EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL TRUST
N-1A/A, 1997-12-18
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                     [ ]
    Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1                                           [X] 
    Post-Effective Amendment No.                                            [ ] 

                                     and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940             [ ]
     Amendment No. 1                                                        [X]


                          EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL TRUST
    (As successor to certain series of Evergreen Investment Trust, Evergreen
    Equity Trust, Evergreen Natural Resources Fund, Keystone Precious Metals
             Holdings, Inc., and Keystone International Fund Inc.)
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

             200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                 (617) 210-3200
                         (Registrant's Telephone Number)

                          The Corporation Trust Company
                               1209 Orange Street
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19801
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
    
                     Approximate Date of Proposed Offering:
                As soon as practicable after the effective date
                         of the Registration Statement.

     The Registrant  hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a  further  amendment  that  specifically  states  that  this  Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities  Act of 1933 (the  "Securities  Act") or until this  Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant
to said Section 8(a), may determine.

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration Statement No. 2-94560/811-4154 on Form N-1A of Evergreen Investment
Trust,  a  Massachusetts  business  trust,  the  Registrant  hereby  adopts  the
Registration  Statement  of such trust with  respect to the  Evergreen  Emerging
Markets Growth Fund series thereof under the Securities Act and the notification
of registration  and  Registration  Statement of such trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration Statement No. 2-94560/811-4154 on Form N-1A of Evergreen Investment
Trust,  a  Massachusetts  business  trust,  the  Registrant  hereby  adopts  the
Registration Statement of such trust with respect to the Evergreen International
Equity Fund series  thereof under the  Securities  Act and the  notification  of
registration and Registration Statement of such trust under the 1940 Act.

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration  Statement No.  33-25378/811-5684  on Form N-1A of Evergreen Equity
Trust,  a  Massachusetts  business  trust,  the  Registrant  hereby  adopts  the
Registration  Statement  of such trust  with  respect  to the  Evergreen  Global
Leaders Fund series  thereof under the Securities  Act and the  notification  of
registration and Registration Statement of such trust under the 1940 Act.

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration  Statement No.  33-82520/811-8694 on Form N-1A of Evergreen Natural
Resources Fund, a Massachusetts business trust, the Registrant hereby adopts the
Registration   Statement  of  such  trust  under  the  Securities  Act  and  the
notification of registration and Registration  Statement of such trust under the
1940 Act.

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration  Statement No.  2-81691/811-2303  on Form N-1A of Keystone Precious
Metals Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation,  the Registrant hereby adopts the
Registration  Statement of such  corporation  under the  Securities  Act and the
notification  of registration  and  Registration  Statement of such  corporation
under the 1940 Act.

     Pursuant  to Rule 414  under  the  Securities  Act,  by this  amendment  to
Registration   Statement   No.   2-21640/811-1231   on  Form  N-1A  of  Keystone
International  Fund Inc., a  Massachusetts  corporation,  the Registrant  hereby
adopts the Registration Statement of such trust under the Securities Act and the
notification of registration and Registration  Statement of such trust under the
1940 Act.

<PAGE>

                          EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL TRUST
                            
     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration  Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen  Investment  Trust relating to
Evergreen  Emerging  Markets  Growth  Fund,  and the  current  prospectuses  and
statement of additional  information,  as  supplemented,  of Evergreen  Emerging
Markets  Growth Fund  included  in the  Registration  Statement  on Form N-1A of
Evergreen Investment Trust.

     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration  Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen  Investment  Trust relating to
Evergreen  International Equity Fund, and the current prospectuses and statement
of additional  information,  as supplemented,  of Evergreen International Equity
Fund included in the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen Investment
Trust.

     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration  Statement  on Form N-1A of  Evergreen  Equity  Trust  relating  to
Evergreen  Global  Leaders Fund, and the current  prospectuses  and statement of
additional  information,  as  supplemented,  of  Evergreen  Global  Leaders Fund
included in the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen Equity Trust.

     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen Natural Resources Fund, and the
current prospectuses and statement of additional  information,  as supplemented,
of Evergreen  Natural  Resources Fund included in the Registration  Statement on
Form N-1A.

     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Keystone Precious Metals Holdings,  Inc.,
and  the  current  prospectus  and  statement  of  additional  information,   as
supplemented,  of  Keystone  Precious  Metals  Holdings,  Inc.  included  in the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

     The Registrant  hereby  incorporates by reference the cross reference sheet
filed  pursuant  to  Rule  481(a)  under  the  Securities  Act  included  in the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Keystone International Fund Inc., and the
current prospectus and statement of additional information, as supplemented,  of
Keystone  International Fund Inc. included in the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A.

<PAGE>

                       SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES OF
EVERGREEN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND, EVERGREEN AMERICAN RETIREMENT FUND, EVERGREEN
EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH FUND, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
  EVERGREEN FOUNDATION FUND, EVERGREEN FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GLOBAL LEADERS FUND, EVERGREEN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN
     HIGH GRADE TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN INCOME AND GROWTH FUND, EVERGREEN
  INTERMEDIATE TERM GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
  FUND, EVERGREEN INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUND, EVERGREEN INSTITUTIONAL TAX
 EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND, EVERGREEN INSTITUTIONAL TREASURY MONEY MARKET FUND,
 EVERGREEN LATIN AMERICA FUND, EVERGREEN MICRO CAP FUND, EVERGREEN MONEY MARKET
FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE
  BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND, EVERGREEN SMALL CAP
EQUITY INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN TAX
  STRATEGIC FOUNDATION FUND, EVERGREEN U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND, EVERGREEN UTILITY
 FUND, EVERGREEN VALUE FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
CAPITAL PRESERVATION AND INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN FUND FOR TOTAL RETURN, EVERGREEN
  GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, EVERGREEN NATURAL RESOURCES FUND, EVERGREEN OMEGA
   FUND, EVERGREEN STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND,
    EVERGREEN MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN MISSOURI TAX FREE FUND,
    EVERGREEN NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE FUND,
  EVERGREEN SELECT ADJUSTABLE RATE FUND, AND EVERGREEN SELECT SMALL CAP GROWTH
              FUND, (EACH A "FUND" AND, COLLECTIVELY, THE "FUNDS")

The prospectus(es) of each of the Funds are hereby supplemented as follows:
FUND REORGANIZATIONS

       Each of the Funds listed below has been reorganized as a separate series
of a Delaware business trust, each of which was organized on September 17, 1997.
The name of each trust is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF FUND                                               NAME OF TRUST
- ---------------------------------------------------        ------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
Evergreen California Tax Free Fund                         Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund          Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund                      Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Massachusetts Tax Free Fund                      Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Missouri Tax Free Fund                           Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen New York Tax Free Fund                           Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund               Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund                       Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund               Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund                     Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund                         Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund                Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund                           Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Fund                                             Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Micro Cap Fund                                   Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Omega Fund                                       Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen American Retirement Fund                         Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Foundation Fund                                  Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund                    Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Fund for Total Return                            Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Growth and Income Fund                           Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                           Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Small Cap Equity Income Fund                     Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Value Fund                                       Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Utility Fund                                     Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen U.S. Government Fund                             Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Evergreen Strategic Income Fund                            Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Evergreen Capital Preservation and Income Fund             Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Evergreen Intermediate Term Government Securities          Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
  Fund
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Bond Fund                     Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund                     Evergreen International Trust
Evergreen Global Leaders Fund                              Evergreen International Trust
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF FUND                                               NAME OF TRUST
- ---------------------------------------------------        ------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
Evergreen International Equity Fund                        Evergreen International Trust
Evergreen Natural Resources Fund                           Evergreen International Trust
Evergreen Money Market Fund                                Evergreen Money Market Trust
Evergreen Institutional Money Market Fund                  Evergreen Select Money Market Trust
Evergreen Institutional Tax Exempt Money Market            Evergreen Select Money Market Trust
  Fund
Evergreen Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund         Evergreen Select Money Market Trust
Evergreen Select Adjustable Rate Fund                      Evergreen Select Fixed Income Trust
Evergreen Select Small Cap Growth Fund                     Evergreen Select Equity Trust
</TABLE>
 
       In connection with the reorganizations, the investment objective(s) of
each Fund is now "nonfundamental" (i.e., changeable by vote of the Board without
a shareholder vote). In addition, each Fund is now subject to certain
standardized investment restrictions as set forth in the Supplement to the
Statement of Additional Information of each Fund dated the date hereof.
NAME CHANGES
       Effective January 12, 1998, the following name changes will occur:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CURRENT NAME                                               NEW NAME
- ---------------------------------------------------        ------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
Evergreen Institutional Money Market Fund                  Evergreen Select Money Market Fund
Evergreen Institutional Tax Exempt Money Market            Evergreen Select Municipal Money
  Fund                                                     Market Fund
Evergreen Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund         Evergreen Select Treasury Money
                                                           Market Fund
</TABLE>
 
       In addition, the name of the distributor for the Funds has been changed
to Evergreen Distributor, Inc., the name of the administrator for certain of the
Funds has been changed to Evergreen Investment Services, Inc., and the name of
the transfer agent for the Funds has been changed to Evergreen Service Company.

EVERGREEN INSTITUTIONAL TAX EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND

       The investment objective of the Fund has been amended to permit the Fund
to invest without limitation in obligations subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax. Under normal circumstances it is anticipated that each Fund will
invest its assets so that at least 80% of its annual interest income is exempt
from federal income tax other than the federal alternative minimum tax.

       The Fund's investments will continue to comply with the requirements of
Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including the portfolio
quality requirements thereof.

EVERGREEN LATIN AMERICA FUND

       Antonio T. Docal and Francis X. Claro are currently the Fund's
co-portfolio managers. Mr. Docal joined Keystone Investment Management Company
("Keystone") in 1994. He is a Vice President and portfolio manager and has more
than ten years of experience in international trade and mergers and acquisitions
for the Latin American region. Mr. Claro joined Keystone in 1994 and is a Vice
President and portfolio manager. Mr. Claro has more than six years of experience
in international finance and consulting.

EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND, EVERGREEN HIGH
GRADE TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN INSTITUTIONAL TAX EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND,
EVERGREEN CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN FLORIDA TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN
MASSACHUSETTS TAX FREE FUND, EVERGREEN MISSOURI TAX TREE FUND, EVERGREEN NEW
YORK TAX FREE FUND, AND EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE FUND.

       The Funds are permitted to make taxable investments, and may from time to
time generate income subject to federal regular income tax.
                                       2                                  
 
<PAGE>
       Each Fund, other than Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund and Evergreen
Institutional Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, will invest at least 80% of its
assets in bonds that, at the date of investment, are rated within the four
highest categories by Standard and Poor's Rating Group ("S&P") or, if not rated
or rated under a different system, are of comparable quality to obligations so
rated as determined by another nationally recognized statistical ratings
organization (an "SRO") or by the Fund's investment adviser. A Fund may invest
the remaining 20% of its assets in lower rated bonds, but it will not invest in
bonds rated below B. Subject to certain exceptions for money market funds, a
Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of any security that loses its
rating or has its rating reduced after the Fund has purchased it.

EVERGREEN SHORT-INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND

       The section of the Fund's prospectus entitled "Portfolio Managers" under
"Management of the Funds" is hereby supplemented to reflect the following
change:

       Richard K. Marrone is the portfolio manager for the Evergreen
Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund. Since joining First Union in 1993, Mr.
Marrone has been a Vice President and Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager,
with over 15 years of investment and market experience. Prior to joining First
Union, Mr. Marrone was employed at Woodbridge Capital Management where he served
as a portfolio manager for mutual and common trust funds from 1982-1993.

EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE FUND

       The second full paragraph of the section entitled "Portfolio Managers"
under "Management of the Funds" is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety
with the following paragraph:

       Jocelyn Turner is the portfolio manager for the Pennsylvania Fund. Since
joining First Union in 1992, Ms. Turner has been a Vice President and Municipal
Bond Portfolio Manager for CMG. In addition to the Pennsylvania Fund, Ms. Turner
is currently responsible for the portfolio management of the Evergreen New
Jersey Tax Free Income Fund. Ms. Turner was previously employed as a Vice
President and Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager at One Federal Asset Management,
Boston, Massachusetts from 1987-1991.

EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

       The section of the Fund's prospectus entitled "Portfolio Managers" under
"Management of the Funds" is hereby supplemented to reflect the following
change:

       The portfolio manager for the Fund is Charles E. Jeanne. Since joining
First Union in 1993, Mr. Jeanne has been an Assistant Vice President and
Portfolio Manager. In addition to the Fund, Mr. Jeanne also manages the
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund. Prior to joining First Union, Mr. Jeanne
served as a trader/portfolio manager for First American Bank.

EVERGREEN GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

       Effective January 1, 1998, the section of the Fund's prospectus entitled
"Portfolio Manager" under "Fund Management and Expenses" is hereby deleted and
replaced in its entirety with the following paragraph:

       The portfolio managers for the Fund are Gilman C. Gunn and J. Gary
Craven. Mr. Gunn manages the international portion of the Fund and Mr. Craven
manages the domestic portion of the Fund.

       Mr. Gunn joined Keystone in January 1991 and is currently Senior Vice
President, Chief Investment Officer -- International.

       Mr. Craven joined Keystone in November 1996 and is currently Senior Vice
President, Chief Investment Officer and Group Leader for the small cap equity
area. Prior to joining Keystone, Mr. Craven was a portfolio manager at Invista
Capital Management, Inc. since 1987.

       Effective June 1, 1997, the Fund's Subadvisory Agreement with Credit
Lyonnais International Asset Management, North America terminated. Keystone
Investment Management Company, the Fund's adviser, will manage the entire
portfolio of the Fund.
                                       3                                  
 
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EMERGING MARKETS GROWTH FUND

       Effective September 1, 1997, Keystone Investment Management Company
("Keystone") will become sub-adviser to the Fund. Keystone, located at 200
Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, has provided investment advisory
and management services to investment companies and private accounts since it
was organized in 1932. As sub-advisor, Keystone's research department and staff
will provide the Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank, the
Fund's investment adviser, with information, investment recommendations, advice
and assistance on the Fund. Keystone will receive a fee equal to: 1% of the
first $100 million of average daily net assets; .95 of 1% of the next $100
million of average daily net assets; .90 of 1% of the next $100 million of
average daily net assets; and .85% of average daily net assets in excess of $300
million from Capital Management Group for its services. Keystone is a subsidiary
of First Union National Bank.

EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

       As of September 8, 1997, Nicholas P.W. Horsley no longer served as a
portfolio manager of the Fund.

KEYSTONE OMEGA FUND

       Maureen E. Cullinane has been the Fund's Portfolio Manager since 1989.
Ms. Cullinane is a Keystone Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
and has more than 20 years of investment experience.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

       The Funds may quote their "total return" or "yield" for specified periods
in advertisements, reports, or other communications to shareholders. Total
return and yield are computed separately for each Class of shares. Performance
data for one or more Classes may be included in any advertisement or sales
literature using performance data of a Fund.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

       Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans, including
eligible 401(k) plans, may purchase Class A shares at net asset value provided
that such plans meet certain required minimum number of eligible employees or
required amount of assets. The CDSC applicable to Class B shares also is waived
on redemptions of shares by such plans. Additional information concerning the
waiver of sales charges is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

       Effective December 31, 1996, BISYS Fund Services ("BISYS"), located at
3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, acquired the mutual fund administration
and distribution business of Furman Selz LLC ("Furman"). Accordingly, BISYS now
acts as sub-administrator in place of Furman.

       Evergreen Distributor, Inc. ("EKD"), located at 125 West 55th Street, New
York, NY 10019, and formerly known as Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"),
is the distributor for the Funds. EKD is an affiliate of BISYS, having been
acquired by BISYS on January 3, 1997.

       The rate of compensation for BISYS and EKD will remain unchanged from the
compensation formerly paid to Furman and EKD prior to January 1, 1997.

       You may exchange shares of a Fund for shares of another Fund identified
above by calling or writing to Evergreen Service Company or by using the
Evergreen Express Line. If the shares being tendered for exchange are still
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge or are eligible for conversion in
a specified time, such remaining charge or remaining time will carry over to the
shares being acquired in the exchange transaction.

December 22, 1997
                                    4                                  
<PAGE>

                       SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES OF
  KEYSTONE BALANCED FUND (K-1), KEYSTONE DIVERSIFIED BOND FUND (B-2), KEYSTONE
  GROWTH AND INCOME FUND (S-1), KEYSTONE HIGH INCOME BOND FUND (B-4), KEYSTONE
  INTERNATIONAL FUND, KEYSTONE PRECIOUS METALS HOLDINGS, KEYSTONE QUALITY BOND
FUND (B-1), KEYSTONE SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND (S-4), KEYSTONE STRATEGIC GROWTH
                     FUND (K-2), AND KEYSTONE TAX FREE FUND
                 (EACH A "FUND" AND, COLLECTIVELY, THE "FUNDS")

     
     The prospectus(es) of each of the Funds are hereby supplemented as follows:

FUND REORGANIZATIONS

       Each of Keystone High Income Bond Fund (B-4), Keystone Strategic Growth
Fund (K-2), Keystone Growth and Income Fund (S-1), Keystone International Fund,
and Keystone Precious Metals Holdings has been reorganized as a separate series
of a Delaware business trust, each of which was organized on September 17, 1997.
The name of each trust is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF FUND                                                         NAME OF TRUST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
Keystone Strategic Growth Fund (K-2)                                 Evergreen Equity Trust
Keystone Growth and Income Fund (S-1)                                Evergreen Equity Trust
Keystone High Income Bond Fund (B-4)                                 Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Keystone Precious Metals Holdings                                    Evergreen International Trust
Keystone International Fund                                          Evergreen International Trust
</TABLE>

       In connection with the reorganizations, the investment objective(s) of
each Fund is now "nonfundamental" (i.e., changeable by vote of the Board without
a shareholder vote). In addition, each Fund is now subject to certain
standardized investment restrictions as set forth in the Supplement to the
Statement of Additional Information of each Fund dated the date hereof.

NAME CHANGES

       Effective January 12, 1998, the following name changes will occur:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CURRENT NAME                                                         NEW NAME
- ------------------------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
Keystone Growth and Income Fund (S-1)                                Evergreen Blue Chip Fund
Keystone High Income Bond Fund (B-4)                                 Evergreen High Yield Bond Fund
Keystone International Fund                                          Evergreen International Growth Fund
Keystone Precious Metals Holdings                                    Evergreen Precious Metals Fund
Keystone Strategic Growth Fund (K-2)                                 Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund
Keystone Quality Bond Fund (B-1)                                     Evergreen Quality Bond Fund
Keystone Balanced Fund (K-1)                                         Evergreen Balanced Fund
Keystone Small Company Growth Fund (S-4)                             Evergreen Small Company Growth Fund

</TABLE>

       In addition, the name of the distributor for the Funds has been changed
to Evergreen Distributor, Inc., the name of the administrator for certain of the
Funds has been changed to Evergreen Investment Services, Inc., and the name of
the transfer agent for the Funds has been changed to Evergreen Service Company.

ADDITION OF MULTIPLE CLASS STRUCTURE

       Effective January 9, 1998, each Fund will add two classes of shares
designated as Class A and Class C and will designate its current class of shares
as Class B.

       For all the Funds, the table set forth below summarizes the shareholder
transaction costs associated with an investment in each Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of the Funds.
                                       1


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                                            Class A Shares    Class B Shares(3)    Class C Shares
                                                                            --------------    -----------------    --------------
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C>                  <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a % of offering price)            4.75%               None                None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a % of original purchase price or         None(1)            5.00%(2)             1.00%
  redemption proceeds, whichever is lower)
</TABLE>
- -------------
(1) The Funds do not charge a front-end sales charge on purchase of $1 million
    or more, but they do charge a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if
    you redeem those shares within one year after your purchase.
(2) The deferred sales charge on Class B shares declines from 5.00% to 1.00% of
    amounts redeemed within six years after the month of purchase. The Funds do
    not charge a contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions made after
    that. See "Shareholder Information" for more information.
(3) Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent front-end
    sales charges permitted by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
    Inc. See "Purchase and Redemption of Shares" for more information.

       Annual operating expenses reflect the normal operating expenses of the
Fund, and include costs such as management, distribution and other fees. The
table below shows the Fund's estimated annual operating expenses for the fiscal
period ending on the date set forth besides the Fund's name. The example shows
what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over periods indicated. The example
assumes that you reinvest all of your dividends and that the Fund's average
annual return will be 5%. THE EXAMPLES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL
RETURN. THE FUND'S ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURNS WILL VARY. 

KEYSTONE BALANCED FUND (K-1) (MARCH 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .45%       .45%       .45%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  57      $  67      $  27      $  17      $  17
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  76      $  84      $  54      $  54      $  54
Other Expenses       .25%       .25%       .25%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $  98      $ 112      $  92      $  92      $  92
Total                .95%      1.70%      1.70%    After 10 Years             $ 159      $ 171      $ 201      $ 171      $ 201
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE DIVERSIFIED BOND FUND (B-2) (APRIL 30, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .52%       .52%       .52%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  58      $  69      $  29      $  19      $  19
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  81      $  88      $  58      $  58      $  58
Other Expenses       .33%       .33%       .33%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 105      $ 120      $ 100      $ 100      $ 100
Total               1.10%      1.85%      1.85%    After 10 Years             $ 175      $ 188      $ 217      $ 188      $ 217
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND (S-1) (JULY 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .64%       .64%       .64%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  59      $  70      $  30      $  20      $  20
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  84      $  91      $  61      $  61      $  61
Other Expenses       .31%       .31%       .31%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 110      $ 125      $ 105      $ 105      $ 105
Total               1.20%      1.95%      1.95%    After 10 Years             $ 186      $ 195      $ 227      $ 195      $ 227
</TABLE>

                                       2


KEYSTONE HIGH INCOME BOND FUND (B-4) (APRIL 30, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .58%       .58%       .58%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  59      $  70      $  30      $  20      $  20
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  83      $  91      $  61      $  61      $  61
Other Expenses       .35%       .35%       .35%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 109      $ 124      $ 104      $ 104      $ 104
Total               1.18%      1.93%      1.93%    After 10 Years             $ 184      $ 196      $ 225      $ 196      $ 225
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND (OCTOBER 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .75%       .75%       .75%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  63      $  74      $  34      $  24      $  24
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  95      $ 103      $  73      $  73      $  73
Other Expenses       .59%       .59%       .59%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 130      $ 145      $ 125      $ 125      $ 125
Total               1.59%      2.34%      2.34%    After 10 Years             $ 227      $ 239      $ 268      $ 239      $ 268
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE PRECIOUS METALS HOLDINGS (OCTOBER 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .74%       .74%       .74%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  64      $  74      $  34      $  24      $  24
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  97      $ 105      $  75      $  75      $  75
Other Expenses       .67%       .67%       .67%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 133      $ 149      $ 129      $ 129      $ 129
Total               1.66%      2.41%      2.41%    After 10 Years             $ 235      $ 247      $ 275      $ 247      $ 275

</TABLE>

KEYSTONE QUALITY BOND FUND (B-1) (OCTOBER 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .52%       .52%       .52%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  58      $  69      $  29      $  19      $  19
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  81      $  88      $  58      $  58      $  58
Other Expenses       .33%       .33%       .33%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 105      $ 120      $ 100      $ 100      $ 100
Total               1.10%      1.85%      1.85%    After 10 Years             $ 175      $ 188      $ 217      $ 188      $ 217
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND (S-4) (SEPTEMBER 30, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .48%       .48%       .48%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  57      $  68      $  28      $  18      $  18
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  78      $  85      $  55      $  55      $  55
Other Expenses       .27%       .27%       .27%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 100      $ 115      $  95      $  95      $  95
Total               1.00%      1.75%      1.75%    After 10 Years             $ 164      $ 177      $ 206      $ 177      $ 206
</TABLE>

                                       3


KEYSTONE STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND (K-2) (SEPTEMBER 30, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .53%       .53%       .53%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  58      $  69      $  29      $  19      $  19
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  81      $  88      $  58      $  58      $  58
Other Expenses       .32%       .32%       .32%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $ 105      $ 120      $ 100      $ 100      $ 100
Total               1.10%      1.85%      1.85%    After 10 Years             $ 175      $ 188      $ 217      $ 188      $ 217
</TABLE>

KEYSTONE TAX FREE FUND (MAY 31, 1998)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  EXAMPLES
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Assuming Redemption at           Assuming no
                     ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES                                       End of Period                Redemption
                   -----------------------------                             -----------------------------    ------------------
                   Class A    Class B    Class C                             Class A    Class B    Class C    Class B    Class C
                   -------    -------    -------                             -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Management Fees      .42%       .42%       .42%    After 1 Year
                                                                              $  56      $  66      $  26      $  16      $  16
12b-1 Fees*          .25%      1.00%      1.00%    After 3 Years
                                                                              $  73      $  80      $  50      $  50      $  50
Other Expenses       .16%       .16%       .16%    After 5 Years
                   -------    -------    -------                              $  91      $ 106      $  86      $  86      $  86
Total                .83%      1.58%      1.58%    After 10 Years             $ 145      $ 158      $ 188      $ 158      $ 188
</TABLE>

DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS

Distribution Plans. The Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares pay for the
expenses associated with the distribution of such shares according to
distribution plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") (each a "Plan" or collectively the "Plans"). Under
the Plans, the Fund may incur distribution-related and shareholder
servicing-related expenses which are based upon a maximum annual rate as a
percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class, as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
Class A shares                                      0.75% (currently limited to 0.25%)
Class B shares                                      1.00%
Class C shares                                      1.00%
</TABLE>

       Of the amount that each Class may pay under its respective Plan, up to
0.25% may constitute a service fee to be used to compensate organizations, which
may include the Fund's investment adviser or its affiliates, for personal
services rendered to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. The Fund may not pay any distribution or services fees during any
fiscal period in excess of the amounts set forth above. Amounts paid under the
Plans are used to compensate the Fund's distributor pursuant to the Distribution
Agreements entered into by the Fund.

Distribution Agreements. The Fund has also entered into distribution agreements
(each a "Distribution Agreement" or collectively the "Distribution Agreements")
with EDI. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreements, the Fund will compensate EDI
for its services as distributor based upon the maximum annual rate as a
percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the Class, as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
Class A shares                                      0.25%
Class B shares                                      1.00%
Class C shares                                      1.00%
</TABLE>

       The Distribution Agreements provide that EDI will use the distribution
fee received from the Fund for payments (1) to compensate broker-dealers or
other persons for distributing shares of the Fund, including interest and
principal payments made in respect of amounts paid to broker-dealers or other
persons that have been financed (EDI may assign its rights to receive
compensation under the Plans to secure such financings), (2) to otherwise
promote the sale of shares of the Fund, and (3) to compensate broker-dealers,
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing
administrative, accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders. FUNB or its affiliates may finance the payments made by EDI to
compensate broker-dealers or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund.

                                       4



       In the event the Fund acquires the assets of other mutual funds,
compensation paid to EDI under the Distribution Agreements may be paid by EDI to
the distributors of the acquired funds.

       Since EDI's compensation under the Distribution Agreements is not
directly tied to the expenses incurred by EDI, the amount of compensation
received by it under the Distribution Agreements during any year may be more or
less than its actual expenses and may result in a profit to EDI. Distribution
expenses incurred by EDI in one fiscal year that exceed the level of
compensation paid to EDI for that year may be paid from distribution fees
received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class A Shares--Front-End Sales Charge Alternative. You may purchase Class A
shares of the Fund at net asset value plus an initial sales charge on purchases
under $1,000,000. You may purchase $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares without
a front-end sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
equal to the lesser of 1% of the purchase price or the redemption value will be
imposed on shares redeemed during the month of purchase and the 12-month period
following the month of purchase. The schedule of charges for Class A shares is
as follows:
                              Initial Sales Charge
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          as a % of the Net    as a % of the            Commission to Dealer/Agent
  Amount of Purchase       Amount Invested     Offering Price            as a % of Offering Price
<S>         <C>           <C>                  <C>              <C>
  Less than $    50,000         4.99%               4.75%                            4.25%
$  50,000 - $    99,999         4.71%               4.50%                            4.25%
$ 100,000 - $   249,999         3.90%               3.75%                            3.25%
$ 250,000 - $   499,999         2.56%               2.50%                            2.00%
$ 500,000 - $   999,999         2.04%               2.00%                            1.75%
       Over $ 1,000,000          None                None       1.00% of the amount invested up to
                                                                $2,999,999; .50% of the amount invested
                                                                over $2,999,999, up to $4,999,999; and
                                                                .25% of the excess over $4,999,999
</TABLE>

       No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by (a)
institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and registered
investment advisers; (b) investment advisers, consultants or financial planners
who place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and who
charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or other fee; (c) clients
of investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own
accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account of such investment
advisers or financial planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom
shares are purchased; (d) institutional clients of broker-dealers, including
retirement and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund these
plans, which place trades through an omnibus account maintained with the Fund by
the broker-dealer; (e) shareholders of record on October 12, 1990 in any series
of Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on that date, and the members of
their immediate families; (f) current and retired employees of FUNB and its
affiliates, EDI and any broker-dealer with whom EDI has entered into an
agreement to sell shares of the Fund, and members of the immediate families of
such employees; (g) and upon the initial purchase of an Evergreen fund by
investors reinvesting the proceeds from a redemption within the preceding thirty
days of shares of other mutual funds, provided such shares were initially
purchased with a front-end sales charge or subject to a CDSC. Certain broker-
dealers or other financial institutions may impose a fee on transactions in
shares of the Fund.

       Class A shares may also be purchased at net asset value by a corporation
or certain other qualified retirement plans or a non-qualified deferred
compensation plan or a Title I tax sheltered annuity or TSA plan

                                       5


sponsored by an organization having 100 or more eligible employees, or a TSA
plan sponsored by a public education entity having 5,000 or more eligible
employees.

       In connection with sales made to plans of the type described in the
preceding sentence EDI will pay broker-dealers and others concessions at the
rate of 0.50% of the net asset value of the shares purchased. These payments are
subject to reclaim in the event the shares are redeemed within twelve months
after purchase.

       When Class A shares are sold, EDI will normally retain a portion of the
applicable sales charge and pay the balance to the broker-dealer or other
financial intermediary through whom the sale was made. EDI may also pay fees to
banks from sales charges for services performed on behalf of the customers of
such banks in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund. In addition to
compensation paid at the time of sale, entities whose clients have purchased
Class A shares may receive a trailing commission equal to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value on an annual basis of Class A shares held by their
clients. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for reduced sales
charges in accordance with the Fund's Concurrent Purchases, Rights of
Accumulation, Letter of Intent, certain Retirement Plans and Reinstatement
Privilege. Consult the Application for additional information concerning these
reduced sales charges.

Class B Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternative. You may purchase Class B
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. However, you may pay
a CDSC if you redeem shares within six years after the month of purchase. The
amount of the CDSC (expressed as a percentage of the lesser of the current net
asset value or original cost) will vary according to the number of years from
the month of purchase of Class B shares as set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      CDSC
Redemption Timing                                                                                                    Imposed
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------
<S>                                                                                                                  <C>
Month of purchase and the first twelve-month period following the month of purchase...............................     5.00%
Second twelve-month period following the month of purchase........................................................     4.00%
Third twelve-month period following the month of purchase.........................................................     3.00%
Fourth twelve-month period following the month of purchase........................................................     3.00%
Fifth twelve-month period following the month of purchase.........................................................     2.00%
Sixth twelve-month period following the month of purchase.........................................................     1.00%
No CDSC is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter.
</TABLE>

       If you redeem shares purchased after January 1, 1995, but before January
9, 1998, you will pay a CDSC according to the CDSC schedule in effect at the
time you bought your shares.

       The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
EDI. In the event the Fund acquires the assets of other mutual funds, the CDSC
may be paid by EDI to the distributors of the acquired funds. Class B shares are
subject to higher distribution and/or shareholder service fees than Class A
shares for a period of seven years after the month of purchase (after which it
is expected that they will convert to Class A shares without imposition of a
front-end sales charge). The higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class B
shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value
than Class A shares. The Fund will not normally accept any purchase of Class B
shares in the amount of $250,000 or more.

       At the end of the period ending seven years after the end of the calendar
month in which the shareholder's purchase order was accepted, Class B shares
will automatically convert to Class A shares and will no longer be subject to
the higher distribution and/or services fee imposed on Class B shares. If you
bought shares before January 1, 1995, your shares will automatically convert to
Class A shares on or about January 16, 1998. If you purchased your shares after
January 1, 1995, your shares will convert to Class A shares seventy-two months
from the date you purchased your shares. Such conversion will be on the basis of
the relative net asset values of the two Classes, without the imposition of any
sales load, fee or other charge. The purpose of the conversion feature is to
reduce the distribution and/or services fee paid by holders of Class B shares
that have been outstanding long enough for the Distributor to have been
compensated for the expenses associated with the sale of such shares.
Class C Shares--Level-Load Alternative. Class C shares are only offered
through broker-dealers who have special distribution agreements with EDI. You
may purchase Class C shares at net asset value without any initial sales charge
and, therefore, the full amount of your investment will be used to purchase Fund
shares. However,

                                       6


you will pay a 1.00% CDSC, if you redeem shares during the month of purchase and
the 12-month period following the month of purchase. No CDSC is imposed on
amounts redeemed thereafter. Class C shares incur higher distribution and/or
shareholder service fees than Class A shares but, unlike Class B shares, do not
convert to any other class of shares of the Fund. The higher fees mean a higher
expense ratio, so Class C shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and may
have a lower net asset value than Class A shares. The Fund will not normally
accept any purchase of Class C shares in the amount of $500,000 or more. No CDSC
will be imposed on Class C shares purchased by institutional investors, and
through employee benefit and savings plans eligible for the exemption from
front-end sales charges described under "Class A Shares -- Front-End Sales
Charge Alternative," above. Broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries
whose clients have purchased Class C shares may receive a trailing commission
equal to 0.75% of the average daily net asset value of such shares on an annual
basis held by their clients more than one year from the date of purchase. The
payment of trailing commissions will commence immediately with respect to shares
eligible for exemption from the CDSC normally applicable to Class C shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Shares obtained from dividend or distribution
reinvestment are not subject to a CDSC. Any CDSC imposed upon the redemption of
Class A, Class B or Class C shares is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net
asset value of the shares redeemed or (2) the net asset value at the time of
purchase of such shares.

       No CDSC is imposed on a redemption of shares of the Fund in the event of:
(1) death or disability of the shareholder; (2) a lump-sum distribution from a
401(k) plan or other benefit plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"); (3) automatic withdrawals from ERISA plans if
the shareholder is at least 59 1/2 years old; (4) involuntary redemptions of
accounts having an aggregate net asset value of less than $1,000; (5) automatic
withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of up to 1.00% per month of the
shareholder's initial account balance; (6) withdrawals consisting of loan
proceeds to a retirement plan participant; (7) financial hardship withdrawals
made by a retirement plan participant; or (8) withdrawals consisting of returns
of excess contributions or excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan
participant.

       The Fund may also sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares at net asset
value without any initial sales charge or CDSC to certain Directors, Trustees,
officers and employees of the Fund, Keystone, FUNB, Evergreen Asset Management
Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), EDI and certain of their affiliates, and to members
of the immediate families of such persons, to registered representatives of
firms with dealer agreements with EDI, and to a bank or trust company acting as
a trustee for a single account.

General. The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to you
depends on the amount of your investment and the length of time you will hold
it. If you are making a large investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales
charge, you might consider Class A shares. If you are making a smaller
investment, you might consider Class B shares since 100% of your purchase is
invested immediately and since such shares will convert to Class A shares, which
incur lower ongoing distribution and/or shareholder service fees, after seven
years. If you are unsure of the time period of your investment, you might
consider Class C shares since there are no initial sales charges and, although
there is no conversion feature, the CDSC only applies to redemptions made during
the first year after the month of purchase. Consult your financial intermediary
for further information. The compensation received by broker-dealers and agents
may differ depending on whether they sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares.
There is no size limit on purchases of Class A shares.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

       You may "redeem" (i.e., sell) your shares in the Fund to the Fund for
cash at their net redemption value on any day the Exchange is open, either
directly by writing to the Fund, c/o ESC, or through your financial
intermediary. The amount you will receive is the net asset value adjusted for
fractions of a cent (less any applicable CDSC) next calculated after the Fund
receives your request in proper form.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

How to Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same class of any other Evergreen funds through your financial
intermediary, by calling or writing to ESC or by using the Evergreen Express
Line as described above. Once an exchange request has been telephoned or mailed,
it is irrevocable and
                                       7


may not be modified or canceled. Exchanges will be made on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the shares exchanged next determined after an
exchange request is received. An exchange which represents an initial investment
in another Evergreen fund is subject to the minimum investment and suitability
requirements of each fund.

       No CDSC will be imposed in the event shares are exchanged for shares of
the same class of other Evergreen funds. If you redeem shares, the CDSC
applicable to the shares of the Evergreen fund originally purchased for cash is
applied. Also, Class B shares will continue to age following an exchange for the
purpose of conversion to Class A shares and for the purpose of determining the
amount of the applicable CDSC.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

       The Funds may quote their "total return" or "yield" for specified periods
in advertisements, reports, or other communications to shareholders. Total
return and yield are computed separately for each Class of shares. Performance
data for one or more Classes may be included in any advertisement or sales
literature using performance data of a Fund.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

       Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans, including
eligible 401(k) plans, may purchase Class A shares at net asset value provided
that such plans meet certain required minimum number of eligible employees or
required amount of assets. The CDSC applicable to Class B shares also is waived
on redemptions of shares by such plans. Additional information concerning the
waiver of sales charges is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                       8                                  


ANNUAL UPDATE TO FINANCIAL SECTIONS OF CERTAIN PROSPECTUSES

KEYSTONE GROWTH AND INCOME FUND (S-1)

The "Financial Highlights" section is replaced entirely by the following:

       The following table contains important financial information relating to
the Fund and has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors. The table appears in the Fund's Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, which also
appear, together with the independent auditors' report, in the Fund's Annual
Report, which is incorporated by reference into the statement of additional
information. Additional information about the Fund's performance is contained in
the Annual Report, which will be made available upon request and without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value beginning of year.....................................     $25.05      $22.98      $23.21      $25.42      $23.17
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Income from investment operations
  Net investment income...............................................       0.15        0.12        0.25        0.16        0.11
  Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related
    transactions......................................................       7.97        3.69        2.66       (0.35)       3.11
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total from investment operations..................................       8.12        3.81        2.91       (0.19)       3.22
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Less distributions
  From net investment income..........................................      (0.15)      (0.54)      (0.25)      (0.23)      (0.11)
  In excess of net investment income..................................      (0.05)      (0.22)      (0.11)      (0.05)      (0.17)
  From net realized gain on investments...............................      (3.18)      (0.98)      (2.78)      (1.74)      (0.69)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total distributions...............................................      (3.38)      (1.74)      (3.14)      (2.02)      (0.97)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net asset value end of year...........................................   $  29.79    $  25.05    $  22.98    $  23.21    $  25.42
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
TOTAL RETURN (A)......................................................      34.76%      17.31%      13.87%      (0.72%)     14.31%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratios to average net assets:
  Total expenses......................................................       1.57%       1.85%       1.75%       2.07%       2.28%
  Total expenses, excluding indirectly paid expenses..................       1.56%       1.84%        N/A         N/A         N/A
  Net investment income...............................................       0.55%       0.52%       1.09%       0.67%       0.47%
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................        109%        139%        115%         73%         96%
Average commission rate paid per share................................   $ 0.0598    $ 0.0635         N/A         N/A         N/A
Net assets end of year (thousands)....................................   $312,935    $224,819    $199,456    $208,532    $234,688
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1992        1991        1990        1989        1988
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value beginning of year.....................................     $25.12      $22.97      $24.82      $18.93      $27.23
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Income from investment operations
  Net investment income...............................................       0.15        0.19        0.22        0.32        0.46
  Net gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related
    transactions......................................................      (0.11)       4.72       (1.29)       6.16       (6.77)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total from investment operations..................................       0.04        4.91       (1.07)       6.48       (6.31)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Less distributions
  From net investment income..........................................      (0.15)      (0.26)      (0.65)      (0.59)      (0.46)
  In excess of net investment income..................................      (0.17)      (0.25)      (0.09)          0           0
  From net realized gain on investments...............................      (1.67)      (2.25)      (0.04)          0       (1.53)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
    Total distributions...............................................      (1.99)      (2.76)      (0.78)      (0.59)      (1.99)
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net asset value end of year...........................................     $23.17      $25.12      $22.97      $24.82      $18.93
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
TOTAL RETURN (A)......................................................       0.38%      24.82%      (4.56%)     34.99%     (24.55%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratios to average net assets:
  Total expenses......................................................       2.08%       2.33%       2.35%       2.05%       1.77%
  Total expenses, excluding indirectly paid expense...................        N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A
  Net investment income...............................................       0.61%       0.93%       1.36%       2.16%       2.28%
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................         95%         64%         47%         44%         82%
Average commission rate paid per share................................        N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A
Net assets end of year (thousands)....................................   $204,004    $176,985    $154,124    $187,696    $195,375
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.

                                       9                                  


       The "Fund Management and Expenses; Sub-administrator" section is deleted.

       The last sentence of the first paragraph and the second paragraph of the
"Fund Management and Expenses; Fund Expenses" section are deleted.

       The Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended August 31,
1996 and 1997, were 139% and 109%, respectively.

       In order to exchange shares of any Fund for shares of Keystone Precious
Metals Holdings, shareholder must have held such shares of such Fund for a
period of at least six months.

KEYSTONE DIVERSIFIED BOND FUND (B-2)

The "Financial Highlights" section is replaced entirely by the following:

     The following table contains important financial information relating to
the Fund and has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors. The table appears in the Fund's Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, which also
appear, together with the independent auditors' report, in the Fund's Annual
Report, which is incorporated by reference into the statement of additional
information. Additional information about the Fund's performance is contained in
the Annual Report, which will be made available upon request and without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1997       1996       1995       1994        1993        1992       1991       1990
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF YEAR...    $14.65     $15.09     $15.28     $17.06       $16.44     $15.37     $15.51     $17.74
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income...............      0.91       0.95       1.06       1.06         1.28       1.33       1.33       1.53
Net realized and unrealized gain
 (loss) on investments and foreign
 currency related transactions......      0.84      (0.35)      0.11      (1.62)        0.70       1.14       0.17      (1.94)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
Total from investment operations....      1.75       0.60       1.17      (0.56)        1.98       2.47       1.50      (0.41)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income...............     (0.93)     (0.96)     (1.06)     (1.22)       (1.28)     (1.33)     (1.63)     (1.61)
In excess of net investment
 income.............................     (0.05)         0      (0.22)         0        (0.08)     (0.07)     (0.01)     (0.21)
Tax basis return of capital.........         0      (0.08)     (0.08)         0            0          0          0          0
Net realized gain on investments....         0          0          0          0            0          0          0          0
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
Total distributions.................     (0.98)     (1.04)     (1.36)     (1.22)       (1.36)     (1.40)     (1.64)     (1.82)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF YEAR.........    $15.42     $14.65     $15.09     $15.28       $17.06     $16.44     $15.37     $15.51
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------
TOTAL RETURN (A)....................     12.25%      4.03%      8.13%     (3.53%)      12.73%     16.88%     10.58%     (2.44%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
 Total expenses.....................      1.88%      1.84%      1.81%      1.75%        1.89%      1.99%      1.94%      1.89%
 Total expenses, excluding
   indirectly paid expenses.........      1.87%      1.83%        --         --           --         --         --         --
 Net investment income..............      6.07%      6.42%      7.05%      6.48%        7.73%      8.29%      8.74%      9.26%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE.............       138%       246%       178%       200%         133%       117%       101%        43%
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR
 (THOUSANDS)........................  $457,701   $559,792   $734,837   $814,245   $1,004,393   $902,339   $814,528   $860,615
<CAPTION>
 
                                         1989        1988
                                      ----------   --------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF YEAR...      $17.99     $18.91
                                      ----------   --------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income...............        1.71       1.78
Net realized and unrealized gain
 (loss) on investments and foreign
 currency related transactions......       (0.13)     (0.81)
                                      ----------   --------
Total from investment operations....        1.58       0.97
                                      ----------   --------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:
Net investment income...............       (1.83)     (1.85)
In excess of net investment
 income.............................           0          0
Tax basis return of capital.........           0          0
Net realized gain on investments....           0      (0.04)
                                      ----------   --------
Total distributions.................       (1.83)     (1.89)
                                      ----------   --------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF YEAR.........      $17.74     $17.99
                                      ----------   --------
                                      ----------   --------
TOTAL RETURN (A)....................        9.23%      5.61%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
 Total expenses.....................        1.84%      1.68%
 Total expenses, excluding
   indirectly paid expenses.........          --         --
 Net investment income..............        9.52%      9.82%
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE.............          47%        46%
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR
 (THOUSANDS)........................  $1,000,305   $838,892
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.

                                       10                                 


  The Fund may invest up to 50% of its assets in securities that are principally
traded in securities markets located outside the United States.

  The Asset Composition table located under the caption "Risk Factors" of the
prospectus is replaced entirely with the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 *UNRATED SECURITIES
                                                                    OF COMPARABLE
                                             RATED SECURITIES        QUALITY AS
                                              AS PERCENTAGE         PERCENTAGE OF
RATING                                       OF FUND'S ASSETS       FUND'S ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------   ----------------    -------------------
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>
AAA                                                23.49%                0.00%
AA                                                 13.63%                0.00%
A                                                  13.83%                0.00%
BBB                                                 6.46%                0.00%
BBB split                                           0.20%                0.00%
BB                                                  7.32%                0.17%
BB split                                            8.21%                0.00%
B                                                  12.59%                0.00%
B split                                             0.40%                0.00%
CCC                                                 0.00%                0.00%
D                                                   0.00%                0.00%
Unrated*                                            0.17%
U.S. governments, cash, equities and
  others                                           13.70%
                                                 -------
    TOTAL                                         100.00%
                                                 -------
</TABLE>
 
  The "Fund Management and Expenses; Sub-Administrator" section is deleted.

  The last sentence of the first paragraph and the second paragraph of the "Fund
Management and Expenses; Fund Expenses" section are deleted.

  The Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996
and 1997 were 246% and 138%, respectively.

  The sixth paragraph of the "Distribution Plan" section is deleted.
                                   
                                        11

December 22, 1997

<PAGE>                                
 
                          SUPPLEMENT TO THE STATEMENTS
                          OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF

Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund, Evergreen American Retirement Fund, Evergreen
Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund,
  Evergreen Foundation Fund, Evergreen Fund, Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond
Fund, Evergreen Global Leaders Fund, Evergreen Growth and Income Fund, Evergreen
     High Grade Tax Free Fund, Evergreen Income and Growth Fund, Evergreen
  Intermediate Term Government Securities Fund, Evergreen International Equity
  Fund, Evergreen Institutional Money Market Fund, Evergreen Institutional Tax
 Exempt Money Market Fund, Evergreen Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund,
Evergreen Micro Cap Fund, Evergreen Money Market Fund, Evergreen North Carolina
     Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen Short-Intermediate Bond Fund, Evergreen
   Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund, Evergreen Small Cap Equity Income Fund,
Evergreen South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation
 Fund, Evergreen U.S. Government Fund, Evergreen Utility Fund, Evergreen Value
Fund, Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen Capital Preservation and
Income Fund, Evergreen Fund for Total Return, Evergreen Natural Resources Fund,
Evergreen Omega Fund, Evergreen Strategic Income Fund, Evergreen California Tax
 Free Fund, Evergreen Massachusetts Tax Free Fund, Evergreen Missouri Tax Free
 Fund, Evergreen New York Tax Free Fund, Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund,
  Keystone Balanced Fund (K-1), Keystone Diversified Bond Fund (B-2), Keystone
 High Income Bond Fund (B-4), Keystone Quality Bond Fund (B-1), Keystone Small
   Company Growth Fund (S-4), Keystone Strategic Growth Fund (K- 2), Keystone
 Growth and Income Fund (S-1), Evergreen Select Adjustable Rate Fund, Evergreen
  Select Small Cap Growth Fund, Keystone International Fund, Keystone Precious
 Metals Holdings, and Keystone Tax Free Fund (each a "Fund" and, collectively,
                                  the "Funds")

         The  Statements  of  Additional  Information  of each of the  Funds are
hereby supplemented as follows:

STANDARDIZED FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         Each of the above Funds, except Keystone Balanced Fund (K-1),  Keystone
Diversified  Bond Fund (B-2),  Keystone  Small  Company  Growth Fund (S-4),  and
Keystone  Tax Free Fund,  has adopted  the  following  standardized  fundamental
investment  restrictions.  These  restrictions  may be changed only by a vote of
Fund shareholders.

1.       Diversification of Investments

         The  Fund  may not make any  investment  inconsistent  with the  Fund's
         classification as a diversified  [non-diversified]  investment  company
         under the Investment Company Act of 1940.


                                                       
                                                        -1-

<PAGE>



2.       Concentration of a Fund's Assets in a Particular Industry.  ([All Funds
         other than those listed below.)

         The Fund may not  concentrate  its  investments  in the  securities  of
         issuers  primarily  engaged  in any  particular  industry  (other  than
         securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.  government or its agencies
         or  instrumentalities  [or in the case of Money Market  Funds  domestic
         bank money instruments]).

         For Evergreen Utility Fund

         The Fund will concentrate its investments in the utilities industry.

         For Keystone Precious Metals Holdings

         The Fund will concentrate its investments in industries  related to the
         mining,  processing  or  dealing in gold or other  precious  metals and
         minerals.

3.       Issuance of Senior Securities

         Except as permitted under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, the Fund
         may not issue senior securities.

4.       Borrowing

         The Fund may not  borrow  money,  except  to the  extent  permitted  by
         applicable law.

5.       Underwriting

         The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar
         as the  Fund  may be  deemed  an  underwriter  in  connection  with the
         disposition of its portfolio securities.

6.       Investment in Real Estate

         The Fund may not  purchase or sell real  estate,  except  that,  to the
         extent  permitted  by  applicable  law,  the  Fund  may  invest  in (a)
         securities  directly  or  indirectly  secured  by real  estate,  or (b)
         securities issued by companies that invest in real estate.

7.       Commodities

         The  Fund  may  not  purchase  or  sell  commodities  or  contracts  on
         commodities  except to the extent that the Fund may engage in financial
         futures  contracts  and related  options  and  currency  contracts  and
         related options and may otherwise do so in accordance with

                                                       
                                                        -2-

<PAGE>



         applicable  law and without  registering  as a commodity  pool operator
         under the Commodity Exchange Act.

8.       Lending

         The Fund may not make loans to other persons,  except that the Fund may
         lend its portfolio  securities in accordance  with  applicable law. The
         acquisition  of  investment  instruments  shall not be deemed to be the
         making of a loan.

9.       Investment in Federally Tax Exempt Securities

         The  following  Funds  have  also  adopted a  standardized  fundamental
investment   restriction  in  regard  to  investments  in  federally  tax-exempt
securities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                          <C>   
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund                       Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund
Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund                         Evergreen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Evergreen South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund                  Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
Evergreen New York Tax Free Fund                              Evergreen Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Evergreen California Tax Free Fund                            Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund
Evergreen Institutional Tax Exempt Money Market Fund          Evergreen Missouri Tax Free Fund
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund
</TABLE>


         The Fund will, during periods of normal market  conditions,  invest its
assets in accordance  with  applicable  guidelines  issued by the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff concerning  investment in tax-exempt securities
for Funds with the words tax exempt, tax free or municipal in their names.

ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         The nonfundamental  investment  restrictions  described below have been
eliminated by each Fund listed under such restriction:

1.       PROHIBITION ON INVESTMENT IN UNSEASONED ISSUERS

         Evergreen  Fund,  Growth and  Income  Fund,  Income  and  Growth  Fund,
         American   Retirement  Fund,  Money  Market  Fund,   Short-Intermediate
         Municipal  Fund,  Growth and Income  Fund (S-1),  Omega Fund,  Precious
         Metals  Holding,  Strategic  Growth  Fund (K- 2), High Income Bond Fund
         (B-4),  Capital  Preservation and Income Fund,  Select  Adjustable Rate
         Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Fund for Total Return, International Fund


2.       PROHIBITION ON INVESTMENT IN COMPANIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISING
         CONTROL OR MANAGEMENT

         Evergreen Fund,  Growth and Income Fund,  Income and Growth Fund, Value
         Fund,  Intermediate Term Government  Securities Fund,  Foundation Fund,
         American Retirement Fund,  Emerging Markets Growth Fund,  International
         Equity Fund,  Global  Leaders  Fund,  Money  Market Fund,  Florida High
         Income Municipal Bond Fund,  Short-Intermediate  Municipal Fund, Growth
         and Income Fund (S-1), Precious Metals Holdings,  Strategic Growth Fund
         (K-2),   High  Income  Bond  Fund   (B-4),   Fund  for  Total   Return,
         International Fund

3.       PROHIBITION ON INVESTMENT IN COMPANIES IN WHICH TRUSTEES OR OFFICERS OF
         THE FUNDS ALSO HOLD SHARES ABOVE CERTAIN PERCENTAGE LEVELS

         Evergreen  Fund,  MicroCap  Fund,  Growth and Income  Fund,  Income and
         Growth Fund,  Intermediate Term Government  Securities Fund, Foundation
         Fund, American  Retirement Fund, Money Market Fund,  Short-Intermediate
         Municipal Fund, Precious Metals Holdings, Inc.

4.       Prohibition  on  Investment  of More Than 5% of a Fund's  Net Assets in
         Warrants, With No More Than 2% of Net Assets Being Invested in Warrants
         That Are Listed NEW YORK NOR AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGES

         Evergreen  Fund,  MicroCap  Fund,  Growth and Income  Fund,  Income and
         Growth   Fund,    Foundation    Fund,    American    Retirement   Fund,
         Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund

5.       PROHIBITION ON INVESTMENT IN OIL, GAS OR OTHER MINERAL EXPLORATION OR 
         DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

         Evergreen  Fund,  MicroCap  Fund,  Aggressive  Growth Fund,  Growth and
         Income Fund, Small Cap Equity Fund, Income and Growth Fund, Value Fund,
         Intermediate Term Government Securities Fund, Foundation Fund, American
         Retirement Fund, Money Market Fund,  Florida High Income Municipal Bond
         Fund,  Short-Intermediate  Municipal  Fund,  High  Grade Tax Free Fund,
         Precious Metals Holdings, Inc.

6.       PROHIBITION ON JOINT TRADING ACCOUNTS


                                                       
                                                        -3-

<PAGE>



         Evergreen  Fund,  MicroCap  Fund,  Growth and Income  Fund,  Income and
         Growth Fund,  Foundation Fund,  American  Retirement Fund, Florida High
         Income Municipal Bond Fund

7.       PROHIBITION ON INVESTMENT IN OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES.  [Note:  The
         Funds may  invest in such  companies  to the  extent  permitted  by the
         Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder.]

         Growth and Income Fund,  Utility  Fund,  Small Cap Equity  Income Fund,
         Income and  Growth  Fund,  Value  Fund,  Short-Intermediate  Bond Fund,
         Intermediate  Term Government  Securities  Fund,  Foundation  Fund, Tax
         Strategic  Foundation  Fund,  American  Retirement Fund, High Grade Tax
         Free Fund,  Growth and Income Fund (S-1),  Omega Fund,  Precious Metals
         Holdings,  Strategic  Growth Fund  (K-2),  High Income Bond Fund (B-4),
         Select  Adjustable  Rate Fund,  Strategic  Income Fund,  Fund for Total
         Return,  Global Opportunities Fund,  International Fund,  Massachusetts
         Tax Free  Fund,  New York Tax Free  Fund,  Pennsylvania  Tax Free Fund,
         California Tax Free Fund and Missouri Tax Free Fund.

RECLASSIFICATION OF ALL OTHER FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

All  investment  restrictions  other than those  described  above as having been
standardized  or  eliminated  have  been   reclassified   from   fundamental  to
nonfundamental and, as, such, may be changed by the Funds' Boards of Trustees at
any time without a shareholder vote.

TRUSTEES

         The  Trustees and  executive  officers of each Trust,  their ages,  and
their principal occupations during the last five years are shown below:

         JAMES S. HOWELL (72),  4124 Crossgate Road,  Charlotte,  NC-Chairman of
         the Evergreen Group of Mutual Funds and Trustee. Retired Vice President
         of Lance Inc. (food manufacturing);  Chairman of the Distribution Comm.
         Foundation for the Carolinas from 1989 to 1993.

         RUSSELL  A.  SALTON,  III,  M.D.  (49),  205  Regency  Executive  Park,
         Charlotte, NC- Trustee. Medical Director, U.S. Healthcare of Charlotte,
         North Carolina since 1996; President,  Primary Physician Care from 1990
         to 1996.

         MICHAEL S. SCOFIELD  (53), 212 S. Tryon Street,  Suite 980,  Charlotte,
         NC-Trustee. Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield since 1969.

         GERALD M. MCDONNELL (57), 821 Regency Drive,  Charlotte,  NC - Trustee.
         Sales  Representative  with  Nucor-Yamoto  Inc. (steel  producer) since
         1988.

                                                       
                                                        -4-

<PAGE>



         THOMAS L. McVERRY (58), 4419 Parkview Drive,  Charlotte,  NC - Trustee.
         Director of Carolina  Cooperative  Federal  Credit Union since 1990 and
         Rexham  Corporation  from  1988  to  1990;  Vice  President  of  Rexham
         Industries,  Inc.  (diversified  manufacturer)  from 1989 to 1990; Vice
         President  - Finance and  Resources,  Rexham  Corporation  from 1979 to
         1990.

         WILLIAM WALT PETTIT (41), Holcomb and Pettit, P.A., 227 West Trade St.,
         Charlotte,  NC - Trustee.  Partner in the law firm  Holcomb and Pettit,
         P.A. since 1990.

         LAURENCE  B.  ASHKIN  (68),  180 East  Pearson  Street,  Chicago,  IL -
         Trustee. Real estate developer and construction  consultant since 1980;
         President of Centrum Equities since 1987 and Centrum  Properties,  Inc.
         since 1980.

         CHARLES A. AUSTIN III (61), Trustee.  Investment  counselor to Appleton
         Partners,   Inc.;   former  Managing   Director,   Seaward   Management
         Corporation  (investment advice);  and former Director,  Executive Vice
         President and  Treasurer,  State Street  Research & Management  Company
         (investment advice).

         K. DUN  GIFFORD  (57)  Trustee.  Chairman of the Board,  Director,  and
         Executive Vice President, The London Harness Company; Managing Partner,
         Roscommon Capital Corp.; Trustee,  Cambridge College; Chairman Emeritus
         and  Director,  American  Institute of Food and Wine;  Chief  Executive
         Officer,  Gifford Gifts of Fine Foods;  Chairman,  Gifford,  Drescher &
         Associates (environmental consulting);  President, Oldways Preservation
         and  Exchange  Trust   (education);   and  former  Director,   Keystone
         Investments, Inc. and Keystone Investment Management Company.

         LEROY KEITH,  JR. (57)  Trustee.  Director of Phoenix Total Return Fund
         and  Equifax,   Inc.;   Trustee  of  Phoenix   Series   Fund,   Phoenix
         Multi-Portfolio  Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund; and former
         President, Morehouse College.

         DAVID  M.  RICHARDSON  (55)  Trustee.  Executive  Vice  President,  DMR
         International,   Inc.  (executive  recruitment);   former  Senior  Vice
         President,  Boyden  International  Inc.  (executive  recruitment);  and
         Director,   Commerce  and  Industry  Association  of  New  Jersey,  411
         International, Inc., and J&M Cumming Paper Co.

         RICHARD J. SHIMA (57)  Trustee and Advisor to the Boards of Trustees of
         the Evergreen Group of Mutual Funds. Chairman,  Environmental Warranty,
         Inc., and Consultant,  Drake Beam Morin, Inc. (executive outplacement);
         Director of  Connecticut  Natural  Gas  Corporation,  Trust  Company of
         Connecticut,  Hartford  Hospital,  Old  State  House  Association,  and
         Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Hartford
         YMCA; former Director;  Executive Vice President,  and Vice Chairman of
         The Travelers Corporation.


                                                       
                                                        -5-

<PAGE>






EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

         JOHN J.  PILEGGI  (37),  230 Park  Avenue,  Suite 910,  New York,  NY -
         President and Treasurer.  Consultant to BISYS Fund Services since 1996.
         Senior Managing Director, Furman Selz LLC since 1992, Managing Director
         from 1984 to 1992.

         GEORGE O. MARTINEZ (37), 3435 Stelzer Road,  Columbus,  OH - Secretary.
         Senior  Vice   President/Director   of  Administration  and  Regulatory
         Services,    BISYS   Fund    Services    since   April    1995.    Vice
         President/Assistant  General Counsel,  Alliance Capital Management from
         1988 to 1995.

         The officers of the Trusts are officers  and/or  employees of The BISYS
Group, Inc. ("BISYS Group"),  except for Mr. Pileggi, who is a consultant to The
BISYS Group.  The BISYS Group is an affiliate  of  Evergreen  Distributor,  Inc.
("EDI"), the distributor of each class of shares of each Fund.

         No officer  or Trustee of the Trusts  owned more than 1.0% of any class
of shares of any of the Funds as of November 30, 1997.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

The following is added to the disclosure under the caption "Distribution Plan"

Class A and B shares are made  available  to  employer-sponsored  retirement  or
savings plans ("Plans") without a sales charge if:

(i) the Plan is recordkept on a daily  valuation  basis by Merrill Lynch and, on
the date  the  Plan  Sponsor  signs  the  Merrill  Lynch  Recordkeeping  Service
Agreement,  the Plan has $3 million or more in assets invested in  broker/dealer
funds not advised or managed by Merrill Lynch Asset  Management,  L.P.  ("MLAM")
that are made available  pursuant to a Services  Agreement between Merrill Lynch
and the Fund's  principal  underwriter  or  distributor  and in Funds advised or
managed by MLAM (collectively, the "Applicable Investments"); or

(ii)  the  Plan is  recordkept  on a daily  valuation  basis  by an  independent
recordkeeper  whose  services  are  provided  through  a  contract  or  alliance
arrangement  with  Merrill  Lynch,  and on the date the Plan  Sponsor  signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping  Service Agreement,  the Plan has $3 million or more
in assets, excluding money market funds, invested in Applicable Investments; or



                                                        -6-

<PAGE>



(iii) the Plan has 500 or more eligible employees,  as determined by the Merrill
Lynch plan  conversion  manager,  on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement.

Plans   recordkept  on  a  daily  basis  by  Merrill  Lynch  or  an  independent
recordkeeper under a contract with Merrill Lynch that are currently investing in
Class B shares  convert to Class A shares  once the Plan has  reached $5 million
invested in  Applicable  Investments.  The Plan will  receive a Plan level share
conversion.

The  following is added to the Statement of  Additional  Information  of each of
Keystone  Balanced Fund (K-1),  Keystone  Diversified Bond Fund (B-2),  Keystone
High Income Bond Fund (B-4),  Keystone  International  Fund,  Keystone  Precious
Metals Holdings, Keystone Quality Bond Fund (B-1), Keystone Small Company Growth
Fund (S-4),  Keystone  Strategic  Growth Fund (K-2),  Keystone Growth and Income
Fund (S-1) and Keystone Tax Free Fund.

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES

DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS

         Distribution  fees are accrued daily and paid monthly on Class A, Class
B and  Class C  shares  and are  charged  as class  expenses,  as  accrued.  The
distribution  fees  attributable  to the Class B shares  and Class C shares  are
designed to permit an investor to purchase  such shares  through  broker-dealers
without the assessment of a front-end sales charge,  and, in the case of Class C
shares,  without the assessment of a contingent  deferred sales charge after the
first year  following the month of purchase,  while at the same time  permitting
the Distributor to compensate broker-dealers in connection with the sale of such
shares.  In this regard,  the purpose and  function of the  combined  contingent
deferred  sales charge and  distribution  services fee on the Class B shares and
the  Class C shares  are the same as those of the  front-end  sales  charge  and
distribution  fee with  respect  to the  Class A shares in that in each case the
sales  charge  and/or   distribution  fee  provide  for  the  financing  of  the
distribution of the Fund's shares.

         Under the Rule 12b-1  Distribution Plans that have been adopted by each
Fund with  respect  to each of its Class A,  Class B and Class C shares  (each a
"Plan" and  collectively,  the "Plans"),  the Treasurer of each Fund reports the
amounts  expended  under the Plans and the purposes for which such  expenditures
were made to the  Trustees of the Trust for their  review on a quarterly  basis.
Also, each Plan provides that the selection and nomination of the  disinterested
Trustees are committed to the discretion of such disinterested  Trustees then in
office.

         Each Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds or such other
resources as may be permitted by rules of the SEC make payments for distribution
services to the Distributor; the

                                                        -7-

<PAGE>



latter  may in turn pay part or all of such  compensation  to  brokers  or other
persons for their distribution assistance.

         Each Plan and  Distribution  Agreement  will  continue  in  effect  for
successive  twelve-month  periods  provided,  however,  that such continuance is
specifically  approved at least annually by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding  voting securities of that Class
and, in either case, by a majority of the Independent  Trustees of the Trust who
have no direct or indirect  financial  interest in the  operation of the Plan or
any agreement related thereto.



                                                        -8-

<PAGE>



         The  Plans  permit  the  payment  of fees to  brokers  and  others  for
distribution   and   shareholder-related    administrative   services   and   to
broker-dealers,    depository   institutions,   financial   intermediaries   and
administrators  for  administrative  services as to Class A, Class B and Class C
shares. The Plans are designed to (i) stimulate brokers to provide  distribution
and administrative support services to each Fund and holders of Class A, Class B
and Class C shares and (ii) stimulate  administrators  to render  administrative
support services to the Fund and holders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
The  administrative  services are provided by a representative who has knowledge
of the shareholder's  particular  circumstances and goals, and include,  but are
not limited to providing  office space,  equipment,  telephone  facilities,  and
various personnel including clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or
beneficial  to  establish  and  maintain   shareholder   accounts  and  records;
processing  purchase and redemption  transactions  and automatic  investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A, Class B and Class C shares;  assisting  clients in changing dividend options,
account  designations,  and addresses;  and providing such other services as the
Fund reasonably requests for its Class A, Class B and Class C shares.

         In the event that a Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or not
continued  with  respect to one or more Classes of a Fund,  (i) no  distribution
fees (other than current  amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Distributor with respect to that Class or Classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay the Distributor for any amounts expended under the
Distribution   Agreement  not  previously  recovered  by  the  Distributor  from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such Class or Classes through
deferred sales charges.

         All material  amendments to any Plan or Distribution  Agreement must be
approved  by a vote of the  Trustees  of the Trust or the  holders of the Fund's
outstanding voting  securities,  voting separately by Class, and in either case,
by a majority of the disinterested  Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called
for the  purpose  of  voting  on such  approval;  and any  Plan or  Distribution
Agreement  may not be amended in order to increase  materially  the costs that a
particular  Class  of  shares  of a  Fund  may  bear  pursuant  to the  Plan  or
Distribution  Agreement without the approval of a majority of the holders of the
outstanding voting shares of the Class affected.  Any Plan, Shareholder Services
Plan or  Distribution  Agreement may be terminated (i) by a Fund without penalty
at any  time  by a  majority  vote  of the  holders  of the  outstanding  voting
securities of the Fund,  voting separately by Class or by a majority vote of the
disinterested   Trustees,   or  (ii)  by  the  Distributor.   To  terminate  any
Distribution  Agreement,  any party must give the other parties 60 days' written
notice;  to  terminate  a Plan  only,  the  Fund  need  give  no  notice  to the
Distributor.  Any  Distribution  Agreement will terminate  automatically  in the
event of its assignment.

HOW THE FUNDS OFFER SHARES TO THE PUBLIC

         You  may  buy  shares  of  a  Fund  through  the  Funds'   distributor,
broker-dealers  that  have  entered  into  special  agreements  with the  Funds'
distributor  or certain  other  financial  institutions.  Each Fund  offers four
classes of shares that differ primarily with respect to sales


                                                        -9-

<PAGE>



charges and distribution fees.  Depending upon the class of shares, you will pay
an initial  sales charge when you buy a Fund's  shares,  a  contingent  deferred
sales charge (a "CDSC") when you redeem a Fund's  shares or no sales  charges at
all.

Purchase Alternatives

         CLASS A SHARES

         With certain exceptions,  when you purchase Class A shares you will pay
a maximum sales charge of 4.75%.  (The  prospectus  contains a complete table of
applicable sales charges and a discussion of sales charge  reductions or waivers
that may apply to purchases.) If you purchase Class A shares in the amount of $1
million or more,  without an initial sales charge,  the Funds will charge a CDSC
of 1.00% if you redeem during the month of your purchase and the 12-month period
following the month of your purchase.  See  "Calculation of Contingent  Deferred
Sales Charge" below.

         CLASS B SHARES

         The Funds offer Class B shares at net asset value  (without a front-end
load). With certain exceptions,  however,  the Funds will charge a CDSC of 1.00%
on shares  you redeem  within 72 months  after the month of your  purchase.  The
Funds will charge CDSCs at the following rate:

REDEMPTION TIMING                                                    CDSC RATE


Month of purchase and the first twelve-month
         period following the month of purchase..........................5.00%
Second twelve-month period following the month of purchase...............4.00%
Third twelve-month period following the month of purchase................3.00%
Fourth twelve-month period following the month of purchase...............3.00%
Fifth twelve-month period following the month of purchase................2.00%
Sixth twelve-month period following the month of purchase................1.00%
Thereafter...............................................................0.00%

Class B shares  that have been  outstanding  for seven  years after the month of
purchase will  automatically  convert to Class A shares without  imposition of a
front-end  sales  charge  or  exchange  fee.   (Conversion  of  Class  B  shares
represented  by  stock  certificates  will  require  the  return  of  the  stock
certificate to ESC.

         CLASS C SHARES

         Class C shares  are  available  only  through  broker-dealers  who have
entered into special  distribution  agreements with the  Underwriter.  The Funds
offer Class C shares at net asset value (without an initial sales charge).  With
certain exceptions, however, the Funds will charge a


                                                       -10-

<PAGE>



CDSC of 1.00% on shares  you   redeem  within 12-months after the  month of your
purchase.  See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below.

         CLASS Y SHARES

         No CDSC is imposed on the redemption of Class Y shares.  Class Y shares
are not offered to the general  public and are available only to (1) persons who
at or prior to  December  31,  1994  owned  shares in a mutual  fund  advised by
Evergreen Asset Management Corp.  ("Evergreen Asset"), (2) certain institutional
investors and (3) investment advisory clients of the Capital Management Group of
First  Union  National  Bank  ("FUNB"),  Evergreen  Asset,  Keystone  Investment
Management Company, or their affiliates. Class Y shares are offered at net asset
value  without a  front-end  or back-end  sales  charge and do not bear any Rule
12b-1 distribution expenses.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

         The Funds charge a CDSC as reimbursement for certain expenses,  such as
commissions or shareholder  servicing  fees,  that it has incurred in connection
with the sale of its shares (see  "Distribution  Plan").  If imposed,  the Funds
deduct the CDSC from the redemption  proceeds you would otherwise  receive.  The
CDSC is a  percentage  of the lesser of (1) the net asset value of the shares at
the  time of  redemption  or (2) the  shareholder's  original  net cost for such
shares. Upon request for redemption,  to keep the CDSC a shareholder must pay as
low as possible, a Fund will first seek to redeem shares not subject to the CDSC
and/or shares held the longest, in that order. The CDSC on any redemption is, to
the extent  permitted by the National  Association of Securities  Dealers,  Inc.
("NASD"), paid to the Principal Underwriter or its predecessor.

SALES CHARGE WAIVERS OR REDUCTIONS

Reducing Class a Front-end Loads

         With a larger  purchase,  there are  several  ways that you can combine
multiple  purchases of Class A shares in Evergreen  funds and take  advantage of
lower sales charges.

         COMBINED PURCHASES

         You can reduce  your sales  charge by  combining  purchases  of Class A
shares of multiple Evergreen funds. For example, if you invested $75,000 in each
of two  different  Evergreen  funds,  you  would pay a sales  charge  based on a
$150,000 purchase (i.e., 3.75% of the offering price, rather than 4.75%).






                                                       -11-

<PAGE>



         RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION

         You can reduce your sales  charge by adding the value of Class A shares
of  Evergreen  funds  you  already  own to the  amount  of  your  next  Class  A
investment.  For  example,  if you hold  Class A shares  valued at  $99,999  and
purchase an additional $5,000, the sales charge for the $5,000 purchase would be
at the next lower sales charge of 3.75%, rather than 4.75%.

         LETTER OF INTENT

         You  can,  by  completing  the  "Letter  of  Intent"   section  of  the
application, purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and receive the same
sales  charge as if you had  invested  all the money at once.  All  purchases of
Class A shares of an Evergreen  fund during the period will qualify as Letter of
Intent purchases.

Shares That Are Not Subject to a Sales Charge or CDSC

         WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES

         The Funds may sell their  shares at net asset value  without an initial
sales charge to:

         1.       purchases of shares in the amount of $1 million or more;

         2.       a corporate or certain other  qualified  retirement  plan or a
                  non-qualified  deferred  compensation  plan  or a  Title 1 tax
                  sheltered  annuity or TSA plan  sponsored  by an  organization
                  having 100 or more eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan") or
                  a TSA plan  sponsored by a public  educational  entity  having
                  5,000 or more eligible employees (an "Educational TSA Plan");

         3.       institutional   investors,   which  may  include   bank  trust
                  departments and registered investment advisers;

         4.       investment  advisers,  consultants  or financial  planners who
                  place  trades for their own  accounts or the accounts of their
                  clients and who charge such clients a management,  consulting,
                  advisory or other fee;

         5.       clients of investment advisers or financial planners who place
                  trades for their own  accounts if the  accounts  are linked to
                  master  accounts  of such  investment  advisers  or  financial
                  planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom shares
                  are purchased;

         6.       institutional clients of broker-dealers,  including retirement
                  and  deferred  compensation  plans and the trusts used to fund
                  these  plans,  which place trades  through an omnibus  account
                  maintained with a Fund by the broker-dealer;



                                                       -12-

<PAGE>



         7.       employees  of FUNB,  its  affiliates,  Evergreen  Distributor,
                  Inc., any broker-dealer with whom Evergreen Distributor, Inc.,
                  has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the Funds, and
                  members of the immediate families of such employees;

         8.       certain  Directors,  Trustees,  officers and  employees of the
                  Evergreen  funds,  the Distributor or their  affiliates and to
                  the immediate families of such persons; or

         9.       a bank or trust  company  in a single  account  in the name of
                  such  bank  or  trust   company  as  trustee  if  the  initial
                  investment  in or any  Evergreen  fund made  pursuant  to this
                  waiver is at least  $500,000  and any  commission  paid at the
                  time of such  purchase  is not more than  1.00% of the  amount
                  invested.

         With respect to items 8 and 9 above, each Fund will only sell shares to
these parties upon the  purchasers  written  assurance  that the purchase is for
their  personal  investment  purposes only.  Such  purchasers may not resell the
securities except through  redemption by the Fund. The Funds will not charge any
CDSC on redemptions by such purchasers.

         WAIVER OF CDSCS

         The  Funds do not  impose  a CDSC  when the  shares  you are  redeeming
represent:

         1.       an  increase  in the  share  value  above the net cost of such
                  shares;

         2.       certain  shares for which the Fund did not pay a commission on
                  issuance,  including shares acquired  through  reinvestment of
                  dividend income and capital gains distributions;

         3.       shares that are in the account of a shareholder  who has died
                  or become disabled;

         4.       a lump-sum  distribution  from a 401(k) plan or other  benefit
                  plan qualified under the Employee  Retirement  Income Security
                  Act of 1974 ("ERISA");

         5.       an automatic  withdrawal  from the ERISA plan of a shareholder
                  who is a least 59 1/2 years old;

         6.       shares in an account  that we have closed  because the account
                  has an aggregate net asset value of less than $1,000;

         7.       an automatic  withdrawal under an Systematic Income Plan of up
                  to 1.00% per month of your initial account balance;





                                                       -13-

<PAGE>



         8.       a withdrawal consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan
                  participant;

         9.       a financial hardship withdrawal made by a retirement plan 
                  participant;

         10.      a withdrawal  consisting of returns of excess contributions or
                  excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan; or

         11.      a redemption by an individual participant in a Qualifying Plan
                  that purchased Class C shares (this waiver is not available in
                  the event a Qualifying Plan, as a whole, redeems substantially
                  all of its assets).

EXCHANGES

         Investors may exchange shares of a Fund for shares of the same class of
any other Evergreen fund, as described under the section entitled "Exchanges" in
a Fund's prospectus. Before you make an exchange, you should read the prospectus
of the  Evergreen  fund into which you want to  exchange.  The Trust's  Board of
Trustees  reserves  the  right  to  discontinue,  alter or  limit  the  exchange
privilege at any time.

HOW THE FUNDS VALUE SHARES

How and When a Fund Calculates its Net Asset Value per Share ("NAV")

         Each Fund  computes  its NAV once daily on Monday  through  Friday,  as
described  in the  Prospectus.  A Fund will not  compute  its NAV on the day the
following  legal holidays are observed:  New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day,  Presidents' Day, Good Friday,  Memorial Day,  Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

         The NAV of each Fund is  calculated  by dividing  the value of a Fund's
net  assets  attributable  to that  class by all of the  shares  issued for that
class.

How a Fund Values the Securities it Owns

         Current  values for a Fund's  portfolio  securities  are  determined as
follows:

         (1) Securities that are traded on a national securities exchange or the
over-the-counter  National  Market System ("NMS") are valued on the basis of the
last sales price on the exchange where  primarily  traded or on the NMS prior to
the time of the valuation, provided that a sale has occurred.

         (2) Securities  traded in the  over-the-counter  market,  other than on
NMS,  are  valued  at the  mean of the  bid  and  asked  prices  at the  time of
valuation.



                                                       -14-

<PAGE>


         (3) Short-term  investments  maturing in more than sixty days for which
market quotations are readily available, are valued at current market value.

         (4) Short-term  investments  maturing in sixty days or less  (including
all master demand notes) are valued at amortized cost (original purchase cost as
adjusted for  amortization  of premium or accretion of  discount),  which,  when
combined with accrued interest, approximates market.

         (5)  Short-term  investments  maturing  in more  than  sixty  days when
purchased  that are held on the  sixtieth  day prior to  maturity  are valued at
amortized  cost (market value on the sixtieth day adjusted for  amortization  of
premium or accretion of discount),  which,  when combined with accrued interest,
approximates market.

         (6) Securities,  including  restricted  securities,  for which complete
quotations are not readily  available;  listed securities or those on NMS if, in
the Fund's opinion, the last sales price does not reflect a current market value
or if no sale  occurred;  and other  assets are valued at prices  deemed in good
faith to be fair under procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

         As described in the prospectus,  a shareholder may elect to receive his
or her  dividends  and capital  gains  distributions  in cash instead of shares.
However, ESC will automatically  convert a shareholder's  distribution option so
that the  shareholder  reinvests all dividends and  distributions  in additional
shares  when it learns  that the postal or other  delivery  service is unable to
deliver  checks or transaction  confirmations  to the  shareholder's  address of
record. The Funds will hold the returned  distribution or redemption proceeds in
a non  interest-bearing  account in the shareholder's name until the shareholder
updates his or her address.  No interest will accrue on amounts  represented  by
uncashed distribution or redemption checks.


December 22, 1997


                                                       -15-

<PAGE>



                          EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                                     PART C

                                OTHER INFORMATION


Item 24.       Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 24(a).    Financial Statements

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment  No.  48 to the  Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A  of  Evergreen
Investment Trust relating to Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund.

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment  No.  48 to the  Registration  Statement  on Form  N-1A  of  Evergreen
Investment Trust relating to Evergreen International Equity Fund.

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment No. 15 to the Registration  Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen Equity
Trust relating to Evergreen Global Leaders Fund.

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration  Statement on Form N-1A of Evergreen Natural
Resources Fund.

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Keystone Precious
Metals Holdings, Inc.

     The response to this item is  incorporated  by reference to  Post-Effective
Amendment  No.  66 to the  Registration  Statement  on  Form  N-1A  of  Keystone
International Fund Inc.
 
                    
Item 24(b).    Exhibits

     Unless  otherwise  indicated,  each of the  Exhibits  listed below is filed
herewith.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number     Description                                           Location
- -------    -----------                                           -----------
<S>        <C>                                                   <C>  
1         Declaration of Trust                                   Incoporated by reference to 
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997     

2         By-laws                                                Incoporated by reference to 
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997
3         Not applicable                                      

4         Provisions of instruments defining the rights             
          of holders of the securities being registered       
          are contained in the Declaration of Trust            
          Articles II, III.(6)(c), VI.(3), IV.(8), V, VI,
          VII, VIII and By-laws Articles II, III and VIII 
          included as part of Exhibits 1 and 2 of this 
          Registration Statement

5(a)      Form of Investment Advisory and Management             Incoporated by reference to      
          Agreement between the Registrant and First             Registrant's Registration Statement
          Union National Bank                                    Filed on December 12, 1997

5(b)      Form of Investment Advisory and Management             Incoporated by reference to            
          Agreement between the Registrant and Evergreen         Registrant's Registration Statement
          Asset Management Corp.                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

5(c)      Form of Investment Advisory and Management             Incoporated by reference to 
          Agreement between the Registrant and Keystone          Registrant's Registration Statement
          Investment Management Company                          Filed on December 12, 1997

6(a)      Form of Class A and Class C Principal Underwriting     Incoporated by reference to        
          Agreement between the Registrant and Evergreen         Registrant's Registration Statement        
          Distributor, Inc.                                      Filed on December 12, 1997                                      

6(b)      Form of Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement       Incoporated by reference to       
          between the Registrant and Evergreen Investment        Registrant's Registration Statement       
          Services, Inc. (B-1)                                   Filed on December 12, 1997                                  

6(c)      Form of Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement       Incoporated by reference to       
          between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor,      Registrant's Registration Statement      
          Inc. (B-2)                                             Filed on December 12, 1997  

6(d)      Form of Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement       Incoporated by reference to
          between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor,      Registrant's Registration Statement      
          Inc. (Evergreen/KCF)                                   Filed on December 12, 1997
 
6(e)      Form of Class Y Principal Underwriting Agreement       Incoporated by reference to       
          between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor,      Registrant's Registration Statement     
          Inc.                                                   Filed on December 12, 1997 

6(f)      Form of Dealer Agreement used by Evergreen             Incoporated by reference to             
          Distributor, Inc.                                      Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997                                     

7         Form of Deferred Compensation Plan                     Incoporated by reference to                        
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

8         Form of Custodian Agreement between the Registrant     Incoporated by reference to     
          and State Street Bank and Trust Company                Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997
                                                                 
9(a)      Form of Administration Agreement between Evergreen     Incoporated by reference to 
          Investment Services, Inc. and the Registrant           Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

9(b)      Form of Transfer Agent Agreement between the           Incoporated by reference to           
          Registrant and Evergreen Service Company               Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997              
                                                                 
10        Opinion and Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP        Incoporated by reference to
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

11(a)     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP

11(b)     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

12        Not applicable

13        Not applicable   

15(a)     Form of 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class A            Incoporated by reference to
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997             

15(b)     Form of 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B            Incoporated by reference to            
          (KAF B-1)                                              Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997 

15(c)     Form of 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B            Incoporated by reference to                       
          (KAF B-2)                                              Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

15(d)     Form of 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B            Incoporated by reference to
          (KCF/Evergreen)                                        Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

15(d)     Form of 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class C            Incoporated by reference to
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997
16        Not applicable                                      

17        Not applicable

18        Multiple Class Plan                                    Incoporated by reference to
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997

19        Powers of Attorney                                     Incoporated by reference to
                                                                 Registrant's Registration Statement
                                                                 Filed on December 12, 1997
</TABLE>
      
Item 25.       Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.

     None

Item 26.       Number of Holders of Securities (as of November 30, 1997)
                                        
     None

Item 27.       Indemnification.

     Provisions  for  the  indemnification  of  the  Registrant's  Trustees  and
officers are contained the Registrant's  Declaration of Trust a copy of which is
filed herewith.

     Provisions for the  indemnification of the Registrant's  Investment Advisor
are contained in their respective Investment Advisory and Management Agreements.

     Provisions  for the  indemnification  of Evergreen  Distributor,  Inc., the
Registrant's principal underwriter, are contained in each Principal Underwriting
Agreement between Evergreen Distributor, Inc. and the Registrant.
        
Item 28.       Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

     The Directors and principal executive officers of First Union National Bank
are:

Edward E. Crutchfield, Jr.         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
                                   First Union Corporation; Chief Executive
                                   Officer and Chairman, First Union National
                                   Bank

Anthony P. Terracciano             President, First Union Corporation; President
                                   First Union National Bank

John R. Georgius                   Vice Chairman, First Union Corporation;
                                   Vice Chairman, First Union National Bank

Marion A. Cowell, Jr.              Executive Vice President, Secretary &
                                   General Counsel, First Union Corporation;
                                   Secretary and Executive Vice President,
                                   First Union National Bank

Robert T. Atwood                   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
                                   Officer, First Union Corporation; Chief
                                   Financial Officer and Executive Vice
                                   President

     All of the above persons are located at the following address:  First Union
National Bank, One First Union Center, Charlotte, NC 28288.

     The  information  required  by this item with  respect to  Evergreen  Asset
Management  Corp.  is  incorporated  by  reference  to the  Form ADV  (File  No.
801-46522) of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.

     The information  required by this item with respect to Keystone  Investment
Management  Company  is  incorporated  by  reference  to the Form ADV  (File No.
801-8327) of Keystone Investment Management Company.

Item 29.       Principal Underwriters.

     The Directors and principal  executive  officers of Evergreen  Distributor,
Inc. are:

Lynn C. Mangum                     Director, Chairman and Chief Executive
                                   Officer

Robert J. McMullan                 Director, Executive Vice President and 
                                   Treasurer

J. David Huber                     President

Kevin J. Dell                      Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

     All of the above persons are located at the following address: Evergreen 
Distributor, Inc., 125 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019.
                  
     Evergreen  Distributor,   Inc.  acts  as  principal  underwriter  for  each
registered  investment company or series thereof that is a part of the Evergreen
Keystone  "fund  complex" as such term is defined in Item 22(a) of Schedule  14A
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 30.       Location of Accounts and Records.  
                                                                                
     All accounts and records  required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
Investment  Company Act of 1940 and the Rules 31a-1  through  31a-3  promulgated
thereunder are maintained at one of the following locations:
     
     Evergreen Investment Services, Inc., Evergreen Service Company and Keystone
     Investment Management Company, all located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston,
     Massachusetts 02110

     First Union National Bank, One First Union Center, 301 S. College Street, 
     Charlotte, North Carolina 28288

     Evergreen Asset Management Corp., 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, 
     New York 10577 

     Iron Mountain, 3431 Sharp Slot Road, Swansea, Massachusetts 02777

     State Street Bank and Trust Company, 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy,  
     Massachusetts 02171 
                                                                           
Item 31.       Management Services.            

     Not Applicable


Item 32.       Undertakings.      
                                                                       
     The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a 
     prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest annual 
     report to shareholders, upon request and without charge.
        
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment  Company Act of 1940 the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereto  duly
authorized,  in the City of New York,  and State of New York, on the 18th day of
December, 1997.

                                         EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL TRUST

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933, this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                            
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the undersigned has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereto  duly
authorized,  in the City of New York,  and State of New York, on the 18th day of
December, 1997.

                                         EVERGREEN INVESTMENT TRUST

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933, this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                           
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the undersigned has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereto  duly
authorized,  in the City of New York,  and State of New York, on the 18th day of
December, 1997.

                                         EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                           
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.

<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment   Company  Act  of  1940  the   undersignedt  has  duly  caused  this
Registration  Statement to be signed on its behalf by the  undersigned,  thereto
duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 18th day
of December, 1997.

                                         EVERGREEN NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                           
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the undersigned has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereto  duly
authorized,  in the City of New York,  and State of New York, on the 18th day of
December, 1997.

                                         KEYSTONE PRECIOUS METALS HOLDINGS, INC.

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933, this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                           
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.

<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the undersigned has duly caused this Registration
Statement  to  be  signed  on  its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereto  duly
authorized,  in the City of New York,  and State of New York, on the 18th day of
December, 1997.

                                         KEYSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND INC.

                                         By: /s/ William J. Tomko
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Name: William J. Tomko
                                             Title: President


     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities indicated on the 18th day of December, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                                <C>                    
/s/William J. Tomko                      /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin            /s/ Charles A. Austin, III  
- -------------------------               -----------------------------     --------------------------------     
William J. Tomko                         Laurence B. Ashkin*               Charles A. Austin III*               
President amd Treasurer (Principal      Trustee                           Trustee                              
  Financial and Accounting Officer)                                       

/s/ K. Dun Gifford                      /s/ James S. Howell               /s/ William Walt Pettit          
- ----------------------------            ----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
K. Dun Gifford*                         James S. Howell*                  William Walt Pettit*        
Trustee                                 Trustee                           Trustee  
                                                                           
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell                  /s/ Thomas L. McVerry              /s/ Michael S. Scofield          
- -------------------------------         -----------------------------      -------------------------------- 
Gerald M. McDonell*                     Thomas L. McVerry*                 Michael S. Scofield*         
Trustee                                 Trustee                            Trustee                          
                                                                           
/s/ David M. Richardson                 /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD           
- ------------------------------          -------------------------------    
David M. Richardson*                    Russell A. Salton, III MD*                
Trustee                                 Trustee                                           
                                                                           
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
                                                 
                                 
*By: /s/ Terrence J. Cullen
- -------------------------------
Terrence J. Cullen
Attorney-in-Fact


     *Terrence  J.  Cullen,  by signing his name  hereto,  does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named  individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.

<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number           Exhibit
- --------------           -------
11(a)                    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
11(b)                    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We hereby  consent to the  incorporation  by  reference of our report dated
December 19, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights
of Evergreeen  Emerging Markets Growth Fund (the "Fund") appearing in the Fund's
October 31, 1996 Annual Report to  Shareholders,  which is also  incorporated by
reference,   into  the  Prospectus  and  Statement  of  Additional   Information
constituting  parts  of  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  48 to the  registration
statement  on Form  N-1A  of  Evergreen  Investment  Trust,  which  registration
statement is also incorporated by reference into this registration statement on
Form N-1A.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Financial Highlights"
in such Prospectus and under the headings "Independent Auditors" and "Financial
Statements" in such Statement of Additional Information.

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10036
December 18, 1997



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We hereby  consent to the  incorporation  by  reference of our report dated
December 19, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights
of Evergreeen  Global Leaders Fund (the "Fund")  appearing in the Fund's October
31, 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is also incorporated by reference,
into the Prospectus and Statement of Additional  Information  constituting parts
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the registration statement on Form N-1A of
Evergreen Equity Trust,  which  registration  statement is also  incorporated by
reference into this registration statement on Form N-1A.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Financial Highlights"
in such Prospectus and under the headings "Independent Auditors" and "Financial
Statements" in such Statement of Additional Information.

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10036
December 18, 1997



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We hereby  consent to the  incorporation  by  reference of our report dated
December 19, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights
of  Evergreen  International  Equity Fund (the  "Fund")  appearing in the Fund's
October 31, 1996 Annual Report to  Shareholders,  which is also  incorporated by
reference,   into  the  Prospectus  and  Statement  of  Additional   Information
constituting  parts  of  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  48 to the  registration
statement  on Form  N-1A  of  Evergreen  Investment  Trust,  which  registration
statement is also incorporated by reference into this registration  statement on
Form N-1A.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Financial Highlights"
in such Prospectus and under the headings "Independent Auditors" and "Financial
Statements" in such Statement of Additional Information.

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10036
December 18, 1997




                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



The Trustees and Shareholders
Evergreen International Trust


We consent to the use of our reports:

     Dated May 2, 1997 for Evergreen Natural Resources Fund;

     Dated March 31, 1997 for Evergreen Precious Metals Holdings, Inc.; and

     Dated November 29, 1996 for Keystone International Fund Inc. incorporated
by reference herein.

                                        /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                        KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
December 18, 1997



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