities at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Equity Securities

The cost and market values of investments in equity securities were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY SECURITIES: GROSS GROSS
($ in thousands) UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
---- ----- ------ ----------

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1997
Common stocks $ 3,318 $ 583 $ (70) $ 3,831
Non-redeemable preferred stocks 11,774 931 (247) 12,458
------- ------ ----- -------
Total Equity Securities $15,092 $1,514 $(317) $16,289
------- ------ ----- -------

DECEMBER 31, 1996

Common stocks $ 2,722 $3,441 $(163) $ 6,000
Non-redeemable preferred stocks 9,674 323 (95) 9,902
------- ------ ----- -------
Total Equity Securities $12,396 $3,764 $(258) $15,902
------- ------ ------ -------
</TABLE>

Proceeds from sales of equity securities were $12.4 million and $20.3
million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Gross gains of $8.6 million and
$4.7 million and gross losses of $172 thousand and $155 thousand in 1997
and 1996, respectively, were realized on those sales.

Mortgage Loans and Real Estate Held For Sale

Underperforming assets include delinquent mortgage loans, loans in the
process of foreclosure, foreclosed loans and loans modified at interest
rates below market.

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company's mortgage loan portfolios and
real estate held for sale consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ in thousands) 1997 1996
---- ----

<S> <C> <C>
Current Mortgage Loans $ 160,247 $128,292
Underperforming Mortgage Loans - 148
--------- --------
Total 160,247 128,440
--------- --------
Real Estate Held For Sale - 10,111
--------- --------
Total $ 160,247 $138,551
--------- --------
</TABLE>

F-20
<PAGE> 125
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Aggregate annual maturities on mortgage loans at December 31, 1997 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ in thousands)
<S> <C>

Past Maturity $ -
1998 5,108
1999 8,773
2000 8,920
2001 11,352
2002 17,986
Thereafter 108,108
--------
Total $160,247
========
</TABLE>

Joint Venture

In October 1997, TIC and Tishman Speyer Properties (Tishman), a worldwide
real estate owner, developer and manager, formed a joint real estate
venture with an initial equity commitment of $792 million. TIC and certain
of its affiliates committed $420 million in real estate equity and $100
million in cash while Tishman committed $272 million in properties and
cash. Both companies are serving as asset managers for the venture and
Tishman is primarily responsible for the venture's real estate acquisition
and development efforts. The Company's investment in the joint venture
totaled $54.8 million at December 31, 1997.

Concentrations

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had investments of $50.8 million
and $75.1 million in the State of Israel, respectively. Additionally, in
1996 the Company had $40.6 million in Merrill Lynch Trust Series 45.

The Company participates in a short-term investment pool maintained by an
affiliate. See Note 8.

Included in fixed maturities are below investment grade assets totaling
$76.7 million and $81.7 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The Company defines its below investment grade assets as
those securities rated "Ba1" or below by external rating agencies, or the
equivalent by internal analysts when a public rating does not exist. Such
assets include publicly traded below investment grade bonds and certain
other privately issued bonds that are classified as below investment grade
bonds.

The Company also had concentrations of investments, primarily fixed
maturities, in the following industries:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ in thousands) 1997 1996
---- ----

<S> <C> <C>
Transportation $138,903 $ 86,819
Banking 130,966 71,506
Electric utilities 106,724 76,426
------- ------
</TABLE>

Below investment grade assets included in the preceding table were not
significant.

F-21
<PAGE> 126
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

Concentrations of mortgage loans by property type at December 31, 1997 and
1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ in thousands) 1997 1996
---- ----

<S> <C> <C>
Agricultural $62,463 $49,801
Office 47,453 35,333
Retail 23,214 21,924
------ ------
</TABLE>

The Company monitors creditworthiness of counterparties to all financial
instruments by using controls that include credit approvals, limits and
other monitoring procedures. Collateral for fixed maturities often includes
pledges of assets, including stock and other assets, guarantees and letters
of credit. The Company's underwriting standards with respect to new
mortgage loans generally require loan to value ratios of 75% or less at the
time of mortgage origination.

Non-Income Producing Investments

Investments included in the balance sheets that were non-income producing
for the preceding 12 months were insignificant.

Restructured Investments

The Company had mortgage loan and debt securities which were restructured
at below market terms totaling approximately $1.0 million at December 31,
1996. The new terms typically defer a portion of contract interest payments
to varying future periods. The accrual of interest is suspended on all
restructured assets, and interest income is reported only as payment is
received. Gross interest income on restructured assets that would have been
recorded in accordance with the original terms of such assets was
insignificant. Interest on these assets, included in net investment income
was insignificant.

12. LIFE AND ANNUITY DEPOSIT FUNDS AND RESERVES

At December 31, 1997, the Company had $1.8 million of life and annuity
deposit funds and reserves. Of that total, $1.5 million were not subject to
discretionary withdrawal based on contract terms. The remaining $.3 million
were life and annuity products that were subject to discretionary
withdrawal by the contractholders. Included in the amount that is subject
to discretionary withdrawal were $.2 million of liabilities that are
surrenderable with market value adjustments. An additional $.1 million of
the life insurance and individual annuity liabilities are subject to
discretionary withdrawals with an average surrender charge of 4.8%. The
life insurance risks would have to be underwritten again if transferred to
another carrier, which is considered a significant deterrent for long-term
policyholders. Insurance liabilities that are surrendered or withdrawn from
the Company are reduced by outstanding policy loans and related accrued
interest prior to payout.

F-22
<PAGE> 127
THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(CONTINUED)

13. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
ACTIVITIES

The following table reconciles net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
($ in thousands)

<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income From Continuing Operations $71,372 $ 25,791 $ 28,917
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
Realized (gains) losses (44,871) 9,613 (18,713)
Deferred federal income taxes 4,344 (15,665) 11,964
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and
value of insurance in force 6,036 3,286 1,563
Additions to deferred policy acquisition costs (56,975) (20,753) (3,109)
Investment income accrued 908 1,308 (819)
Premium balances receivable (3,450) (3,561) (2,277)
Insurance reserves and accrued expenses 3,981 (16,459) (20,081)
Other 26,673 (13,419) (46,076)
------ -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operations $8,018 $(29,859) $(48,631)
------ -------- --------
</TABLE>

14. NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

There were no significant non-cash investing and financing activities for
1997, 1996 and 1995.

F-23
<PAGE> 128
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECT SELECT
PREMIER ADVISERS

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FUND ABD II

Individual Variable Annuity Contract
issued by

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company
One Tower Square
Hartford, Connecticut 06183

May, 1998

12
<PAGE> 129
PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a) The financial statements of the Registrant and the Report of Independent
Accountants thereto are contained in the Registrant's Annual Report and
are incorporated into the Statement of Additional Information by
reference. The financial statements of the Registrant include:

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the year ended December 31,
1997 and the period December 16, 1996 (date operations commenced) to
December 31, 1996 Statement of Investments as of December 31, 1997
Notes to Financial Statements

The financial statements of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company and
the report of Independent Accountants, are contained in the Statement
of Additional Information. The financial statements of The Travelers
Life and Annuity Company include:

Statements of Income and Retained Earnings for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 Notes to Financial Statements

(b) Exhibits

1. Resolution of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company Board of Directors
authorizing the establishment of the Registrant. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed
December 22, 1995.)

2. Exempt.

3(a). Distribution and Management Agreement among the Registrant, The
Travelers Life and Annuity Company and Tower Square Securities, Inc.
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration
Statement on Form N-4, filed December 22, 1995.)

3(b). Form of Selling Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
3(b) to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed April 29, 1997.)

4. Form of Variable Annuity Contract(s). (Incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed June 17,
1996.)

5. None.

6(a). Charter of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, as amended on April
10, 1990. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, File No. 33-58131, filed via Edgar
on March 17, 1995.)

6(b). By-Laws of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, as amended on October
20, 1994. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, File No. 33-58131, filed via Edgar
on March 17, 1995.)

<PAGE> 130
7. None.

8. None.

9. Opinion of Counsel as to the legality of securities being registered.
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 filed April
29, 1997.)

10(a). Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants.

10(b). Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Certified Public
Accountants.

13. Schedule for computation of each performance quotation. (Incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 13 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-4 filed April 29, 1998.)

15(a). Powers of Attorney authorizing Jay S. Fishman or Ernest J. Wright as
signatory for Michael A. Carpenter, Robert I. Lipp, Charles O. Prince
III, Marc P. Weill, Irwin R. Ettinger, Donald T. DeCarlo and Christine
B. Mead. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed December 22, 1995.)

15(b). Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or Kathleen A. McGah as
signatory for Michael A. Carpenter, Ian R. Stuart and Katherine M.
Sullivan. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(b) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed June 17, 1996.)

15(c). Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or Kathleen A. McGah as
signatory for Jay S. Benet and George C. Kokulis. (Incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed August 15, 1997.)

15(d) Power of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or Kathleen A. McGah as
signatory for Ian R. Stuart. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 15(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-4 filed February 28, 1997.)

<PAGE> 131

Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor

Name and Principal Positions and Offices
Business Address with Depositor
- ------------ ---------------------

Michael A. Carpenter* Director, Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jay S. Benet* Director and Senior Vice President
George C. Kokulis* Director and Senior Vice President
Robert I. Lipp* Director
Ian R. Stuart* Director, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Accounting Officer and Controller
Katherine M. Sullivan* Director and Senior Vice President
and General Counsel
Marc P. Weill** Director and Senior Vice President
Stuart Baritz** Senior Vice President
Elizabeth C. Georgakopoulos* Senior Vice President
Barry Jacobson* Senior Vice President
Russell H. Johnson* Senior Vice President
Warren H. May* Senior Vice President
Christine M. Modie* Senior Vice President
David A. Tyson* Senior Vice President
F. Denney Voss* Senior Vice President
Paula Burton* Vice President
Virginia M. Meany* Vice Presideny
Selig Ehrlich* Vice President and Actuary
Donald R. Munson, Jr.* Second Vice President
Ernest J. Wright* Vice President and Secretary
Kathleen A. McGah* Assistant Secretary and Counsel

Principal Business Address:
*The Travelers Life and Annuity Company **Travelers Group Inc.
One Tower Square 388 Greenwich Street
Hartford, CT 06183 New York, N.Y. 10013

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
Registrant

Incorporated herein by reference to Item 26 to the Post Effective
Amendment No. 3 Registration Statement on Form N-4, File No. 33-58131 filed
April 10, 1998.

Item 27. Number of Contract Owners

As of March 1, 1998, 1,689 contract owners held qualified and non-qualified
contracts offered by the Registrant.

<PAGE> 132
Item 28. Indemnification

Section 33-770 of the Connecticut General Statutes ("C.G.S.") regarding
indemnification of directors and officers of Connecticut corporations provides
in general that Connecticut corporations shall indemnify their officers,
directors and certain other defined individuals against judgments, fines,
penalties, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses actually incurred
in connection with proceedings against the corporation. The corporation's
obligation to provide such indemnification generally does not apply unless (1)
the individual is successful on the merits in the defense of any such
proceeding; or (2) a determination is made (by persons specified in the statute)
that the individual acted in good faith and in the best interests of the
corporation; or (3) the court, upon application by the individual, determines in
view of all of the circumstances that such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to be indemnified, and then for such amount as the court shall
determine. With respect to proceedings brought by or in the right of the
corporation, the statute provides that the corporation shall indemnify its
officers, directors and certain other defined individuals, against reasonable
expenses actually incurred by them in connection with such proceedings, subject
to certain limitations.

C.G.S. Section 33-770 provides an exclusive remedy; a Connecticut corporation
cannot indemnify a director or officer to an extent either greater or less than
that authorized by the statute, e.g., pursuant to its certificate of
incorporation, by-laws, or any separate contractual arrangement. However, the
statute does specifically authorize a corporation to procure indemnification
insurance to provide greater indemnification rights. The premiums for such
insurance may be shared with the insured individuals on an agreed basis.

Travelers Group Inc. also provides liability insurance for its directors and
officers and the directors and officers of its subsidiaries, including the
Depositor. This insurance provides for coverage against loss from claims made
against directors and officers in their capacity as such, including, subject to
certain exceptions, liabilities under the Federal securities laws.

Rule 484 Undertaking

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liability (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

<PAGE> 133
Item 29. Principal Underwriter

(a) Tower Square Securities, Inc.
One Tower Square
Hartford, CT 06183

Tower Square Securities, Inc. also serves as the principal underwriter
for:

The Travelers Growth and Income Stock Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Quality Bond Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Money Market Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Timed Growth and Income Stock Account for Variable
Annuities
The Travelers Timed Short-Term Bond Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Timed Aggressive Stock Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Timed Bond Account for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund U for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund VA for Variable Annuities
The Traveler Fund BD for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund BD II for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund BD III for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund BD IV for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund ABD for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Separate Account QP for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Separate Account PF for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Separate Account PF II for Variable Annuities
The Travelers Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance
The Travelers Fund UL II for Variable Life Insurance
The Travelers Variable Life Insurance Separate Account One
The Travelers Variable Life Insurance Separate Account Three
The Travelers Variable Life Insurance Separate Account Two
The Travelers Variable Life Insurance Separate Account Four

(b) Name and Principal Positions and Offices
Business Address * With Underwriter
------------------ ---------------------

Russell H. Johnson Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer, President and Chief Operating
Officer
William F. Scully, III Member, Board of Directors,
Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
Cynthia P. Macdonald Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
and Assistant Secretary
Joanne K. Russo Member, Board of Directors
Senior Vice President
William D. Wilcox General Counsel and Secretary
Kathleen A. McGah Assistant Secretary
Jay S. Benet Member, Board of Directors
George C. Kokulis Member, Board of Directors
Warren H. May Member, Board of Directors
Donald R. Munson, Jr. Senior Vice President
Stuart L. Baritz Vice President
Michael P. Kiley Vice President
Tracey Kiff-Judson Vice President
Whitney F. Burr Second Vice President
Marlene M. Ibsen Second Vice President

<PAGE> 134
(b) (b) (cont'd)
Name and Principal Positions and Offices
Business Address * With Underwriter
------------ ---------------------

Robin A. Jones Second Vice President
John F. Williams Second Vice President
John J. Williams, Jr. Director and Assistant Compliance Officer
Susan M. Curcio Director and Operations Manager
Dennis D. D'Angelo Director
Thomas P. Tooley Director
Nancy S. Waldrop Assistant Treasurer

*Principal business address: One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut
06183

(c). Not Applicable.

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

The Travelers Life and Annuity Company
One Tower Square
Hartford, Connecticut 06183

Item 31. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 32. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(a) To file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement as
frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited financial
statements in the registration statement are never more than sixteen
months old for so long as payments under the variable annuity contracts
may be accepted;

(b) To include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a contract
offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant can check to
request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a post card or
similar written communication affixed to or included in the prospectus
that the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of Additional
Information; and

(c) To deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any financial
statements required to be made available under this Form N-4 promptly
upon written or oral request.

The Company hereby represents:

(a) That the aggregate charges under the Contracts of the Registrant
described herein are reasonable in relation to the services rendered,
the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by the
company.

<PAGE> 135
SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act
Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this amendment to this registration statement
and has caused this amendment to this registration statement to be signed on its
behalf, in the City of Hartford, and State of Connecticut, on this 10th day of
April, 1998.

THE TRAVELERS FUND ABD II FOR VARIABLE ANNUITIES
(Registrant)

THE TRAVELERS LIFE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
(Depositor)

By: *IAN R. STUART
-----------------------------------
Ian R. Stuart
Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Accounting
Officer and Controller

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to this registration
statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on this 10th day of April, 1998.

*MICHAEL A. CARPENTER Director and Chairman of the Board, President
- ----------------------------- and Chief Executive Officer
(Michael A. Carpenter)

*JAY S. BENET Director
- -----------------------------
(Jay S. Benet)

*GEORGE C. KOKULIS Director
- -----------------------------
(George C. Kokulis)

*ROBERT I. LIPP Director
- -----------------------------
(Robert I. Lipp)

*IAN R. STUART Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
- ----------------------------- Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and
(Ian R. Stuart) Controller

*KATHERINE M. SULLIVAN Director, Senior Vice President and General
- -----------------------------
(Katherine M. Sullivan)

*MARC P. WEILL Director
- -----------------------------
(Marc P. Weill)

*By: Ernest J. Wright, Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE> 136
EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description Method of Filing
- --- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Resolution of The Travelers Life and Annuity Company Board of Directors
authorizing the establishment of the Registrant. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed
December 22, 1995.)

3(a). Form of Distribution and Management Agreement among the Registrant, The
Travelers Life and Annuity Company and Tower Square Securities, Inc.
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration
Statement on Form N-4, filed December 22, 1995.)

3(b). Form of Selling Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
3(b) to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed April 29, 1997.)

4. Form of Variable Annuity Contract(s). (Incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed June 17,
1996.)

9. Opinion of Counsel as to the legality of securities being registered by
Registrant. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4
filed April 29, 1997.)

10(a). Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants. Electronically

10(b). Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Certified Public Electronically
Accountants.

13. Schedule of computation of each performance quotation Standardized and
Nonstandardized. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 13 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-4
filed April 29, 1998.)
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 137

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description Method of Filing
- --- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
15. Powers of Attorney authorizing Jay S. Fishman or Ernest J. Wright as
signatory for Michael A Carpenter, Robert I. Lipp, Charles O. Prince
III, Marc P. Weill, Irwin R. Ettinger, Donald T. DeCarlo and Christine
B. Mead. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed December 22, 1995.)

15(b). Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright and and Kathleen A.
McGah as signatory for Michael A. Carpenter, Ian R. Stuart and Katherine
M. Sullivan. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15(b) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed June 17, 1996.)

15(c). Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright and Kathleen A. McGah as
signatory for Jay S. Benet and George C. Kokulis. (Incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 15(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4, filed August 15, 1996.)

15(d). Power of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright and Kathleen A. McGah as
signatory for Ian R. Stuart. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 15(d) to the Registration Statement on Form N-4 filed February
28, 1997.)
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10(A)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this post-effective amendment
no. 4 to the registration statement of The Travelers Fund ABD II for Variable
Annuities (the "Fund") on Form N-4 (File No. 33-65339; 811-07463) of our report
dated February 19, 1998, on our audit of the financial statements of the Fund,
which report is included in the Fund's Annual Report for the year ended
December 31, 1997 which is incorporated by reference in this post-effective
amendment to the registration statement. We also consent to the reference to
our Firm as experts in the registration statement.

COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Hartford, Connecticut
April 10, 1998

<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10(B)

Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants

The Board of Directors
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company

We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to our
firm as experts under the heading "Independent Accountants".

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
April 10, 1998