SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS /DELAWARE/
497, 1998-03-06
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[LOGO] SCHRODERS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS
 
MARCH 1, 1998
 
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
INVESTOR SHARES
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
 
The Schroder  Capital Funds are mutual funds offering a wide range of investment
objectives:   SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  FUND,  SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER
COMPANIES FUND,  SCHRODER  EMERGING MARKETS FUND,  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND
FUND,  SCHRODER U.S.  EQUITY FUND,  SCHRODER U.S.  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND, and
SCHRODER  MICRO CAP FUND.  Each Fund is a series of shares of  Schroder  Capital
Funds  (Delaware),  and each Fund (other than the U.S. Equity Fund and the Micro
Cap Fund)  currently  invests  substantially  all of its assets in a  separately
managed  portfolio of Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II, each
of which is a  registered,  open-end  management  investment  company.  Schroder
Capital  Management  International  Inc. serves as investment adviser to each of
the Funds and to each portfolio.  Each of the Funds, except the Emerging Markets
Fund and the International Bond Fund, is a diversified mutual fund.
 
This Prospectus  explains concisely the information that a prospective  investor
should know before  investing  in Investor  Shares of the Funds.  Please read it
carefully  and keep it for future  reference.  INVESTORS  CAN FIND MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION  ABOUT  SCHRODER  CAPITAL  FUNDS  (DELAWARE)  IN THE  MARCH 1,  1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION,  AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.  FOR A FREE
COPY OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-290-9826. The
Statement  of  Additional  Information  has been filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.  The
Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet World Wide Web site (at
http://www.sec.gov)  that  contains  the  Statement of  Additional  Information,
materials  that are  incorporated  by  reference  into this  Prospectus  and the
Statement of Additional Information, and other information about the Funds.
 
SHARES  OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT  DEPOSITS  OR  OBLIGATIONS  OF,  OR  GUARANTEED  OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY FINANCIAL  INSTITUTION,  ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE  CORPORATION,  THE  FEDERAL  RESERVE  BOARD OR ANY OTHER  AGENCY,  AND
INVOLVE RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
FUND STRUCTURE..............................................................          3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................................          6
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES..........................................         14
HOW TO BUY SHARES...........................................................         25
HOW TO SELL SHARES..........................................................         28
OTHER INFORMATION...........................................................         29
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST.....................................................         31
APPENDIX A..................................................................        A-1
  Description of Securities Ratings
</TABLE>
 
2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHRODER FUND ADVISORS INC.
        PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS.
             PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.
<S>                                                 <C>
 
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) 1-800-290-9826    SCHRODER SERIES TRUST 1-800-464-3108
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                         SCHRODER LARGE CAPITALIZATION EQUITY FUND
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                      SCHRODER SMALL CAPITALIZATION VALUE FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND       SCHRODER MIDCAP VALUE FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                    SCHRODER INVESTMENT GRADE INCOME FUND
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND                           SCHRODER SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
</TABLE>
 
FUND STRUCTURE
 
Each of SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  FUND,  SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND, SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND,  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND FUND and
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER  COMPANIES FUND seeks to achieve its investment  objective
by  investing  all  of  its  investable  assets  in  a  separate   portfolio  (a
"Portfolio") of either Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II that
has  the  same  investment  objective  as,  and  investment  policies  that  are
substantially  similar  to those of,  that  Fund.  Accordingly,  the  investment
experience of each Fund will correspond directly with the investment  experience
of its corresponding  Portfolio.  See "Other Information - Information about the
Portfolios." The Funds and the Portfolios in which they invest are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUNDS                                                  PORTFOLIOS
- - -----------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                            INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                         SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO*
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND          SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                       SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO*
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds II)
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND                   SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
</TABLE>
 
Each of SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND and SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing directly in securities.
 
* Each of SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO and SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO
  is a non-diversified series of an open-end management investment company. Each
  of the other Portfolios is a diversified series of an open-end management
  investment company. See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations -
  Non-Diversification and Geographic Concentration."
 
                                                                               3
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
 
Expenses  are one of several  factors to  consider  when  investing  in Investor
Shares of the Funds. There are no "Shareholder  Transaction Expenses" associated
with a purchase or redemption of Investor Shares of the Funds. "Annual Operating
Expenses" for each Fund other than the Emerging Markets Fund, the  International
Bond  Fund and the  Micro  Cap Fund  show  expenses  incurred  by each Fund with
respect to  Investor  Shares  based on the Fund's  expenses  for the most recent
fiscal  year.  Annual  Operating  Expenses for the Emerging  Markets  Fund,  the
International  Bond  Fund  and  the  Micro  Cap  Fund  are  estimated  based  on
anticipated  expenses  for each Fund's  current  fiscal year.  Annual  Operating
Expenses  of each  Fund  (other  than the U.S.  Equity  Fund and Micro Cap Fund)
include the Fund's pro rata portion of all  operating  expenses of the Portfolio
of  Schroder  Capital  Funds or  Schroder  Capital  Funds  II in which  the Fund
invests.   The  Example  shows  the  cumulative   expenses   attributable  to  a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Funds over specified periods.
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                                            NONE
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
 
(as a percentage of average net assets)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        INTERNATIONAL
                        INTERNATIONAL     EMERGING         SMALLER       INTERNATIONAL     U.S. EQUITY     U.S. SMALLER
                            FUND        MARKETS FUND   COMPANIES FUND      BOND FUND          FUND        COMPANIES FUND
                       ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                    <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Management Fees(1)
  (after expense
   limitation)(2)             0.61%           0.81%           0.00%            0.19%            0.57%            0.50%
12b-1 Fees                    None            None            None             None             None             None
Other Expenses
  (after expense
   limitation)(2)             0.38    %       0.89   %        1.50    %        0.76    %        0.93    %        0.99   %
                               ---             ---             ---              ---              ---              ---
Total Fund Operating
 Expenses (after
 expense
 limitation)(2)               0.99    %       1.70   %        1.50    %        0.95    %        1.50    %        1.49   %
 
<CAPTION>
 
                         MICRO CAP
                           FUND
                       -------------
<S>                    <C>
Management Fees(1)
  (after expense
   limitation)(2)            0.61%
12b-1 Fees                   None
Other Expenses
  (after expense
   limitation)(2)            1.39   %
                              ---
Total Fund Operating
 Expenses (after
 expense
 limitation)(2)              2.00   %
</TABLE>
 
(1) Management Fees reflect the fees paid by the Portfolio and the Fund for
    investment advisory and administrative services.
 
(2) The Management Fees and Total Fund Operating Expenses for each of the Funds
    reflect expense limitations currently in effect. See "Management of the
    Trust." Without the limitations, Management Fees, Other Expenses, and Total
    Fund Operating Expenses for Investor Shares would be 0.675%, 0.385%, and
    1.06%, respectively, in the case of the International Fund; 1.25%, 0.91%,
    and 2.16%, respectively, in the case of the Emerging Markets Fund; 1.10%,
    2.83%, and 3.93%, respectively, in the case of the International Smaller
    Companies Fund; 0.70%, 2.18%, and 2.88%, respectively, in the case of the
    International Bond Fund; 0.75%, 0.93%, and 1.68%, respectively, in the case
    of the U.S. Equity Fund; 0.85%, 1.02%, and 1.87%, respectively, in the case
    of the U.S. Smaller Companies Fund; and 1.50%, 1.39%, and 2.89%,
    respectively, in the case of the Micro Cap Fund.
 
EXAMPLE
 
Your investment of $1,000 would incur the following expenses, assuming 5% annual
return and redemption at the end of each period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                                     $      10    $      32    $      55    $     121
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                                  $      17    $      54          N/A          N/A
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                                   $      15    $      47    $      82    $     179
Schroder International Bond Fund                                                $      10    $      30          N/A          N/A
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                                       $      15    $      47    $      82    $     179
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                            $      15    $      47    $      81    $     178
Schroder Micro Cap Fund                                                         $      20    $      63          N/A          N/A
</TABLE>
 
The  Annual  Operating  Expenses  table and  Example  are  provided  to help you
understand  your share of the operating  expenses of the Funds  attributable  to
Investor  Shares.  THE TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REPRESENT PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSE
LEVELS.  ACTUAL  EXPENSES  MAY BE  GREATER  OR LESS THAN  THOSE  SHOWN.  FEDERAL
REGULATIONS  REQUIRE THE EXAMPLE TO ASSUME A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, BUT ACTUAL ANNUAL
RETURNS WILL VARY.
 
4
<PAGE>
                 [This page has been intentionally left blank.]
 
                                                                               5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The financial highlights presented below (other than those of Schroder Micro Cap
Fund and Schroder U.S. Smaller  Companies Fund for the period ended November 30,
1997) have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,  independent accountants to
the Funds.  The financial  statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997
for  each  of  Schroder   International  Fund,  Schroder  International  Smaller
Companies  Fund and Schroder U.S.  Equity Fund and for the fiscal year ended May
31, 1997 for Schroder U.S.  Smaller  Companies Fund and the related  independent
accountants' report are contained in each Fund's Annual
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------
                                         1997          1996(A)         1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
 Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period                                  $20.01         $20.91    $     23.17    $     20.38
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.14           0.15           0.46           0.18
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                    1.31           1.74          (0.18  )        2.69
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Total from Investment Operations           1.45           1.89           0.28           2.87
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                    (0.46  )       (0.47  )           -          (0.08  )
  Net Realized Gain on Investments         (2.63  )       (2.32  )       (2.54  )           -
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Total Distributions                       (3.09  )       (2.79  )       (2.54  )       (0.08  )
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Net Asset Value, End of Period           $18.37         $20.01    $     20.91    $     23.17
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
 Total Return(c)                            8.33  %       10.05  %        2.08  %       14.10  %
 Ratios/Supplementary Data
  Net Assets, End of Period (in
   thousands)                           $191,219       $202,735       $212,330       $500,504
 Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense
   Limitation(b)                            0.99  %        0.99  %        0.91  %        0.90  %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation(b)                            1.06  %        1.04  %         N/A            N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.67  %        0.86  %        0.99  %        0.94  %
 Average Commission Rate Per
  Share(d)                               $0.0280        $0.0256            N/A            N/A
 Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)                36.22  %       56.20  %       61.26  %       25.17  %
</TABLE>
 
(a)  On  November 1, 1995,  the Fund  converted  to Core and  Gateway-Registered
     Trademark-. On May 16, 1996, the Fund began offering two classes of shares,
     Investor Shares and Advisor Shares,  and all then outstanding shares of the
     Fund were designated as Investor Shares.
(b)  For  the  years  ending  after  October  31,  1995,   includes  the  Fund's
     proportionate share of income and expenses of the Portfolio.
(c)  Total returns  would have been lower had certain  expenses not been reduced
     during the periods shown.
(d)  For the fiscal years  beginning on or after  September 1, 1995, the Fund is
     required to disclose  average  commission  per share paid to brokers on the
     purchase and sale of equity  securities on which  commissions  are charged.
     For periods ending after October 31, 1995, the rate  represents the average
     commission per share paid by the Portfolio.
(e)  Annualized.
(f)  Portfolio turnover represents the rate of portfolio  activity.  For periods
     ending after October 31, 1995, the rate  represents the portfolio  turnover
     rate of the Portfolio.

 6
<PAGE>
Report to Shareholders  and are  incorporated by reference into the Statement of
Additional  Information  (the "SAI").  The  unaudited  financial  statements  of
Schroder Micro Cap Fund and Schroder U.S. Smaller  Companies Fund for the period
ended  November 30, 1997 similarly are  incorporated  by reference into the SAI.
Neither Schroder  International Bond Fund nor Schroder Emerging Markets Fund was
in operation  during those periods.  Copies of the Funds' Annual and Semi-Annual
Reports may be  obtained  without  charge by writing  the Funds at Two  Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101 or by calling 1-800-290-9826.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,                     MONTH ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------   OCTOBER 31,   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                         1993           1992           1991           1990           1989           1989
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period                                $   15.15      $   16.22      $   17.70      $   18.20     $    18.95     $    14.40
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.08           0.25           0.25           0.15           0.03           0.20
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                    5.27          (1.04)         (0.25)         (0.12)         (0.78)          4.44
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Total from Investment Operations            5.35          (0.79)          0.00           0.03          (0.75)          4.64
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                    (0.12)         (0.23)         (0.25)         (0.16)          0.00          (0.04)
  Net Realized Gain on Investments             -          (0.05)         (1.23)         (0.37)          0.00          (0.05)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Total Distributions                        (0.12)         (0.28)         (1.48)         (0.53)          0.00          (0.09)
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period         $   20.38      $   15.15      $   16.22      $   17.70     $    18.20     $    18.95
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------
Total Return(c)                            35.54%         (4.93%)         0.45%         (0.07%)        (4.01%)         32.2%
Ratios/Supplementary Data
  Net Assets, End of Period (in
   thousands)                           $320,550       $159,556       $108,398        $62,438        $49,740        $48,655
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense
   Limitation(b)                            0.91  %        0.93  %        1.07  %        1.12  %        1.12   (e)        1.12 %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation(b)                             N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.87  %        1.62  %        1.59  %        0.83  %        2.29   (e)        1.27 %
Average Commission Rate Per
 Share(d)                                    N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)                 56.05  %       49.42  %       50.58  %       55.91  %       21.98   (e)       72.25 %
 
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                         1988
                                     -------------
<S>                                  <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period                               $    18.02
                                     -------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.05
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                   (2.34)
                                     -------------
Total from Investment Operations           (2.29)
                                     -------------
Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                     0.00
  Net Realized Gain on Investments         (1.33)
                                     -------------
Total Distributions                        (1.33)
                                     -------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period        $    14.40
                                     -------------
                                     -------------
Total Return(c)                            (0.12%)
Ratios/Supplementary Data
  Net Assets, End of Period (in
   thousands)                            $29,917
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense
   Limitation(b)                            1.30  %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation(b)                             N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)           0.38  %
Average Commission Rate Per
 Share(d)                                    N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)                 86.19  %
</TABLE>
 
                                                                               7
<PAGE>
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PERIOD ENDED
                                                                                                      OCTOBER 31,
                                                                                                        1997(A)
                                                                                                      ------------
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                                                      $10.00
                                                                                                      ------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)                                                                           0.02
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                                                   (0.79  )
                                                                                                      ------------
Total from Investment Operations                                                                           (0.77  )
                                                                                                      ------------
Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                                                                                    (0.01  )
                                                                                                      ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period                                                                            $ 9.22
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      ------------
Total Return(c)                                                                                            (7.73  %)
Ratios/Supplementary Data
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)                                                                  $6,836
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                                                   1.50  %
  Expenses Before Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                                                  3.93  %
  Net Investment Income (Loss) After Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                               0.21  %
Average Commission Rate Per Share(e)                                                                     $0.0389
Portfolio Turnover Rate(f)                                                                                 32.30  %
</TABLE>
 
(a) The Fund commenced operations on November 4, 1996.
(b) Includes the Fund's proportionate share of income and expenses of the
    Portfolio.
(c) Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced
    during the period shown.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Amount represents the average commission per share paid to brokers on the
    purchase and sale of equity securities of the Portfolio on which commissions
    are charged.
(f) Portfolio turnover represents the rate of portfolio activity of the
    Portfolio.
 
8
<PAGE>
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                                                                               9
<PAGE>
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                                         1997           1996           1995           1994
                                     -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
 Net Asset Value, Beginning of
  Period                                   $9.76          $9.41    $      8.52    $    11.28
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
 Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)             (0.01  )        0.04           0.07          0.04
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                    2.20           1.62           1.33         (0.27  )
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
 Total from Investment Operations           2.19           1.66           1.40         (0.23  )
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
 Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                    (0.02  )       (0.07  )       (0.05  )      (0.01  )
  Net Realized Gain on Investments         (2.11  )       (1.24  )       (0.46  )      (2.52  )
  Paid-In Capital                              -              -              -             -
 Total Distributions                       (2.13  )       (1.31  )       (0.51  )      (2.53  )
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
 Net Asset Value, End of Period            $9.82          $9.76    $      9.41    $     8.52
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
                                          ------         ------         ------    ------------
 Total Return(a)                           26.49  %       19.45  %       17.68  %      (2.01  %)
 Ratios/Supplementary Data
 Net Assets, End of Year (in
  thousands)                             $13,861        $17,187         19,688        18,483
 Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense Limitation         1.50  %        1.40  %        1.40  %       1.31  %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation                               1.68  %        1.43  %         N/A           N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss)
   After Expense Limitation                (0.09  %)        0.43  %        0.78  %       0.41  %
 Average Commission Rate Per
  Share(b)                               $0.0563        $0.0599            N/A           N/A
 Portfolio Turnover Rate                   44.28  %       56.80  %       57.21  %      27.43  %
</TABLE>
 
(a) Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced
during the periods shown.
(b) For the fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Fund is
    required to disclose the average commission per share paid to brokers on the
    purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
 
10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1993          1992          1991           1990           1989           1988
                                     ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period                               $   10.51     $    9.56      $    7.05      $    8.35      $    7.49     $   10.15
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)             0.05          0.02           0.09           0.11           0.17          0.18
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                   1.86          1.61           2.57          (0.77)          1.30          0.28
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
Total from Investment Operations           1.91          1.63           2.66          (0.66)          1.47          0.46
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
Distributions from
  Net Investment Income                   (0.04)        (0.04)         (0.11)         (0.11)         (0.15)        (0.18)
  Net Realized Gain on Investments        (1.10)        (0.58)             -          (0.53)         (0.46)        (2.94)
  Paid-In Capital                             -         (0.06)         (0.04)             -              -             -
Total Distributions                       (1.14)        (0.68)         (0.15)         (0.64)         (0.61)        (3.12)
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period        $   11.28     $   10.51      $    9.56      $    7.05      $    8.35     $    7.49
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
                                     ------------  ------------       ------         ------         ------    ------------
Total Return(a)                           19.49%        17.74%         38.16%         (8.78%)        21.05%         7.74%
Ratios/Supplementary Data
Net Assets, End of Year (in
 thousands)                              21,865        19,882         20,234         18,290         23,838        25,569
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense Limitation        1.18  %       1.40  %        1.39  %        1.34  %        1.49  %       1.60  %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation                               N/A           N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A           N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss)
   After Expense Limitation                0.51  %       0.42  %        1.30  %        1.59  %        1.99  %       1.89  %
Average Commission Rate Per
 Share(b)                                   N/A           N/A            N/A            N/A            N/A           N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate                   57.78  %      31.33  %       29.98  %       28.31  %       40.35  %      18.42  %
</TABLE>
 
                                                                              11
<PAGE>
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE
                                                      PERIOD ENDED              FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                        MAY 31,     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1997       1996(A)(B)       1995          1994        1993(B)
                                          FOR THE     ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                       PERIOD ENDED
                                       NOVEMBER 30,
                                           1997
                                       -------------
                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period        $13.26        $17.23        $15.14    $    11.81    $    10.99    $    10.00
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(c)            (0.04  )      (0.02  )      (0.06  )      (0.04  )      (0.07  )      (0.02  )
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
   (Loss) on Investments                      1.96          1.88          4.10          3.78          0.97          1.01
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Total from Investment Operations              1.92          1.86          4.04          3.74          0.90          0.99
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Distributions from
  Net Realized Gain on Investments               -         (5.83  )      (1.95  )      (0.41  )      (0.08  )          -
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period              $15.18        $13.26        $17.23    $    15.14    $    11.81    $    10.99
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                       -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Total Return(d)                              14.48  %      14.73  %      29.35  %      32.84  %       8.26  %       9.90  %
Ratios/Supplementary Data
  Net Assets, End of Period (in
   thousands)                              $39,378       $26,104       $13,743       $15,287       $13,324       $12,489
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense
   Limitation(c)(e)                           1.43  %       1.49  %       1.49  %       1.49  %       1.45  %       2.03  %
  Expenses Before Expense
   Limitation(c)(e)                           1.43  %       1.87  %        N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
  Net Investment Income (Loss) After
   Expense Limitation(c)(e)                  (0.54  %)      (0.42  %)      (0.35  %)      (0.30  %)      (0.58  %)      (0.99  %)
Average Commission Rate Per Share(f)       $0.0588       $0.0584       $0.0583           N/A           N/A           N/A
Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)                   28.71  %      34.45  %      58.50  %      92.68  %      70.82  %      12.58  %
</TABLE>
 
(a) On May 17, 1996, the Fund began offering two classes of shares, Investor
    Shares and Advisor Shares, and all then outstanding shares of the Fund were
    designated as Investor Shares.
(b) The Fund commenced operations on August 6, 1993 and converted to Core and
    Gateway on August 15, 1996.
(c) For the periods ended November 30, 1997, May 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996,
    includes the Fund's proportionate share of income and expenses of the
    Portfolio.
(d) For the periods ended November 30, 1997 and May 31, 1997, the total returns
    would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
(e) Annualized.
(f) For the fiscal year beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Fund is
    required to disclose average commission per share paid by the Portfolio to
    brokers on the purchase and sale of equity securities on which commissions
    are charged. For the periods after October 31, 1996, the rate represents the
    average commission per share paid by the Portfolio.
(g) Portfolio turnover represents the rate of portfolio activity. For the
    periods ending after October 31, 1996, the rate represents the portfolio
    turnover rate of the Portfolio.
 
12
<PAGE>
SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     PERIOD ENDED
                                                                                                     NOVEMBER 30,
                                                                                                        1997(A)
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
Investment Operations:                                                                                    $10.00
                                                                                                     -------------
  Net Investment Income (Loss)                                                                              0.01
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                                                    0.36
                                                                                                     -------------
Total from Investment Operations                                                                            0.37
                                                                                                     -------------
Net Asset Value Value, End of Period                                                                      $10.37
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
Total Return(b)                                                                                             3.70  %
Ratios/Supplementary Data
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)                                                                  $2,471
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense Limitation(c)                                                                      2.00  %
  Expenses Before Expense Limitation(c)                                                                    11.42  %
  Net Investment Income (Loss) After Expense Limitation(c)                                                  0.07  %
Average Commission Rate Per Share(d)                                                                     $0.0595
Portfolio Turnover Rate                                                                                    32.64  %
</TABLE>
 
(a) The Fund commenced operations on October 15, 1997.
(b) Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced
    during the period shown.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Amount represents the average commission per share paid to brokers on the
    purchase and sale of equity securities on which commissions are charged.
 
                                                                              13
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
Each Fund has a  different  investment  objective  that it pursues  through  the
investment policies described below.
 
Because of the differences in objectives and policies among the Funds, the Funds
will achieve different investment returns and will be subject to varying degrees
of market and financial  risk.  There is no assurance that any Fund will achieve
its  objective.  None of the  Funds  is  intended  to be a  complete  investment
program.
 
EACH FUND  (OTHER THAN THE U.S.  EQUITY  FUND AND THE MICRO CAP FUND)  CURRENTLY
INVESTS  SUBSTANTIALLY  ALL OF ITS  ASSETS IN A MANAGED  PORTFOLIO  OF  SCHRODER
CAPITAL FUNDS OR SCHRODER  CAPITAL FUNDS II. EACH SUCH  PORTFOLIO IS REFERRED TO
IN THIS  PROSPECTUS AS A "PORTFOLIO."  IN REVIEWING THE  DESCRIPTION OF A FUND'S
INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  AND  POLICIES  BELOW,  INVESTORS  SHOULD  ASSUME THAT THE
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE CORRESPONDING PORTFOLIO ARE THE SAME IN
ALL  MATERIAL  RESPECTS  AS  THOSE  OF THE  FUND.  SCHRODER  CAPITAL  MANAGEMENT
INTERNATIONAL  INC. ("SCMI") IS THE INVESTMENT  ADVISER TO EACH FUND AND TO EACH
PORTFOLIO.
 
A Fund's investment  objective may not be changed without shareholder  approval.
The investment policies of each Fund may, unless otherwise  specifically stated,
be changed by the Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds  (Delaware)  (the "Trust")
without a vote of the  shareholders.  All percentage  limitations on investments
will apply at the time of investment and will not be considered  violated unless
an excess or deficiency  occurs or exists  immediately  after and as a result of
the  investment  except that the policies  stated with regard to  borrowing  and
liquidity will be observed at all times.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
 
SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL   FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  IS  LONG-TERM  CAPITAL
APPRECIATION THROUGH INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES MARKETS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  securities  convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or
warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing.  They may also  include  American
Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and other similar instruments
providing for indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may
also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies that invest in turn
primarily in foreign securities.
 
The Fund normally will invest at least 65% of its assets in equity securities of
companies  domiciled  outside the United States and will invest in securities of
issuers  domiciled  in at least three  countries  other than the United  States.
There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial  portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in a
single  country,  it will be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that
country  than  would  a fund  investing  in a  geographically  more  diversified
portfolio.  The Fund  normally  invests a  substantial  portion of its assets in
countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which
is a market  capitalization-weighted  index of  companies  in  developed  market
countries in Europe,  Australia and the Far East.  Other  countries in which the
Fund may invest may be considered  "emerging markets" and involve special risks.
See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Foreign Securities."
 
The Fund may invest in debt securities,  including,  for example,  securities of
foreign governments  (including  provinces and municipalities) or their agencies
or   instrumentalities,   securities   issued  or  guaranteed  by  international
organizations  designated or supported by multiple foreign governmental entities
to promote  economic  reconstruction  or  development,  and debt  securities  of
foreign corporations or financial institutions.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of
its net assets in  lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail
certain risks. See "Other  Investment  Practices and Risk  Considerations - Debt
Securities."
 
14
<PAGE>
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
 
SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS  FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK  LONG-TERM
CAPITAL APPRECIATION. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of issuers
domiciled  or doing  business in emerging  market  countries  in regions such as
Southeast Asia, Latin America,  and Eastern and Southern  Europe.  The Fund will
normally invest in at least three countries other than the United States.
 
An  "emerging  market"  country  is any  country  not  included  at the  time of
investment  in the Morgan  Stanley  Capital  International  World Index of major
world economies. Those economies currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada,  Denmark,   Finland,   France,  Germany,   Ireland,  Italy,  Japan,  the
Netherlands,   New  Zealand,   Norway,  Portugal,   Singapore,   Spain,  Sweden,
Switzerland,  the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  SCMI may at
times determine based on its own analysis that an economy  included in the Index
should  nonetheless be considered an emerging market  country;  any such country
would then  constitute an emerging  market country for purposes of investment by
the Fund.
 
The Fund  normally  invests at least 65% of its assets in equity  securities  of
issuers  determined by SCMI to be emerging  market  issuers.  Equity  securities
include common stocks,  preferred stocks,  securities convertible into common or
preferred  stocks,  and rights or  warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing
(although such rights and warrants will not be taken into account in determining
compliance with the 65% requirement  described in the preceding  sentence.) They
may also include American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and
other similar  instruments  providing  for indirect  investment in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund may also invest in securities of closed-end investment
companies  that invest in turn  primarily in foreign  securities.  The Fund is a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."
 
The  remainder  of the Fund's  assets may be invested in  securities  of issuers
located  anywhere  in the world.  The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
debt securities,  including lower-quality,  high-yielding debt securities, which
entail certain risks. The Fund would invest in debt securities principally in an
effort to realize capital  appreciation due, for example,  to a favorable change
in  currency  exchange or control  rates,  or in the  creditworthiness  of their
issuers. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in sovereign debt securities
that are in default.  See "Other Investment  Practices and Risk Considerations -
Debt Securities."
 
An issuer of a security will be  considered  to be an emerging  market issuer if
SCMI  determines  that: (1) it is organized under the laws of an emerging market
country;  (2) its primary  securities  trading  market is in an emerging  market
country;  (3) at least 50% of the issuer's  revenues or profits are derived from
goods  produced or sold,  investments  made,  or services  performed in emerging
market  countries;  or (4) at least 50% of its assets are  situated  in emerging
market countries.  The Fund may consider  investment  companies to be located in
the country or countries in which SCMI determines they focus their investments.
 
There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial  portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in a
single  country,  it will be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that
country  than  would  a Fund  investing  in a  geographically  more  diversified
portfolio.

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL   SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  IS
LONG-TERM CAPITAL  APPRECIATION THROUGH INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES MARKETS OUTSIDE
THE  UNITED  STATES.  The Fund  normally  invests  at least 65% of its assets in
equity  securities  of companies  domiciled  outside the United States that have
market  capitalizations  of $1.5 billion or less at the time of  investment.  In
selecting  investments  for the  Fund,  SCMI  considers  a  number  of  factors,
including,  for example,  the  company's  potential for  long-term  growth,  the
company's financial condition, its sensitivity to cyclical factors, the relative
value of the company's securities (to those of other companies and to the market
as a whole), and the extent to which the company's management owns equity in the
company.
  
                                                                              15
<PAGE>

Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  securities  convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or
warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing.  They may also  include  American
Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and other similar instruments
providing for indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may
also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies that invest in turn
primarily in foreign securities.
 
The Fund will  invest in  securities  of  issuers  domiciled  in at least  three
countries other than the United States, although there is no limit on the amount
of the Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of issuers  domiciled in
any one country.  When the Fund has invested a substantial portion of its assets
in the securities of companies  domiciled in a single  country,  it will be more
susceptible  to the  risks  of  investing  in  that  country  than  would a fund
investing in a geographically more diversified  portfolio.  Certain countries in
which the Fund may invest  may be  considered  "emerging  markets"  and  involve
special risks. See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Foreign
Securities."
 
Smaller  companies may present greater  opportunities for investment return than
do larger companies,  but also involve greater risks. Smaller companies may have
limited  product  lines,  markets,  or financial  resources,  or may depend on a
limited  management  group.  Their  securities may trade less  frequently and in
limited volume.  As a result,  the prices of these securities may fluctuate more
than prices of securities of larger,  more widely traded  companies.  See "Other
Investment   Practices  and  Risk   Considerations   -  Investments  in  Smaller
Companies."
 
The Fund may invest in debt securities,  including,  for example,  securities of
foreign governments,  international organizations,  and foreign corporations and
U.S. government securities.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Debt Securities."
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
 
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND'S INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK A HIGH RATE
OF TOTAL RETURN.  The Fund normally invests  substantially  all of its assets in
debt securities and debt-related  investments of issuers  domiciled  outside the
United States.
 
"Total  return"  consists of current  income,  including  interest  payments and
discount  accruals,  plus any increases in the values of the Fund's  investments
(less any decreases in the values of any of its investments and amortizations of
premiums). SCMI considers expected changes in foreign currency exchange rates in
determining  the  anticipated  returns  on  securities  denominated  in  foreign
currencies.
 
The Fund  may  invest  in debt  securities  of  foreign  governments  (including
provinces or  municipalities)  and their  agencies and  instrumentalities,  debt
securities  of  supranational  organizations,  and debt  securities  of  private
issuers.  These bonds may pay interest at fixed,  variable,  or floating  rates.
Certain  securities in which the Fund invests may be convertible  into common or
preferred  stock,  or they may be traded together with warrants for the purchase
of common stock.  The rate of return on some debt  obligations  may be linked to
indices or stock  prices or indexed to the level of exchange  rates  between the
U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies.  The Fund may invest up to 10%
of its net assets in lower quality,  high-yielding  debt securities.  See "Other
Investment  Practices and Risk  Considerations - Debt Securities." The Fund is a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."
 
The Fund normally  invests in  securities of issuers in at least five  countries
other than the United  States,  although  there is no limit on the amount of the
Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of issuers domiciled in any one
country.  When the Fund has invested a substantial  portion of its assets in the
securities  of  companies  domiciled  in a  single  country,  it  will  be  more
susceptible  to the  risks  of  investing  in  that  country  than  would a fund
investing in a geographically more diversified portfolio. At times, the Fund may
invest a substantial  portion of its assets in securities of issuers in emerging
market countries,  which involves special risks. See "Other Investment Practices
and Risk Considerations - Foreign Securities."
 
16
<PAGE>
 
Generally,  the  Fund's  average  maturity  will be  shorter  when SCMI  expects
interest  rates in markets where the Fund has invested to rise,  and longer when
SCMI  expects  interest  rates in those  markets to fall.  SCMI may use  various
techniques to increase the  interest-rate  sensitivity of the Fund's  portfolio,
including  transactions in futures and options on futures,  interest-rate swaps,
caps, floors, and short sales of securities.
 
SCMI believes  that active  currency  management,  through the use of any of the
foreign currency  exchange  transactions  described below, can enhance portfolio
returns  through   opportunities   arising  from,  for  example,   interest-rate
differentials between securities  denominated in different currencies or changes
in value between currencies.  SCMI also believes that active currency management
can be employed as an overall  portfolio risk management tool.  Foreign currency
management can also provide increased  overall  portfolio risk  diversification.
See "Other  Investment  Practices  and Risk  Considerations  - Foreign  Currency
Exchange  Transactions."  The Fund may also borrow money to invest in additional
securities.  Use of  leverage  involves  special  risks.  See "Other  Investment
Practices and Risk Considerations - Leverage."
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK GROWTH OF CAPITAL.
The Fund normally invests  substantially  all of its assets in equity securities
of  companies  in the United  States.  Equity  securities  in which the Fund may
invest include common stocks,  preferred  stocks,  securities  convertible  into
common or  preferred  stocks,  and rights or  warrants  to  purchase  any of the
foregoing.
 
The Fund does not limit  its  investments  to any  particular  type of  company,
although the Fund will not normally invest in securities of small capitalization
companies  (companies with market  capitalizations of $1.5 billion or less). The
Fund may  invest in  companies,  large or small,  that SCMI  believes  offer the
potential for capital  growth.  They may, for example,  include  companies whose
earnings are believed to be in a relatively strong growth trend,  companies with
a proprietary  advantage,  or companies  that are in industry  segments that are
experiencing  rapid  growth;  the Fund may also  invest  in  companies  in which
significant  further growth is not  anticipated but whose market value per share
is thought to be undervalued.  The Fund may invest in relatively less well-known
companies  that  meet any of  these  characteristics  or  other  characteristics
identified by SCMI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
SCHRODER  U.S.  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND'S   INVESTMENT   OBJECTIVE  IS  CAPITAL
APPRECIATION.  The Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in equity  securities
of   U.S.-domiciled   companies  that  have  at  the  time  of  purchase  market
capitalizations of $1.5 billion or less. In selecting  investments for the Fund,
SCMI seeks to identify  securities of companies with strong  management  that it
believes  can  generate  above  average  earnings  growth,  and are  selling  at
favorable prices in relation to book values and earnings.  Equity  securities in
which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred  stocks,  securities
convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or warrants to purchase
any of the foregoing.
 
The Fund may also invest in equity  securities  of larger  companies and in debt
securities,  if SCMI believes such  investments  are consistent  with the Fund's
investment objective. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in
lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Debt Securities."
 
Smaller  companies may present greater  opportunities for investment return than
do larger  companies,  but also  involve  greater  risks.  They may have limited
product  lines,  markets,  or  financial  resources,  or may depend on a limited
management  group.  Their  securities  may trade less  frequently and in limited
volume.  As a result,  the prices of these  securities  may fluctuate  more than
prices of securities of larger,  widely traded companies.  See "Other Investment
Practices and Risk  Considerations - Investments in Smaller Companies." The Fund
intends to invest no more than 25% of its total  assets in  securities  of small
companies  that,  together with their  predecessors,  have been in operation for
less than three years.
 
                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
 
SCHRODER   MICRO  CAP  FUND'S   INVESTMENT   OBJECTIVE  IS   LONG-TERM   CAPITAL
APPRECIATION. It seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least
65% of its  total  assets  in  equity  securities  of  U.S.-domiciled  micro cap
companies.  A micro  cap  company  is a  company  with,  at the time of  initial
purchase,  a market  capitalization  in the bottom one third of companies in the
Russell 2000 Growth Index (measured by capitalization); in addition, any company
with a market  capitalization of $300 million or less will be considered a micro
cap company.
 
In the  future,  the  Fund may  seek to  achieve  its  investment  objective  by
investing  all or a portion of its assets in one or more  registered  investment
companies  having  substantially  the  same  investment  objective  and  similar
investment  policies as the Fund (in accordance  with the provisions of the 1940
Act, as amended, (the "1940 Act") or any order, rule or regulation thereunder).
 
SCMI seeks to  identify  securities  of  companies  that it  believes  offer the
potential for long-term capital appreciation,  based on novel, superior or niche
products or  services,  operating  characteristics,  quality of  management,  an
entrepreneurial  management  team,  companies  that have  gone  public in recent
years,  opportunities  provided by mergers,  divestitures or new management,  or
other factors. The Fund may invest in securities of small, unseasoned companies,
as well as securities  of more  established  companies.  Up to 35% of the Fund's
assets may comprise other  investments,  including  equity  securities of larger
capitalization  companies, if SCMI believes that they could help the Fund attain
its objective.
 
Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  securities  convertible into common or preferred  stocks,  or rights or
warrants to purchase any of the foregoing. The Fund may also invest to a limited
degree  in  non-convertible   debt  securities  when  SCMI  believes  that  such
investments are warranted to achieve the Fund's investment objective.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
The  Funds may  engage  in the  following  investment  practices,  each of which
involves certain special risks. The SAI contains more detailed information about
these practices (some of which may be considered "derivative" investments).
 
FOREIGN  SECURITIES.  Investments  in foreign  securities  entail certain risks.
There may be a  possibility  of  nationalization  or  expropriation  of  assets,
confiscatory  taxation,  political  or  financial  instability,  and  diplomatic
developments  that  could  affect the value of a Fund's  investments  in certain
foreign countries.  Since foreign securities are normally denominated and traded
in foreign currencies, the values of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably
or  unfavorably  by  currency   exchange  rates,   currency   exchange   control
regulations,  foreign  withholding taxes and restrictions or prohibitions on the
repatriation  of  foreign  currencies.  There may be less  information  publicly
available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S.  issuer,  and foreign issuers
are not generally  subject to  accounting,  auditing,  and  financial  reporting
standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities
of some  foreign  issuers  are less  liquid  and at  times  more  volatile  than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers.  Foreign brokerage  commissions and other
fees are also  generally  higher than in the United States.  Foreign  settlement
procedures  and trade  regulations  may involve  certain risks (such as delay in
payment or delivery of  securities  or in the  recovery of a Fund's  assets held
abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.
 
In addition,  legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries
may be more limited than those  available  with  respect to  investments  in the
United  States or in other foreign  countries.  The  willingness  and ability of
sovereign issuers to pay principal and interest on government securities depends
on various economic factors, including, without limitation, the issuer's balance
of payments,  overall debt level,  and cash-flow  considerations  related to the
availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer's obligations.  If a
foreign  governmental  entity is unable or unwilling to meet its  obligations on
the securities in accordance with their terms, a Fund may have limited  recourse
available to it in the event of default. The
 
18
<PAGE>

laws of some  foreign  countries  may  limit  a  Fund's  ability  to  invest  in
securities of certain  issuers located in those foreign  countries.  Special tax
considerations apply to foreign securities. Except as otherwise provided in this
Prospectus,  there is no  limit on the  amount  of a Fund's  assets  that may be
invested in foreign securities.
 
If a Fund purchases  securities  denominated in foreign currencies,  a change in
the value of any such currency  against the U.S.  dollar will result in a change
in the U.S.  dollar value of the Fund's assets and the Fund's  income  available
for distribution.  In addition, although at times most of a Fund's income may be
received or realized in these  currencies,  the Fund will be required to compute
and distribute its income in U.S. dollars.  Therefore,  if the exchange rate for
any  such  currency  declines  after  the  Fund's  income  has been  earned  and
translated into U.S.  dollars but before payment,  the Fund could be required to
liquidate  portfolio  securities to make such  distributions.  Similarly,  if an
exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars
and the time such expenses are paid, the amount of such currency  required to be
converted into U.S.  dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S.  dollars will
be greater than the  equivalent  amount in any such currency of such expenses at
the time they  were  incurred.  A Fund may buy or sell  foreign  currencies  and
options and futures  contracts  on foreign  currencies  for hedging  purposes in
connection with its foreign investments.
 
In determining  whether to invest in debt  securities of foreign  issuers,  SCMI
considers the likely  impact of foreign taxes on the net yield  available to the
Fund and its shareholders. Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign
countries  may be  reduced  by  withholding  and  other  taxes  imposed  by such
countries.  Tax conventions  between certain countries and the United States may
reduce or  eliminate  such taxes.  Any such taxes paid by a Fund will reduce its
net income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances,
a Fund may be able to pass  through to  shareholders  credits for foreign  taxes
paid. See "How to Sell Shares - Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
 
Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers in emerging  market  countries
with respect to some or all of their assets. The securities' prices and relative
currency values of emerging market investments are subject to greater volatility
than those of issuers in many more developed countries.  Investments in emerging
market countries are subject to the same risks applicable to foreign investments
generally,  although  those risks may be  increased  due to  conditions  in such
countries.  For example,  the  securities  markets and legal systems in emerging
market  countries may only be in a  developmental  stage and may provide few, or
none, of the advantages or protections of markets or legal systems  available in
more developed countries. Although many of the securities in which the Funds may
invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and
the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by
securities  exchanges  in more  developed  markets.  The Funds may also invest a
substantial portion of their assets in securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets  in such  countries  and  not on any  exchange,  which  may  affect  the
liquidity  of the  investment  and expose the Funds to the credit  risk of their
counterparties  in trading  those  investments.  Emerging  market  countries may
experience  extremely high rates of inflation,  which may adversely affect these
countries' economies and securities markets.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar values of securities  denominated in foreign  currencies.
Exchange  rates  between  the U.S.  dollar  and other  currencies  fluctuate  in
response to forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange  markets.  These
forces are affected by the international  balance of payments and other economic
and  financial  conditions,  government  intervention,  speculation,  and  other
factors,  many of which may be difficult (if not impossible) to predict.  A Fund
may  engage in  foreign  currency  exchanges  transactions  to  protect  against
uncertainty  in the level of future  exchange  rates.  Although  the strategy of
engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions could reduce the risk of loss
due to a decline  in the value of the hedged  currency,  it could also limit the
potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.

                                                                              19
<PAGE>
 
In particular,  a Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange  transactions to
protect  against a change in exchange  ratios that may occur between the date on
which  the  Fund  contracts  to  trade  a  security  and  the  settlement   date
("transaction  hedging") or in  anticipation  of placing a trade  ("anticipatory
hedging");  to "lock in" the U.S.  dollar value of interest and  dividends to be
paid in a foreign  currency;  or to hedge against the possibility that a foreign
currency in which  portfolio  securities are  denominated or quoted may suffer a
decline against the U.S. dollar ("position  hedging").  The  International  Bond
Fund may also enter into  forward  contracts  to adjust the Fund's  exposure  to
various foreign currencies, either pending anticipated investments in securities
denominated  in  those  currencies  or as a  hedge  against  anticipated  market
changes.
 
SCMI may seek to enhance a Fund's  investment  return  through  active  currency
management.  SCMI may buy or sell foreign  currencies  for a Fund,  on a spot or
forward  basis,  in an attempt to profit from  inefficiencies  in the pricing of
various currencies or of debt securities denominated in those currencies.
 
When investing in foreign  securities,  a Fund usually effects currency exchange
transactions  on a "spot" (I.E.,  cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign exchange  market. A Fund incurs foreign exchange  expenses in converting
assets from one currency to another.  In addition,  the International  Bond Fund
may, to a limited extent,  purchase  forward  contracts to increase  exposure in
foreign  currencies  that are expected to appreciate and thereby  increase total
return.
 
A forward  currency  contract  is an  obligation  to purchase or sell a specific
currency at a future  date (which may be any fixed  number of days from the date
of the  contract  agreed upon by the  parties) at a price set at the time of the
contract.  Forward  contracts do not eliminate  fluctuations  in the  underlying
prices of securities  and expose the Fund to the risk that the  counterparty  is
unable to perform.
 
Forward contracts are not exchange traded,  and there can be no assurance that a
liquid  market  will  exist at a time  when a Fund  seeks to close out a forward
contract.  Currently,  only a  limited  market,  if  any,  exists  for  exchange
transactions relating to currencies in certain emerging markets or to securities
of issuers  domiciled  or  principally  engaged in business in certain  emerging
markets.  This may  limit a Fund's  ability  to hedge its  investments  in those
markets.  These  contracts  involve  a risk of loss if  SCMI  fails  to  predict
accurately changes in relative currency values, the direction of stock prices or
interest rates and other economic factors.
 
From  time to time,  a Fund's  currency  hedging  transactions  may call for the
delivery of one foreign  currency in exchange for another  foreign  currency and
may at times involve  currencies in which its portfolio  securities are not then
denominated  ("cross  hedging").  From time to time,  a Fund may also  engage in
"proxy"  hedging,  whereby  the Fund would seek to hedge the value of  portfolio
holdings  denominated in one currency by entering into an exchange contract on a
second currency, the valuation of which SCMI believes correlates to the value of
the first  currency.  Cross hedging and proxy hedging  transactions  involve the
risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to
which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other
asset or liability that is the subject of the hedge.
 
INVESTMENTS IN SMALLER COMPANIES.  Certain Funds may invest all or a substantial
portion of their assets in securities issued by small companies.  Such companies
may offer greater  opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies,
but  investments  in such  companies may involve  certain  special  risks.  Such
companies may have limited product lines,  markets,  or financial  resources and
may be dependent on a limited  management group. While the markets in securities
of such companies have grown rapidly in recent years,  such securities may trade
less  frequently  and in smaller  volume than more widely held  securities.  The
values of these  securities  may  fluctuate  more  sharply  than  those of other
securities, and a Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing
out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less
publicly  available  information  about the issuers of these  securities or less
market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies,  and it
may take a longer  period of time for the prices of such  securities  to reflect
the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.
 
20
<PAGE>
 
Some  securities  of  smaller  issuers  may be  restricted  as to  resale or may
otherwise  be  highly  illiquid.  The  ability  of a Fund  to  dispose  of  such
securities may be greatly limited,  and a Fund may have to continue to hold such
securities during periods when SCMI would otherwise have sold the securities. It
is possible that SCMI or its affiliates or clients may hold securities issued by
the  same  issuers,  and may in some  cases  have  acquired  the  securities  at
different  times, on more favorable terms, or at more favorable  prices,  than a
Fund.
 
LEVERAGE.  The  International  Bond Fund may borrow money by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements to invest in additional  securities.  "Reverse" repurchase
agreements  generally  involve the sale by the Fund of securities held by it and
an agreement to repurchase  the securities at an  agreed-upon  price,  date, and
interest  payment.  Certain  other  Funds  may  engage in  forward  commitments,
described  below and in the SAI,  which may have the same economic  effect as if
the Funds had borrowed money.
 
The use of borrowed money, known as "leverage," increases the International Bond
Fund's  market  exposure  and risk and may result in  losses.  When the Fund has
borrowed money for leverage and its  investments  increase or decrease in value,
its net asset value will  normally  increase or decrease more than if it had not
borrowed money for this purpose. The interest that the Fund must pay on borrowed
money will reduce its net  investment  income,  and may also  either  offset any
potential capital gains or increase any losses.  The Fund will not always borrow
money for  investment,  and the extent to which the Fund will borrow money,  and
the  amount it may  borrow,  depend on market  conditions  and  interest  rates.
Successful use of leverage depends on SCMI's ability to predict market movements
correctly. The amount of leverage that can exist at any one time will not exceed
one-third  of the  value  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (including  the  amount
borrowed).  A Fund may be  required  to  segregate  certain  assets  against its
obligations under reverse repurchase agreements entered into by it.
 
DEBT  SECURITIES.  All of the Funds may  invest in debt  securities.  A Fund may
invest in debt securities  either to earn  investment  income or to benefit from
changes in the market values of such securities.  Debt securities are subject to
market risk (the  fluctuation of market value in response to changes in interest
rates)  and to credit  risks  (the risk that the  issuer  may  become  unable or
unwilling to make timely payments of principal and interest).
 
Each Fund also may invest in lower-quality,  high-yielding debt securities rated
below investment  grade and in unrated debt securities  determined by SCMI to be
of  comparable  quality.  Lower-rated  debt  securities  (commonly  called "junk
bonds") are  considered  to be of poor standing and  predominantly  speculative.
Securities in the lowest rating  categories may have extremely poor prospects of
attaining any real investment standing,  and some of those securities in which a
Fund  may  invest  may be in  default.  The  rating  services'  descriptions  of
securities  in  the  lower  rating   categories,   including  their  speculative
characteristics, are set forth in Appendix A to this Prospectus.
 
In addition,  lower-rated  securities reflect a greater possibility that adverse
changes  in the  financial  condition  of the  issuer,  or in  general  economic
conditions,  or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of the issuer to make  payments of interest  and  principal.  Changes by
recognized rating services in their ratings of any fixed-income  security and in
the  perceived  ability of an issuer to make  payments of interest and principal
may also affect the value of these  investments.  The  inability  (or  perceived
inability) of issuers to make timely  payments of interest and  principal  would
likely  make the values of  securities  held by a Fund more  volatile  and could
limit a Fund's ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values
the Fund had  placed on such  securities.  In the  absence  of a liquid  trading
market for securities held by it, a Fund may be unable at times to establish the
fair value of such  securities.  The rating  assigned  to a security by a rating
agency does not reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security's market
value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security.
 
Each  Fund  may  at  times  invest  in  so-called   "zero   coupon"   bonds  and
"payment-in-kind"  bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount
from face value and pay  interest  only at  maturity,  rather than at  intervals
during the life of the security.  Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its
option, to make
 
                                                                              21
<PAGE>

current  interest  payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional  bonds.
The values of zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind bonds are subject to greater
fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds which pay
interest  currently,  and may involve greater credit risk than such bonds.  From
time to time,  a Fund may invest a portion of its assets in Brady  Bonds,  which
are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to
sovereign  entities for new obligations in connection  with debt  restructuring.
Brady Bonds have been issued only  recently and,  therefore,  do not have a long
payment history.
 
A Fund  will not  necessarily  dispose  of a  security  when its debt  rating is
reduced below its rating at the time of purchase, although SCMI will monitor the
investment to determine whether continued investment in the security will assist
in meeting the Fund's investment objective.
 
OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES  TRANSACTIONS.  Each  Fund  may  engage  in a  variety  of
transactions  involving  the use of options  and futures  contracts.  A Fund may
engage in such  transactions for hedging purposes or, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to increase its current return.
 
A Fund may seek to increase its current  return by writing  covered call options
and covered put options on its portfolio securities or other securities in which
it may  invest.  A Fund  receives a premium  from  writing a call or put option,
which increases the Fund's return if the option expires unexercised or is closed
out at a net profit.  A Fund may also buy and sell put and call  options on such
securities for hedging purposes. When a Fund writes a call option on a portfolio
security,  it gives up the  opportunity to profit from any increase in the price
of the  security  above the exercise  price of the option;  when it writes a put
option,  a Fund takes the risk that it will be  required  to purchase a security
from  the  option  holder  at a price  above  the  current  market  price of the
security.  A Fund may  terminate  an  option  that it has  written  prior to its
expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases
an option having the same terms as the option written. A Fund may also from time
to time buy and sell combinations of put and call options on the same underlying
security to earn additional income.
 
A Fund may buy and sell index futures contracts. An "index future" is a contract
to buy or sell units of a  particular  index at an agreed  price on a  specified
future date. Depending on the change in value of the index between the time when
a Fund enters into and  terminates  an index  future  transaction,  the Fund may
realize a gain or loss. A Fund may also  purchase  warrants,  issued by banks or
other financial institutions,  whose values are based on the values from time to
time of one or more securities indices.
 
A Fund may buy and sell futures contracts on U.S. Government securities or other
debt  securities.  A futures contract on a debt security is a contract to buy or
sell a certain  amount of the debt  security  at an agreed  price on a specified
future date.  Depending on the change in the value of the security when the Fund
enters into and terminates a futures contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss.
 
A Fund may  purchase  and sell  options on futures  contracts  or on  securities
indices in addition to or as an alternative  to purchasing  and selling  futures
contracts.
 
A Fund may also  purchase and sell put and call  options on foreign  currencies,
futures contracts on foreign currencies, and options on foreign currency futures
contracts as an alternative,  or in addition to, the foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  described  above.  Such  transactions  are  similar to options and
futures contracts on securities, except that they typically contemplate that one
party to a transaction  will deliver one foreign currency to the other in return
for another currency (which may or may not be the U.S. dollar).
 
RISK  FACTORS  IN  OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES   TRANSACTIONS.   Options  and  futures
transactions  involve  costs and may  result in losses.  The use of options  and
futures involves  certain special risks,  including the risks that a Fund may be
unable at times to close out such positions,  that hedging  transactions may not
accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations,  or that SCMI
may not forecast market movements correctly.
  
22
<PAGE>

The effective use of options and futures strategies is dependent on, among other
things,  a Fund's  ability to terminate  options and futures  positions at times
when SCMI deems it desirable to do so. Although a Fund will enter into an option
or futures  contract  position  only if SCMI  believes  that a liquid  secondary
market exists for that option or futures contract,  there is no assurance that a
Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an
acceptable price.
 
Each Fund generally  expects that its options and futures contract  transactions
will be conducted on recognized exchanges. In certain instances, however, a Fund
may purchase and sell options in the over-the-counter  markets. A Fund's ability
to terminate  options in the  over-the-counter  markets may be more limited than
for  exchange-traded  options  and may also  involve  the risk  that  securities
dealers  participating  in such  transactions  would  be  unable  to meet  their
obligations  to a  Fund.  A  Fund  will,  however,  engage  in  over-the-counter
transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded  transactions are unavailable
and when,  in the opinion of SCMI,  the pricing  mechanism  and liquidity of the
over-the-counter  markets are  satisfactory and the participants are responsible
parties likely to meet their  contractual  obligations.  A Fund will treat over-
the-counter  options  (and,  in the  case  of  options  sold  by the  Fund,  the
underlying  securities held by the Fund) as illiquid  investments as required by
applicable law.
 
The use of options and futures  strategies  also  involves the risk of imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of options and futures contracts and
movements in the value of the underlying  securities,  index, or currency, or in
the prices of the securities or currencies that are the subject of a hedge.  The
successful  use of these  strategies  further  depends on the ability of SCMI to
forecast market movements correctly.
 
Because the markets for certain  options and futures  contracts  in which a Fund
will invest (including  markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new
and still  developing  and may be subject  to  regulatory  restraints,  a Fund's
ability to engage in  transactions  using such  investments  may be  limited.  A
Fund's  ability  to engage in  hedging  transactions  may be  limited by certain
regulatory and tax considerations.  A Fund's hedging transactions may affect the
character  or amount  of its  distributions.  The tax  consequences  of  certain
hedging transactions have been modified by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
 
For more information about any of the options or futures portfolio  transactions
described above, see the SAI.
 
SWAP  AGREEMENTS.  The  International  Bond Fund may enter  into  interest-rate,
index, and currency  exchange rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to
obtain a particular  desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund
had invested  directly in an instrument that yielded that desired  return.  Swap
agreements  are  two-party  contracts  entered into  primarily by  institutional
investors  for  periods  ranging  from a few weeks to more  than one year.  In a
typical  "swap"  transaction,  two  parties  agree to  exchange  the returns (or
differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined
investments  or  instruments.  The gross  returns to be  exchanged  or "swapped"
between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount" (I.E. the
dollar amount  invested at a particular  interest rate, in a particular  foreign
currency,  or in a "basket" of  securities  representing  a  particular  index).
Commonly used swap agreements include interest-rate caps, under which, in return
for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that
interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap";  interest-rate  floors,  under
which,  in return for a premium,  one party agrees to make payments to the other
to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor";  and
interest-rate  collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or
vice versa in an  attempt to protect  itself  against  interest  rate  movements
exceeding a given  minimum or maximum.  The use of swap  agreements  is a highly
specialized  activity that involves  investment  techniques and risks  different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities  transactions.  If SCMI
is incorrect in its forecast of market values,  interest rates,  exchange rates,
or other factors, the Fund's investment performance would be less favorable than
if the Fund had not used such agreements.
 
SHORT SALES.  The  International  Bond Fund and the Micro Cap Fund may engage in
"short sales",  which are  transactions in which a Fund sells a security that it
does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market
                                                                              23

<PAGE>


value of that security.  To complete the  transaction,  the Fund must borrow the
security  to make  delivery  to the  purchaser.  The Fund is then  obligated  to
replace the  borrowed  security  through a purchase of it at the market price at
the time of  replacement.  The  price at that  time may be more or less than the
price at which the  security  was sold by the Fund.  The Fund incurs a loss as a
result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date
of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security.
The Fund realizes a gain if the security  declines in price between those dates.
The result is the  opposite of what one would  expect from a cash  purchase of a
long position in a security.
 
Until the security is replaced,  the Fund is required to pay the lender  amounts
equal to any dividend that accrues  during the period of the loan. To borrow the
security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium or specified amounts in
lieu of  interest.  The amount of any gain is  decreased,  and the amount of any
loss is  increased,  by any premium or amounts in lieu of  interest  the Fund is
required to pay. The  proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker,  to
the extent  necessary to meet margin  requirements,  until the short position is
closed out. No securities will be sold short,  however,  if thereafter the total
market value of all  securities  sold short would exceed 25% of the value of the
Fund's assets.
 
Any of the Funds may make short sales  "against-the-box",  are  transactions  in
which the Fund sells short a security that it owns in  anticipation of a decline
in the market value of the security.  The proceeds of the short sale are held by
a broker until the settlement date, at which time the Fund delivers the security
to close the short  position.  The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short
sale. It is anticipated that a Fund will make short sales  against-the-box  only
to protect the value of its net assets.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION AND GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION.  The Emerging Markets Fund and
the International  Bond Fund are  "non-diversified"  mutual funds, and each Fund
may  invest  its  assets  in a more  limited  number of  issuers  than may other
investment  companies.  Under the Internal Revenue Code, an investment  company,
including a non-diversified  investment  company,  generally may not invest more
than 25% of its total  assets in  obligations  of any one issuer other than U.S.
Government  obligations and, with respect to 50% of its total assets, a Fund may
not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the  securities of any one issuer
(except U.S.  Government  obligations).  Thus, each Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in the  securities  of each of any two issuers.  This  practice
involves an  increased  risk of loss to a Fund if the market value of a security
should decline or its issuer were otherwise not to meet its obligations.
 
Any of the Funds may invest more than 25% of its total assets in issuers located
in any one country.  To the extent that it does so, the Fund is susceptible to a
range of factors that could adversely affect that country,  including  political
and economic  developments and foreign  exchange-rate  fluctuations as discussed
above. As a result of investing  substantially in one country,  the value of the
Fund's assets may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a comparable
fund with a lesser degree of geographic concentration.
 
SECURITIES LOANS,  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  Each Fund may
lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions meeting
specified credit  conditions,  and may enter into repurchase  agreements without
limit.  Such  activities  may create  taxable  income in excess of the cash they
generate.  The percentage limitation on the amount of a Fund's total assets that
may be loaned in accordance with the approved procedures is as follows: SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  FUND  -  10%;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND,
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND FUND,  SCHRODER  U.S.  EQUITY FUND,  SCHRODER U.S.
SMALLER  COMPANIES  and SCHRODER  MICRO CAP FUND - 25%;  and  SCHRODER  EMERGING
MARKETS FUND - 33 1/3%. These  transactions must be fully  collateralized at all
times but involve some risk to a Fund if the other party  should  default on its
obligation  and the Fund is delayed or prevented  from  recovering its assets or
realizing on the collateral.  Each Fund may also purchase  securities for future
delivery, which may increase its overall investment exposure and involves a risk
of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date.
 
INVESTMENT IN OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES.  Each Fund is permitted to invest in
other investment companies or pooled vehicles,  including closed-end funds, that
are advised by SCMI or its  affiliates or by  
 
24
<PAGE>

unaffiliated  parties.  A Fund may  invest  in the  shares  of other  investment
companies  that invest in  securities  in which the Fund is permitted to invest,
subject to the limits and conditions  required under the 1940 Act or any orders,
rules or regulations thereunder.  When investing through investment companies, a
Fund may pay a premium  above such  investment  companies'  net asset  value per
share. As a shareholder in an investment  company, a Fund would bear its ratable
share  of  the  investment  company's  expenses,   including  its  advisory  and
administrative  fees. At the same time,  the Fund would  continue to pay its own
fees and expenses.
 
LIQUIDITY.  A Fund  will  not  invest  more  than 15%  (10%,  in the case of the
International  Fund and the U.S.  Equity  Fund) of its net assets in  securities
determined by SCMI to be illiquid.  Certain securities that are restricted as to
resale may  nonetheless  be resold by a Fund in accordance  with Rule 144A under
the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended.  Such  securities may be determined by
SCMI to be liquid for purposes of  compliance  with the  limitation  on a Fund's
investment in illiquid  securities.  There can, however,  be no assurance that a
Fund  will be able to sell  such  securities  at any  time  when  SCMI  deems it
advisable to do so or at prices  prevailing for comparable  securities  that are
more widely held.
 
ALTERNATIVE  INVESTMENTS.  At times,  SCMI may judge that market conditions make
pursuing a Fund's basic investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests
of its  shareholders.  At such  times,  SCMI  may  temporarily  use  alternative
strategies,  primarily  designed  to reduce  fluctuations  in the  values of the
Fund's assets. In implementing these "defensive"  strategies,  a Fund may invest
without  limit  in U.S.  government  obligations  and  other  high-quality  debt
instruments  and any other  investment SCMI considers to be consistent with such
defensive strategies, and may hold any portion of its assets in cash.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
The length of time a Fund has held a  particular  security  is not  generally  a
consideration  in investment  decisions.  The investment  policies of a Fund may
lead to frequent changes in the Fund's  investments,  particularly in periods of
volatile market movements. A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as
"portfolio  turnover."  Portfolio  turnover generally involves some expense to a
Fund,  including brokerage  commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction
costs on the sale of  securities  and  reinvestment  in other  securities.  Such
securities sales may result in realization of taxable capital gain.
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
Investors  may purchase  Investor  Shares of each Fund  directly from the Trust.
Prospectuses,  sales material and account  applications can be obtained from the
Trust or through Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC, the Trust's  transfer agent
(the "Transfer Agent").  Investments also may be made through broker-dealers and
other financial  institutions ("Service  Organizations").  Service Organizations
may charge their  customers a service fee for  processing  orders to purchase or
sell shares.  Investors  wishing to purchase  Shares through their accounts at a
Service  Organization should contact that organization  directly for appropriate
instructions. A Service Organization is responsible for forwarding all necessary
documentation to the Trust, and may charge for its services.
 
Each Fund's Investor  Shares are offered at the net asset value  next-determined
after receipt of your completed  account  application  (at the address set forth
below) and your purchase request in good order. The

                                                                              25
<PAGE>

minimum initial investment and the minimum  subsequent  investment for each Fund
is set forth in the  table  below.  A Service  Organization  may  impose  higher
minimums on your initial or  subsequent  investment.  The Trust is authorized to
reject any purchase order.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        INITIAL    SUBSEQUENT
FUND                                                                  INVESTMENT   INVESTMENT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                           $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                        $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                         $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder International Bond Fund                                      $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                             $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                  $    10,000   $   2,500
Schroder Micro Cap Fund                                               $    10,000   $   2,500
</TABLE>
 
Purchases may be made by mailing a check (in U.S. dollars), payable to the Fund
to:
 
               [Name of Fund] - Investor Shares
               P.O. Box 446
               Portland, Maine 04112
 
For initial  purchases,  the check must be  accompanied  by a completed  account
application in proper form. Further documentation, such as corporate resolutions
and   instruments   of   authority,   may  be   requested   from   corporations,
administrators, executors, personal representatives,  directors or custodians to
evidence the authority of the person or entity making the subscription request.
 
You may make subsequent purchases by mailing a check, by sending a bank wire, or
through your Service  Organization,  as indicated.  All payments  should clearly
indicate the shareholder's name and account number.
 
Investors and Service  Organizations (on behalf of their customers) may transmit
purchase payments by Federal Reserve Bank wire directly to the Fund as follows:
 
               The Chase Manhattan Bank
               New York, NY
               ABA No.: 021000021
               For Credit To: Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
               Account. No.: 910-2-718187
               Ref.: [Name of the Fund] - Investor Shares
               Account of: (shareholder name)
               Account No.: (shareholder account number)
 
The wire order must  specify  the name of the Fund,  the  shares'  class  (I.E.,
Investor Shares),  the account name and number,  address,  confirmation  number,
amount to be wired,  name of the wiring bank,  and name and telephone  number of
the  person  to be  contacted  in  connection  with the  order.  If the  initial
investment  is by wire,  an account  number  will be  assigned  and a  completed
account  application  must be mailed to the Fund before any transaction  will be
effected. Wire orders received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on a day when the  Exchange is open for trading are  processed  at the net asset
value determined as of that day. Wire orders received after the close of the New
York Stock Exchange are processed at the net asset value next determined.

The Fund's  Transfer Agent  establishes  for each  shareholder of record an open
account to which all shares  purchased  and all  reinvested  dividends and other
distributions  are  credited.  Although most  shareholders  elect not to receive
share  certificates,  certificates  for full  shares can be  obtained by written
request to the Fund's Transfer Agent. No certificates  are issued for fractional
shares.
 
26
<PAGE>
 
The  Transfer  Agent will deem an account  lost if six months have passed  since
correspondence  to the shareholder's  address of record is returned,  unless the
Transfer Agent  determines  the  shareholder's  new address.  When an account is
deemed lost, dividends and other distributions are automatically  reinvested. In
addition,  the  amount  of  any  outstanding  checks  for  dividends  and  other
distributions that have been returned to the Transfer Agent are reinvested,  and
the checks are canceled.
 
DISTRIBUTOR
 
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. ("Schroder Advisors"), 787 Seventh Avenue, New York,
New York 10019,  serves as Distributor of the Funds' shares.  Schroder  Advisors
was organized in 1989 as a registered broker-dealer to serve as an administrator
and distributor of each Fund and other mutual funds.
 
RETIREMENT PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
Investor Shares are offered in connection with  tax-deferred  retirement  plans,
including  traditional and Roth IRAs.  Application forms and further information
about these plans, including applicable fees, are available upon request. Before
investing in a Fund through one of these plans,  investors  should consult their
tax advisors.
 
The Funds may be used as an  investment  vehicle for an IRA including a SEP-IRA.
An IRA  naming  Bank-Boston  as  custodian  is  available  from the Trust or the
Transfer  Agent.  The  minimum  initial  investment  for an IRA and the  minimum
subsequent investment for each Fund is set forth in the table below.  Generally,
contributions  and investment  earnings in a traditional  IRA grow  tax-deferred
until   withdrawn.   In   contrast,   contributions   to  a  Roth  IRA  are  not
tax-deductible,  but  investment  earnings  generally  grow  tax-free.  IRAs are
available to individuals (and their spouses) who receive  compensation or earned
income  whether  or not they  are  active  participants  in a  tax-qualified  or
government-approved  retirement  plan. An IRA  contribution  by an individual or
spouse who  participates in a tax-qualified  or  government-approved  retirement
plan may not be deductible,  depending upon the individual's income. Individuals
also may establish an IRA to receive a "rollover"  contribution of distributions
from another IRA or qualified plan. Consult your tax advisor.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         INITIAL     SUBSEQUENT
FUND                                                                   INVESTMENT    INVESTMENT
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                             $   2,000     $     250
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                          $   2,000     $     250
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                           $   2,000     $     250
Schroder International Bond Fund                                        $   2,000     $     250
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                               $   2,000     $     250
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                    $   2,000     $     250
Schroder Micro Cap Fund                                                 $   2,000     $     250
</TABLE>
 
EXCHANGES
 
You may  exchange  a Fund's  Investor  Shares  for  Investor  Shares of any fund
offered by the  Schroder  family of funds so long as your  investment  meets the
initial  investment  minimum of the fund being  purchased,  and you maintain the
respective  minimum  account  balance  in each  fund in  which  you own  shares.
Exchanges between funds are made at net asset value.
 
For federal  income tax  purposes,  an exchange  is  considered  to be a sale of
shares on which you may  realize a capital  gain or loss.  If you hold  Investor
Shares  directly,  you may make an  exchange by calling  the  Transfer  Agent at
1-800-344-8332  (see "How to Sell Shares - By Telephone") or by mailing  written
instructions to Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), P.O. Box 446, Portland, Maine
04112. If you hold Investor Shares through a Service Organization, you must make
an exchange through the Service Organization. Exchange
                                                                              27
<PAGE>

privileges may be exercised only in those states where shares of the other funds
of the Schroder family of funds may legally be sold.  Exchange privileges may be
amended or terminated at any time upon sixty (60) days' notice.
 
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
 
Investor  Share  investors  also  may  meet  the  minimum   initial   investment
requirement  based on  cumulative  purchases by means of a written  Statement of
Intention,  expressing  the investor's  intention to invest the minimum  initial
investment or more in Investor Shares of a Fund within a period of 13 months.
 
Investors  wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention  in  conjunction  with
their  initial  investment in shares of a Fund should  complete the  appropriate
portion of the account  application form. Current Fund shareholders can obtain a
Statement of Intention form by contacting the Transfer Agent.
 
The Trust  reserves the right to redeem  Shares in any account if, at the end of
the Statement of Intention period, the account does not have a value of at least
the minimum initial investment amount.
 
HOW TO SELL SHARES
 
You can sell  your  Investor  Shares in a Fund to that Fund any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open, either through your Service  Organization or directly to
the Fund. If your shares are held in the name of a Service Organization, you may
only sell the shares  through  that  Service  Organization.  The Trust will only
redeem shares for which it has received payment.
 
Investor  Shares are  redeemed  at their net asset value next  determined  after
receipt by the Fund (see the address  set forth under "How to Buy  Shares") of a
redemption request in proper form. Redemption requests that are received in good
order prior to the close of the  Exchange on a day on which the Exchange is open
are  processed  at the net asset  value  determined  as of that day.  Redemption
requests that are received  after the close of the Exchange are processed at the
net asset value next determined.
 
TELEPHONE REQUESTS
 
Redemption  requests may be made by a shareholder of record by  telephoning  the
Transfer Agent at the telephone number on the cover page of this  Prospectus.  A
shareholder must provide the Transfer Agent with the class of shares, the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed,  shareholder account number, and some
additional form of identification such as a password.  A redemption by telephone
may be made only if the telephone  redemption  privilege option has been elected
on the account  application  or  otherwise  in writing.  In an effort to prevent
unauthorized  or  fraudulent   redemption  requests  by  telephone,   reasonable
procedures  will be followed by the  Transfer  Agent to confirm  that  telephone
instructions are genuine. The Transfer Agent and the Trust generally will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests, but
either or both may be liable if they do not follow these procedures.  Shares for
which  certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.  In times
of drastic economic or market change, it may be difficult to make redemptions by
telephone.  If a  shareholder  cannot  reach the  Transfer  Agent by  telephone,
redemption requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
 
WRITTEN REQUESTS
 
Redemptions  may  be  made  by a  shareholder  of  record  by  letter  to a Fund
specifying  the class of  shares,  the  dollar  amount or number of Shares to be
redeemed,  and the shareholder account number. The letter must also be signed in
exactly the same way the account is registered  (if there is more than one owner
of the  shares,  all must  sign)  and,  in  certain  cases,  signatures  must be
guaranteed by an  institution  that is acceptable  to the Transfer  Agent.  Such
institutions  include certain banks,  brokers,  dealers (including municipal and
government   securities   brokers  and  dealers),   credit  unions  and  savings
associations. Notaries public are

                                                                              28
<PAGE>

not acceptable. Further documentation may be requested to evidence the authority
of the person or entity making the redemption request.  Questions concerning the
need for signature  guarantees or  documentation of authority should be directed
to the Fund at the above address or by calling 1-800-290-9826.
 
If Investor Shares to be redeemed are held in certificate form, the certificates
must be enclosed with the redemption  request,  and the  assignment  form on the
back of the  certificates  (or an assignment  separate from the certificates but
accompanied  by the  certificates)  must be signed by all owners in exactly  the
same  way the  owners'  names  are  written  on the  face  of the  certificates.
Requirements  for  signature  guarantees  and/or  documentation  of authority as
described above could also apply. For your  protection,  the Trust suggests that
certificates be sent by registered mail.
 
ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION  INFORMATION.  Checks for redemption proceeds normally are
mailed  within  seven days.  No  redemption  proceeds are mailed until checks in
payment for the purchase of Investor  Shares to be redeemed  have been  cleared,
which may take up to 15  calendar  days from the  purchase  date.  Unless  other
instructions  are given in proper form, a check for the proceeds of a redemption
is sent to the shareholder's address of record.
 
A Fund may suspend the right of redemption  during any period when:  (1) trading
on the New York Stock  Exchange is restricted or the New York Stock  Exchange is
closed; (2) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension;  or (3) an emergency
(as defined by rules of the SEC) exists making disposal of portfolio investments
or determination of the Fund's net asset value not reasonably practicable.
 
If the Board of Trustees  determines  that it would be  detrimental  to the best
interest  of the  remaining  shareholders  of a Fund to make  payment  wholly or
partly  in cash,  a Fund may  redeem  Investor  Shares  in whole or in part by a
distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities  in lieu of cash.  The Fund will,
however,  redeem  Investor Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or
1% of net assets during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.  In the event
that payment for redeemed  Investor Shares is made wholly or partly in portfolio
securities,  the  shareholder  may be subject to  additional  risks and costs in
converting  the  securities to cash.  See  "Additional  Purchase and  Redemption
Information" in the SAI.
 
The proceeds of a redemption  may be more or less than the amount  invested and,
therefore,  a  redemption  may result in a gain or loss for  federal  income tax
purposes.
 
Due to the  relatively  high  cost of  maintaining  smaller  accounts,  the Fund
reserves the right to redeem shares in any account (other than an IRA) if at any
time the account does not have a value of at least  $2,000,  unless the value of
the  account  falls  below that  amount  solely as a result of market  activity.
Shareholders  will be  notified  that the value of the  account is less than the
required  minimum  and will be  allowed  at least 30 days to make an  additional
investment  to increase  the account  balance to at least the  required  minimum
amount.
 
The Trust may also  redeem  shares if you own shares of any Fund above a maximum
amount set by the Trustees.  There is currently no maximum, but the Trustees may
establish  one at any  time,  which  could  apply  to both  present  and  future
shareholders.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
EACH FUND  CALCULATES THE NET ASSET VALUE OF ITS INVESTOR SHARES BY DIVIDING THE
TOTAL  VALUE  OF ITS  ASSETS  ATTRIBUTABLE  TO ITS  INVESTOR  SHARES,  LESS  ITS
LIABILITIES  ATTRIBUTABLE TO THOSE SHARES,  BY THE NUMBER OF ITS INVESTOR SHARES
OUTSTANDING.  Shares are  valued as of the close of the New York Stock  Exchange
(normally,  4:00 p.m.  Eastern  time) each day the  Exchange is open.  Portfolio
securities  for which  market  quotations  are readily  available  are stated at
market  value.  Short-term  investments  that will mature in 60 days or less are
stated at amortized cost, which approximates  market value. All other securities
and assets are valued at their fair

                                                                             29
<PAGE>

values  determined  in  accordance  with  procedures  approved  by the  Board of
Trustees.  The net asset value of a Fund's Investor Shares will generally differ
from that of its other  class of shares due to the  variance in daily net income
realized by and dividends paid on each class of shares,  and  differences in the
expenses  of  the  different  classes.  All  assets  and  liabilities  of a Fund
denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  valued in U.S.  dollars  based on the
exchange  rate last  quoted by a major bank prior to the time when the net asset
value of the Fund is calculated.
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
Each Fund  distributes  any net investment  income and any net realized  capital
gain at least  annually.  Distributions  from net  capital  gain are made  after
applying any available capital loss carryovers.
 
YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM FOUR DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS: (1) reinvest all distributions in
additional  Investor  Shares of your Fund;  (2) receive  distributions  from net
investment  income  in cash  while  reinvesting  capital-gain  distributions  in
additional  Investor  Shares of your Fund;  (3) receive  distributions  from net
investment  income in additional  Investor  Shares of your Fund while  receiving
capital-gain  distributions  in cash; or (4) receive all  distributions in cash.
You can change your  distribution  option by  notifying  the  Transfer  Agent in
writing.  If you do not  select  an  option  when you  open  your  account,  all
distributions  by a Fund will be reinvested in Investor Shares of that Fund. You
will receive a statement confirming  reinvestment of distributions in additional
Fund shares promptly following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.
 
TAXES
 
Each Fund  intends to qualify as a  "regulated  investment  company" for federal
income tax purposes and to meet all other requirements that are necessary for it
to  be  relieved  of  federal  taxes  on  income  and  gain  it  distributes  to
shareholders.  A Fund will  distribute  substantially  all of its net investment
income and net capital gain income on a current basis.
 
All Fund  distributions  will be taxable to you as ordinary income,  except that
any  distributions  of net  long-term  capital  gain  will  be  taxed  as  such,
regardless of how long you have held the shares. Long-term capital gains will be
subject to a maximum rate of 28% or 20%,  depending  upon the holding  period of
the portfolio investment generating the gains.  Distributions will be taxable as
described above whether  received in cash or in shares through the  reinvestment
of distributions.
 
Early in each year the Trust  will  notify  you of the  amount and tax status of
distributions paid to you by each Fund for the preceding year.
 
The  foregoing  is a summary  of certain  federal  income  tax  consequences  of
investing  in a Fund.  You should  consult  your tax  advisor to  determine  the
precise effect of an investment in a Fund on your particular tax situation.
 
CERTAIN  INFORMATION  REGARDING  FOREIGN TAXES.  Foreign  governments may impose
taxes on the Funds and the Portfolios  and their  investments,  which  generally
would reduce the income of the Fund or Portfolio.  However,  an  offsetting  tax
credit or deduction may be available to you.
 
Each Fund that is eligible to do so intends to elect to permit its  shareholders
to take a credit (or a  deduction)  for the Fund's  share of  qualified  foreign
income taxes paid by the Portfolio in which that Fund invests its assets. If the
Fund does make such an election,  its shareholders would include as gross income
in their federal  income tax returns both: (1)  distributions  received from the
Fund;  and (2) the amount  that the Fund  advises  is their pro rata  portion of
foreign  income  taxes  paid with  respect to or  withheld  from  dividends  and
interest paid to the Fund from its foreign investments.  Shareholders then would
be  entitled,  subject to certain  limitations,  (including,  with  respect to a
foreign tax credit,  a holding period  requirement) to take a foreign tax credit
against their federal  income tax liability for the amount of such foreign taxes
or else to deduct such foreign taxes as an itemized deduction from gross income.
30
<PAGE>

THE PORTFOLIOS
 
The  Portfolios  are not  required  to pay federal  income tax because  they are
classified  as  partnerships  for federal  income tax  purposes.  All  interest,
dividends, gain and losses of the Portfolios will be deemed to have been "passed
through" to the Funds in  proportion  to the Funds'  holdings in the  Portfolios
regardless of whether such interest,  dividends or gain have been distributed by
the Portfolios.
 
Each  Portfolio  intends to conduct its operations so as to enable each Fund, if
each  invests  all of its  assets in a  Portfolio,  to  qualify  as a  regulated
investment company.
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
 
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is responsible  for generally  overseeing the
conduct of the Trust's business.  The business and affairs of each Portfolio are
managed under the  direction of the Board of Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds
or of  Schroder  Capital  Funds  II.  Information  regarding  the  trustees  and
executive  officers of the Trust, as well as the Trustees and executive officers
of Schroder  Capital  Funds and Schroder  Capital  Funds II, may be found in the
SAI.
 
Schroder  Capital  Management  International  Inc.  ("SCMI")  is the  investment
adviser  to each of the  Funds.  SCMI  is a  wholly  owned  U.S.  subsidiary  of
Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc., which engages through its subsidiary firms in the
investment banking,  asset management and securities  businesses.  Affiliates of
Schroders  U.S.  Holdings  Inc.  (or their  predecessors)  have been  investment
managers since 1927.  SCMI and its United Kingdom  affiliate,  Schroder  Capital
Management International,  Ltd., served as investment managers for approximately
$28 billion in the aggregate as of September 30, 1997.  Schroders U.S.  Holdings
Inc. is an indirect,  wholly owned U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders plc, a publicly
owned holding company organized under the laws of England. Schroders plc and its
affiliates  engage in international  merchant banking and investment  management
businesses,  and as of September 30, 1997, had under  management  assets of over
$175 billion.  Schroder Fund  Advisors  Inc.  ("Schroder  Advisors") is a wholly
owned subsidiary of SCMI.
 
SCMI also serves as  investment  adviser to each of the  Portfolios  of Schroder
Capital  Funds and  Schroder  Capital  Funds II. Each of those  Portfolios  pays
advisory fees to SCMI monthly at the following annual rates (based on the assets
of each Portfolio taken  separately):  INTERNATIONAL  EQUITY FUND - 0.45% of the
Portfolio's  average daily net assets;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO -
0.50% of the  Portfolio's  average  daily  net  assets;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL
SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.85% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets;
SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO - 1.00% of the Portfolio's  average daily net assets;
and SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.60% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets. SCMI has agreed to waive 0.10% of the advisory fees payable by
Schroder   International  Smaller  Companies  Portfolio.   This  fee  limitation
arrangement  shall  remain in effect  until its  elimination  is approved by the
Board of Trustees of Schroder Capital Funds. Each Fund, due to its investment in
a  Portfolio,  bears a  proportionate  part of the  management  fees paid by the
Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolio's assets attributable to the
Fund).
 
Each Fund (except  Schroder  U.S.  Equity Fund and Schroder  Micro Cap Fund) has
entered into an investment  advisory  agreement with SCMI pursuant to which SCMI
would manage the Fund's assets directly in the event that the Fund were to cease
investing substantially all of its assets in a Portfolio.  SCMI will not receive
any  fees  under  that   agreement  so  long  as  a  Fund  continues  to  invest
substantially all of its assets in a Portfolio (or another investment  company).
For further information on these investment advisory agreements, see the SAI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND pays advisory fees to SCMI monthly at the annual rates
of 0.75% of the first $100  million of the Fund's  average  daily net assets and
0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $100 million. Schroder
Micro Cap Fund pays advisory fees monthly to SCMI at the annual rate of 1.25% of
the Fund's average daily net assets.  
                                                                              31
<PAGE>

ADMINISTRATIVE  SERVICES. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund (other than the U.S.
Equity  Fund),  has  entered  into an  administration  agreement  with  Schroder
Advisors,  pursuant to which Schroder Advisors  provides certain  management and
administrative  services to those Funds.  The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has
entered into  subadministration  agreements with Forum Administrative  Services,
LLC, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101 ("FAdS"), pursuant to which FAdS
provides certain management and administrative services necessary for the Funds'
operations.  The Trust pays fees to Schroder Advisors and to FAdS monthly at the
following  annual  rates:  SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  FUND  -  0.15%  and  0.05%,
respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets; SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS
FUND - 0.15% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets;
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND - 0.10% and 0.075%,  respectively,
of the Fund's average daily net assets; SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND - 0.10%
and 0.075%, respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets; SCHRODER U.S.
SMALLER COMPANIES FUND - 0.25% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of the Fund's average
daily net assets;  and SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND - 0.25% and 0.10%,  respectively,
of the Fund's average daily net assets.  Each of the Emerging  Markets Fund, the
International  Smaller  Companies  Fund and Micro Cap Fund also is  subject to a
$25,000   minimum  annual  fee  plus  a  $12,000  charge  per  class  under  the
subadministration agreement.
 
Schroder  Advisors and FAdS also serve as  administrator  and  subadministrator,
respectively,  to each of the Portfolios of Schroder  Capital Funds and Schroder
Capital Funds II. Each of those Portfolios pays  administration fees to Schroder
Advisors  and  subadministration  fees to FAdS monthly at the  following  annual
rates (based on the assets of each Portfolio  taken  separately):  INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY FUND - 0.075% and 0.075%, respectively,  of the Portfolio's average daily
net  assets;   SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  BOND  PORTFOLIO  -  0.10%  and  0.075%,
respectively,   of  the   Portfolio's   average   daily  net  assets;   SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.15% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of
the Portfolio's average daily net assets; SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO - 0.10% and
0.075%,  respectively,  of the Portfolio's  daily net assets;  and SCHRODER U.S.
SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.00% and 0.075%, respectively, of the Portfolio's
average daily net assets. Each Fund, due to its investment in a Portfolio, bears
a proportionate part of the administration  and  subadministration  fees paid by
the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolio's assets attributable to
the Fund).
 
In order  to  limit  the  Funds'  expenses,  SCMI  and  Schroder  Advisors  have
voluntarily  agreed to reduce their  compensation  (and,  if  necessary,  to pay
certain  expenses of each of the Funds) with respect to each of the Funds to the
extent that a Fund's expenses chargeable to Investor Shares exceed the following
annual rates:  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  FUND - 0.99% of the Fund's average daily
net assets  attributable to Investor  Shares;  SCHRODER  EMERGING MARKETS FUND -
1.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets  attributable  to Investor  Shares;
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND - 1.50% of the Fund's  average
daily net assets  attributable to Investor Shares;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND
FUND - 0.95% of the Fund's  average  daily net assets  attributable  to Investor
Shares; SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND - 1.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Investor Shares; SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND - 1.49% of
the Fund's  average  daily net  assets  attributable  to  Investor  Shares;  and
SCHRODER  MICRO  CAP  FUND -  2.00%  of the  Fund's  average  daily  net  assets
attributable  to  Investor  Shares.  In  addition,  SCMI has agreed to limit the
advisory fees paid by THE U.S.  EQUITY FUND to 0.65% of the Fund's average daily
net assets. FAdS may waive voluntarily all or a portion of its subadvisory fees,
from time to time.  The Trust pays all expenses not assumed by SCMI and Schroder
Advisors,  including Trustees' fees, auditing,  legal,  custodial,  and investor
servicing, and shareholder reporting expenses.
 
SCMI's investment  decisions for each Portfolio in which a Fund invests (or, for
the U.S.  Equity  Fund,  for the Fund) are made by an  investment  manager or an
investment  team,  with the  assistance of an investment  committee at SCMI. The
Portfolio Managers for each Fund are as follows:
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND:

     MICHAEL  PERELSTEIN  - Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International  Equity  Portfolio,  in  which  Schroder  International  Fund
     invests,  and Portfolio Manager since 1997 of Schroder  International 
 
32
<PAGE>

     Bond  Portfolio,  in which  Schroder  International  Bond Fund invests.  Mr
     Perelstein is a Vice  President of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital Funds
     and is a Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI.  He was  previously a
     Managing Director, MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.
 
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND:

     JOHN A.  TROIANO - Portfolio  Manager  since  inception of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio,  in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests. Mr. Troiano is
     a Vice President of the Trust and of Schroder Capital Funds. He is also the
     Chief Executive of SCMI.

     HEATHER  CRIGHTON - Portfolio  Manager since  inception of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio, in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests. Ms. Crighton is
     a First Vice President of SCMI.

     MARK  BRIDGEMAN - Portfolio  Manager  since  inception  of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio,  in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests.  Mr. Bridgeman
     is a Vice President of SCMI.

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND:

     RICHARD R.  FOULKES -  Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International Smaller Companies Portfolio,  in which Schroder International
     Smaller  Companies  Fund invests.  Mr.  Foulkes is a Vice  President of the
     Trust and of Schroder Capital Funds. He is also Deputy Chairman of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND:

     MICHAEL  PERELSTEIN  - Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International  Equity  Portfolio,  in  which  Schroder  International  Fund
     invests,  and Portfolio Manager since 1997 of Schroder  International  Bond
     Portfolio, in which Schroder International Bond Fund invests. Mr Perelstein
     is a Vice  President  of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital  Funds and is a
     Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI.  He was  previously a Managing
     Director, MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.

     MARK ASTLEY - Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder  International
     Bond  Portfolio,  in which Schroder  International  Bond Fund invests.  Mr.
     Astley is a Vice  President of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital Funds II.
     He is also a First Vice President of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND:

     PAUL MORRIS - Portfolio  Manager since January 1997 of Schroder U.S. Equity
     Fund.  Mr.  Morris is Senior  Vice  President  of SCMI.  He was  previously
     Principal and Senior Portfolio  Manager,  Weiss Peck & Greer,  L.L.C.,  and
     Managing Director, Equity Division, UBS Asset Management.

     JANE P. LUCAS - Portfolio  Manager  since  November  1995 of Schroder  U.S.
     Equity  Fund.  Ms.  Lucas is a Vice  President of the Trust and Senior Vice
     President of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND:
 
     FARIBA TALEBI - Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder U.S. Smaller
     Companies Portfolio, in which Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund invests.
     Ms.  Talebi is a Vice  President  of the Trust and Group Vice  President of
     SCMI.

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND

     IRA UNSCHULD - Portfolio  Manager  since  inception  of Schroder  Micro Cap
     Fund. Mr.  Unschuld is Vice President of the Trust and first vice President
     of SCMI.
 
SCMI places all orders for purchases and sales of the Funds' securities. In
selecting broker-dealers, SCMI may consider research and brokerage services
furnished to it and its affiliates. Schroder & Co., Inc. and Schroder Securities
Limited, affiliates of SCMI, may receive brokerage commissions from the Funds in
 
                                                                              33
<PAGE>

accordance  with  procedures  adopted by the  Trustees  under the 1940 Act which
require  periodic  review of these  transactions.  Subject to  seeking  the most
favorable  price and execution  available,  SCMI may consider sales of shares of
the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers.

YEAR 2000
 
The Funds  receive  services  from  their  investment  adviser,  administrators,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian which rely on the smooth  functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform those services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the year 1999 because of the inability
of the software to distinguish  the year 2000 form the year 1900. SCMI is taking
steps that it believes are  reasonably  designed to address this  potential Year
2000 problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that  comparable  steps are
being taken by each of the Funds' other major service providers. There can be no
assurance,  however,  that these steps will be  sufficient  to avoid any adverse
impact on the Funds from this problem.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
Yield (for Investor Shares of the International Bond Fund) and total return data
relating  to  Investor  Shares of the Funds may from time to time be included in
advertisement  about the  Funds.  The  "yield"  of a Fund's  Investor  Shares is
calculated by dividing the Fund's  annualized net investment income per Investor
Shares during a recent 30-day period by the net asset value per Investor  Shares
on the last day of that period.  When a Fund's total return is  advertised  with
respect to Investor  Shares,  it will be calculated  for the past year, the past
five  years,  and the past ten years (or if a Fund's  Investor  Shares have been
offered for a period shorter than one,  five, or ten years,  that period will be
substituted) since the establishment of the Fund, as more fully described in the
SAI. Total return  quotations  assume that all dividends and  distributions  are
reinvested when paid.
 
ALL  DATA  ARE  BASED  ON PAST  INVESTMENT  RESULTS  AND DO NOT  PREDICT  FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.  Investment  performance of a Fund's  Investor  Shares,  which will
vary, is based on many factors,  including market conditions, the composition of
the Fund's  portfolio,  and the Fund's  operating  expenses  attributable to its
Investor Shares. Investment performance also often reflects the risks associated
with each Fund's  investment  objectives  and  policies.  Quotations of yield or
total  return for any period  when an expense  limitation  is in effect  will be
greater than if the limitation  had not been in effect.  These factors should be
considered when comparing the investment  results of a Fund's Investor Shares to
those of various  classes of other mutual funds and other  investment  vehicles.
Performance of each Fund's Investor  Shares may be compared to various  indices.
See the SAI for a fuller discussion of performance information.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST
 
The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation on July 30, 1969,  reorganized
on February  29, 1988 as Schroder  Capital  Funds,  Inc.  and  reorganized  as a
Delaware business trust on January 9, 1996. The Trust has an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided
into an  unlimited  number of  series of such  shares,  which,  in turn,  may be
divided into an unlimited  number of classes of such shares.  The Trust's shares
of beneficial  interest are presently divided into nine different  series.  Each
Fund's shares are presently divided into two classes, Investor Shares, which are
offered through this Prospectus, and Advisor Shares, which are offered through a
separate  prospectus.  Unlike  Investor  Shares,  Advisor  Shares are subject to
shareholder  service and distribution  fees, which will affect their performance
relative to Investor Shares.  To obtain more  information  about Advisor Shares,
contact  Schroder  Capital  Funds  (Delaware)  at  1-800-290-9826.  The  Trust's
principal office is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101, and
its telephone number is 1-207-879-8903.
 
Each  share  has  one  vote,  with  fractional  shares  voting   proportionally.
Shareholders  of a class of shares  or series  generally  have  separate  voting
rights with respect to matters that affect only that class or series. See

 
34
<PAGE>

"Organization and Capitalization" in the SAI. Shares are freely transferable and
are entitled to dividends and other  distributions  as declared by the Trustees.
Dividends paid by the Funds on their two classes of shares will normally  differ
in amount due to the differing expenses borne by the two classes. If a Fund were
liquidated,  each  class of  shares  would  receive  the net  assets of the Fund
attributable to that class. The Trust may suspend the sale of a Fund's shares at
any time and may refuse any order to purchase shares.  Although the Trust is not
required to hold  annual  meetings of its  shareholders,  shareholders  have the
right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees, or to take other actions as
provided in the Declaration of Trust.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS
 
Each of the Funds (other than the U.S. Equity Fund and the Micro Cap Fund) seeks
to achieve its investment  objective,  by investing all of its investable assets
in a Portfolio of Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II, that has
the same  investment  objective and similar  policies.  In that way, a Portfolio
acquires  investment  securities  directly,  and a  Fund  acquires  an  indirect
interest  in  those  securities.  Schroder  Capital  Funds is a  business  trust
organized  under the laws of the State of Delaware in September  1995.  Schroder
Capital Funds II is a business  trust  organized  under the laws of the State of
Delaware in December 1996. Each of Schroder  Capital Funds and Schroder  Capital
Funds II is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end  management  investment
company.  The assets of a  Portfolio  belong only to, and the  liabilities  of a
Portfolio are borne solely by, that Portfolio and no other Portfolio of Schroder
Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II.
 
A  Fund's  investment  in a  Portfolio  is in  the  form  of a  non-transferable
beneficial interest. All other investors in a Portfolio invest on the same terms
and  conditions  as the Fund and pay a  proportionate  share of the  Portfolio's
expenses.
 
The Portfolios  normally will not hold meetings of investors  except as required
by the 1940 Act.  Each  investor  in a  Portfolio  will be  entitled  to vote in
proportion to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues
subject to a vote of investors,  in accordance  with applicable law the Board of
Trustees will either:  (1) solicit voting  instructions  from Fund  shareholders
with regard to the voting of all  proxies  with  respect to a Fund's  shares and
vote  such  proxies  in  accordance  with  such  instructions,  or (2)  vote the
interests held by a Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders
of the  Portfolio's  interests.  If there are other  investors in the Portfolio,
there can be no assurance  that any issue that  receives a majority of the votes
cast by Fund shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast by all investors
in the Portfolio;  indeed,  if other  investors hold a majority  interest in the
Portfolio, they could have voting control of the Portfolio.
 
The  Portfolios  do not sell their  shares  directly  to members of the  general
public.  Another investor in a Portfolio,  such as an investment  company,  that
might sell its shares to members of the general  public would not be required to
sell its shares at the same public  offering price as the Fund investing in that
Portfolio and could have different  fees and expenses than the Fund.  Therefore,
Fund  shareholders  may have  different  returns  than  shareholders  in another
investment company that invests  exclusively in the same Portfolio.  Information
regarding   any  such  funds  in  the  future  will  be   available  by  calling
1-800-730-2932.
 
Under  federal  securities  law, any person or entity that signs a  registration
statement may be liable for a misstatement of a material fact in, or omission of
a material fact from, the registration statement. Each of Schroder Capital Funds
and Schroder Capital Funds II, their Trustees, and certain of their officers are
required to sign the registration  statement of the Trust and may be required to
sign the registration statements of certain other investors in the Portfolio. In
addition,  Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II may be liable for
misstatements or omissions of a material fact in any proxy  soliciting  material
of an investor in a Portfolio,  including a Fund.  Each investor in a Portfolio,
including the Trust, is required to indemnify Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder
Capital  Funds II, as the case may be, and their  Trustees  and  officers  ("SCF
Indemnitees") against certain claims.

                                                                              35
<PAGE>
 
Indemnified  claims  are  those  brought  against  SCF  Indemnitees  based  on a
misstatement  of a material  fact in, or  omission  of a material  fact from,  a
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II, as the case may be, and was
supplied to the investor by Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II,
as the case may be. Similarly,  Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds
II, as the case may be, is required to indemnify  each  investor in a Portfolio,
including a Fund,  for any claims  brought  against the investor with respect to
the  investor's  registration  statement or proxy  materials,  to the extent the
claim is based on a  misstatement  or  omission of a material  fact  relating to
information  about Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder  Capital Funds II, as the
case may be,  that is supplied to the  investor  by  Schroder  Capital  Funds or
Schroder Capital Funds II, as the case may be.
 
A Fund's investment in a Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other large
investors in the Portfolio;  for example,  if the Portfolio had a large investor
other than the Fund that redeemed its interest in the Portfolio, the Portfolio's
remaining investors  (including the Fund) might, as a result,  experience higher
pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
 
A Fund may withdraw its entire  investment  from a Portfolio at any time, if the
Trust  Board  determines  that it is in the best  interests  of the Fund and its
shareholders to do so. A Fund might withdraw,  for example,  if there were other
investors in the Portfolio who, by a vote of the  shareholders  of all investors
(including  the Fund),  changed  the  investment  objective  or  policies of the
Portfolio  in a manner not  acceptable  to the Trust Board.  A withdrawal  could
result in a distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities (as opposed to a cash
distribution)  by  the  Portfolio.  That  distribution  could  result  in a less
diversified portfolio of investments for the Fund and could affect adversely the
liquidity  of the  Fund's  portfolio.  If the  Fund  decided  to  convert  those
securities to cash, it would likely incur  brokerage  fees or other  transaction
costs.  If a Fund should  withdraw its  investment  from a Portfolio,  the Trust
Board would consider appropriate  alternatives,  including the management of the
Fund's assets in accordance with its investment  objective and policies by SCMI,
or the  investment  of all of the Fund's  investable  assets in  another  pooled
investment  entity having  substantially  the same  investment  objective as the
Fund. The inability of a Fund to find a suitable replacement investment,  if the
Board  decided  not to permit  SCMI to manage  the Fund's  assets,  could have a
significant adverse impact on shareholders of the Fund.
 
Each  investor  in a  Portfolio,  including  a  Fund,  may  be  liable  for  all
obligations  of the  Portfolio.  The  risk  to an  investor  in a  Portfolio  of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence  of  which  SCMI  considers  to  be  remote.  Upon  liquidation  of a
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
 
36
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                     RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC. ("MOODY'S")
FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"Aaa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the best
              quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
              referred to as "gilt edge". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
              exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
              protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
              most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
"Aa"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality by
              all standards. Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are generally
              known as high grade fixed-income securities. They are rated lower than the best
              fixed-income securities because margins of protection may not be as large as in
              "Aaa" securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
              amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks
              appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa" securities.
"A"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "A" possess many favorable investment
              attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
              giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
              may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
              future.
"Baa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Baa" are considered as medium grade
              obligations; i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
              Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
              certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
              unreliable over any great length of time. Such fixed-income securities lack
              outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
              characteristics as well.
              Fixed-income securities rated "Aaa", "Aa", "A" and "Baa" are considered
              investment grade.
"Ba"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative
              elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
              protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and
              therefore not well safeguarded during both good and bad times in the future.
              Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
"B"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of
              the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
              maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
              small.
"Caa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing. Such issues
              may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
              principal or interest.
"Ca"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ca" present obligations which are
              speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
              marked shortcomings.
"C"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of
              fixed-income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
              poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
</TABLE>
 
Rating Refinements: Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, "1", "2", and "3" in
each generic rating classification from "Aa" through "B" in its municipal
fixed-income security rating system. The modifier "1" indicates that the
security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier
"2" indicates a mid-range ranking; and a modifier "3" indicates that the issue
ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
 
                                                                             A-1
<PAGE>
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay punctually
promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months.
The ratings apply to Municipal  Commercial  Paper as well as taxable  Commercial
Paper.  Moody's  employs  the  following  three  designations,  all judged to be
investment grade, to indicate the relative  repayment capacity of rated issuers:
"Prime-1", "Prime-2", "Prime-3".
 
Issuers  rated  "Prime-1"  have a superior  capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory  obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Prime-2"  have a strong  capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated "Prime-3" have
an  acceptable  capacity for  repayment of  short-term  promissory  obligations.
Issuers rated "Not Prime" do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S RATING GROUP ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS
 
A Standard & Poor's fixed-income  security rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness  of an obligor  with  respect to a  specific  obligation.  This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained
by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers  reliable.  The ratings are
based, in varying degrees,  on the following  considerations:  (1) likelihood of
default-capacity  and  willingness  of the  obligor as to the timely  payment of
interest  and  repayment  of  principal  in  accordance  with  the  terms of the
obligation;  (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation;  and (3) protection
afforded  by,  and  relative  position  of,  the  obligation  in  the  event  of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
Standard & Poor's  does not perform an audit in  connection  with any rating and
may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial  information.  The ratings may be
changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of,
such information, or for other reasons.
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"AAA"         Fixed-income securities rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by Standard
              & Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
"AA"          Fixed-income securities rated "AA" have a very strong capacity to pay interest
              and repay principal and differs from the highest-rated issues only in small
              degree.
"A"           Fixed-income securities rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay interest and
              repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
              effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than fixed-income
              securities in higher-rated categories.
"BBB"         Fixed-income securities rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity
              to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
              protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
              more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal
              for fixed-income securities in this category than for fixed-income securities in
              higher-rated categories.
              Fixed-income securities rated "AAA", "AA", "A" and "BBB" are considered
              investment grade.
"BB"          Fixed-income securities rated "BB" have less near-term vulnerability to default
              than other speculative grade fixed-income securities. However, it faces major
              ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
              conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity or willingness to pay
              interest and repay principal.
"B"           Fixed-income securities rated "B" have a greater vulnerability to default but
              presently have the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.
              Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity
              or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
</TABLE>
 
A-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"CCC"         Fixed-income securities rated "CCC" have a current identifiable vulnerability to
              default, and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business, financial and
              economic conditions to meet timely payments of interest and repayments of
              principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions,
              it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
"CC"          The rating "CC" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
              senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.
"C"           The rating "C" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
              senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" rating.
"CI"          The rating "CI" is reserved for fixed-income securities on which no interest is
              being paid.
"NR"          Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
              information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
              particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
</TABLE>
 
Fixed-income  securities  rated "BB", "B",  "CCC",  "CC" and "C" are regarded as
having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and
"C" the highest degree of speculation.  While such fixed-income  securities will
likely have some quality and protective  characteristics,  these are out-weighed
by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
Plus (+) or minus (-):  The  rating  from "AA" TO "CCC" may be  modified  by the
addition  of a plus or minus  sign to show  relative  standing  with  the  major
ratings categories.
 
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
Standard  & Poor's  commercial  paper  rating  is a  current  assessment  of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. The  commercial  paper rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase or
sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the
issuer or  obtained  by  Standard  & Poor's  from  other  sources  it  considers
reliable.  The ratings may be changed,  suspended,  or  withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information.  Ratings are graded into group
categories,  ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.
 
Issues  assigned "A" ratings are  regarded as having the  greatest  capacity for
timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation
"1", "2", and "3" to indicate the relative degree of safety.
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"A-1"         Indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
"A-2"         Indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
              However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
              designated "A-1".
"A-3"         Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this
              designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
              changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
</TABLE>
 
                                                                             A-3
<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
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<PAGE>

                               INVESTMENT ADVISER
                 Schroder Capital Management International Inc.
                         787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
                            New York, New York 10019
 
                          ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                          Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
                         787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
                            New York, New York 10019
 
                                SUBADMINISTRATOR
                       Forum Administrative Services, LLC
                              Two Portland Square
                             Portland, Maine 04101
 
                                   CUSTODIAN
                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                             Chase MetroTech Center
                            Brooklyn, New York 11245
                                      and
                            Global Custody Division
                                125 London Wall
                         London EC2Y 5AJ United Kingdom
 
                     TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
                        Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
                                  P.O. Box 446
                             Portland, Maine 04112
 
                                    COUNSEL
                                  Ropes & Gray
                            One International Place
                          Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                           Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
                             One Post Office Square
                          Boston, Massachusetts 02109

<PAGE>
[LOGO]
 
                       SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
 
                          SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
 
                               SCHRODER EMERGING
                                  MARKETS FUND
 
                             SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
                             SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
                             SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
                                   BOND FUND
 
                           SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
 
                                 SCHRODER U.S.
                             SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
                            SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
 
                       Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
                                  P.O. Box 446
                             Portland, Maine 04112
                                 1-800-290-9826
 
                                INVESTOR SHARES
 
                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                                   MARCH 1, 1998
<PAGE>
 [LOGO] SCHRODERS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS
 
MARCH 1, 1998
 
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
ADVISOR SHARES
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
The Schroder  Capital Funds are mutual funds offering a wide range of investment
objectives:   SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  FUND,  SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS  FUND,
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND,
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND, and SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND. Each of the
Funds is a series of shares of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware),  and each Fund
(other than the U.S. Equity Fund) invests  substantially  all of its assets in a
separately managed portfolio of Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds
II,  each of which is a  registered,  open-end  management  investment  company.
Schroder Capital  Management  International Inc. serves as investment adviser to
each of the Funds and to each  portfolio.  Each of the  Funds,  except  Emerging
Markets Fund and International Bond Fund, is a diversified mutual fund.
 
This Prospectus  explains concisely the information that a prospective  investor
should  know before  investing  in Advisor  Shares of the Funds.  Please read it
carefully  and keep it for future  reference.  INVESTORS  CAN FIND MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION  ABOUT  SCHRODER  CAPITAL  FUNDS  (DELAWARE)  IN THE  MARCH 1,  1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION,  AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.  FOR A FREE
COPY OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-290-9826. The
Statement  of  Additional  Information  has been filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.  The
Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet World Wide Web site (at
http://www.sec.gov)  that  contains  the  Statement of  Additional  Information,
materials  that are  incorporated  by  reference  into this  Prospectus  and the
Statement of Additional Information, and other information about the Funds.
 
SHARES  OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT  DEPOSITS  OR  OBLIGATIONS  OF,  OR  GUARANTEED  OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY FINANCIAL  INSTITUTION,  ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE  CORPORATION,  THE  FEDERAL  RESERVE  BOARD OR ANY OTHER  AGENCY,  AND
INVOLVE RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
FUND STRUCTURE..............................................................          3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................................................          5
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES..........................................          6
HOW TO BUY SHARES...........................................................         16
HOW TO SELL SHARES..........................................................         19
OTHER INFORMATION...........................................................         21
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST.....................................................         22
APPENDIX A..................................................................        A-1
  Description of Securities Ratings
</TABLE>
 
2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHRODER FUND ADVISORS INC.
                   PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS.
                       PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.
<S>                                                 <C>
 
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) 1-800-290-9826    SCHRODER SERIES TRUST 1-800-464-3108
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                         SCHRODER LARGE CAPITALIZATION EQUITY FUND
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                      SCHRODER SMALL CAPITALIZATION VALUE FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND       SCHRODER MIDCAP VALUE FUND
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                    SCHRODER INVESTMENT GRADE INCOME FUND
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND                           SCHRODER SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
</TABLE>
 
FUND STRUCTURE
 
Each of SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  FUND,  SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND, SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES FUND,  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND FUND, and
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER  COMPANIES FUND seeks to achieve its investment  objective
by  investing  all  of  its  investable  assets  in  a  separate  portfolio  ( a
"Portfolio") of either Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II that
has  the  same  investment  objective  as,  and  investment  policies  that  are
substantially  similar  to those of,  that  Fund.  Accordingly,  the  investment
experience of each Fund will correspond directly with the investment  experience
of its corresponding  Portfolio.  See "Other Information - Information about the
Portfolios." The Funds and the Portfolios in which they invest are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUNDS                                                  PORTFOLIOS
- - -----------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                            INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                         SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO*
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND          SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                       SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO*
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds II)
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND                   SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO
                                                         (Schroder Capital Funds)
</TABLE>
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
directly in securities.
 
* Each of SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO and SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO
  is a non-diversified series of an open-end management investment company. Each
  of the other Portfolios is a diversified series of an open-end management
  investment company. See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations -
  Non-Diversification and Geographic Concentration."
 
                                                                               3
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
 
Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in Advisor Shares
of the Funds. There are no "Shareholder  Transaction Expenses" associated with a
purchase  or  redemption  of  Advisor  Shares of the  Funds.  "Annual  Operating
Expenses" for each Fund other than Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund show the
estimated expenses of the Fund with respect to its Advisor Shares for the Fund's
expenses in the current fiscal year (except in the case of Schroder U.S. Smaller
Companies Fund,  where Annual  Operating  Expenses are shown with respect to its
Advisor  Shares based on the Fund's  expenses for its most recent  fiscal year).
Annual Operating Expenses of each Fund (other than U.S. Equity Fund) include the
Fund's pro rata portion of all  operating  expenses of the Portfolio of Schroder
Capital  Funds or  Schroder  Capital  Funds II in which  the Fund  invests.  The
Example shows the cumulative  expenses  attributable  to a  hypothetical  $1,000
investment in the Funds over specified periods.
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                                            NONE
 
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
 
(as a percentage of average net assets)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     INTERNATIONAL
                                     INTERNATIONAL     EMERGING         SMALLER       INTERNATIONAL     U.S. EQUITY
                                         FUND        MARKETS FUND   COMPANIES FUND      BOND FUND          FUND
                                    ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>              <C>
Management Fees(1)
    (after expense limitation)(2)          0.61%           0.81%           0.00%            0.19%            0.57%
12b-1 Fees(3)                              None            None            None             None             None
Other Expenses
    (after expense limitation)(2)          0.63    %       1.14   %        1.75    %        1.01    %        1.18   %
                                            ---             ---             ---              ---              ---
Total Fund Operating Expenses
 (after expense limitation)(2)             1.24    %       1.95   %        1.75    %        1.20    %        1.75   %
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                     U.S. SMALLER
                                    COMPANIES FUND
                                    ---------------
<S>                                 <C>
Management Fees(1)
    (after expense limitation)(2)          0.50%
12b-1 Fees(3)                              None
Other Expenses
    (after expense limitation)(2)          1.24    %
                                            ---
Total Fund Operating Expenses
 (after expense limitation)(2)             1.74    %
</TABLE>
 
(1) Management Fees reflect the fees paid by the Portfolio and the Fund for
    investment advisory and administrative services.
 
(2) The Management Fees and Total Fund Operating Expenses for each of the Funds
    reflect expenses limitations currently in effect. See "Management of the
    Trust." Without the limitations, Management Fees, Other Expenses, and Total
    Fund Operating Expenses for Advisor Shares would be 0.675%, 0.63%, and
    1.305%, respectively, in the case of International Fund; 1.25%, 1.16%, and
    2.41%, respectively, in the case of Emerging Markets Fund; 1.10%, 3.08%, and
    4.18%, respectively, in the case of International Smaller Companies Fund;
    0.70%, 2.43%, and 3.13%, respectively, in the case of International Bond
    Fund; 0.75%, 1.18%, and 1.93%, respectively, in the case of U.S. Equity
    Fund; and 0.85%, 56.17%, and 57.02%, respectively, in the case of U.S.
    Smaller Companies Fund.
 
(3) Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
    Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, with respect to its Advisor
    Shares. The Funds presently make no payments under the Distribution Plan,
    although payments by a Fund under the Shareholder Service Plan will be
    deemed to have been made pursuant to the Distribution Plan to the extent
    such payments may be considered to be primarily intended to result in the
    sale of the Fund's Advisor Shares. See "How to Buy Shares -- Distributor and
    Distribution Plan."
 
EXAMPLE
 
Your investment of $1,000 would incur the following expenses, assuming 5% annual
return and redemption at the end of each period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                                               -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                                     $      13    $      39    $      68    $     150
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                                  $      20    $      61          N/A          N/A
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                                   $      18    $      55    $      95    $     207
Schroder International Bond Fund                                                $      12    $      38          N/A          N/A
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                                       $      18    $      55    $      95    $     206
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                            $      18    $      55    $      94    $     205
</TABLE>
 
The  Annual  Operating  Expenses  table and  Example  are  provided  to help you
understand  your share of the operating  expenses of the Funds  attributable  to
Advisor  Shares.  THE TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REPRESENT  PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSE
LEVELS.  ACTUAL  EXPENSES  MAY BE  GREATER  OR LESS THAN  THOSE  SHOWN.  FEDERAL
REGULATIONS  REQUIRE THE EXAMPLE TO ASSUME A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, BUT ACTUAL ANNUAL
RETURNS WILL VARY.
 
4
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The financial highlights of Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund presented below
for the period ended May 31, 1997 have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent  accountants to the Funds. The financial highlights for the Fund for
the period ended November 30, 1997 are unaudited.  The financial  statements for
Schroder U.S. Smaller  Companies Fund and the related  independent  accountants'
report  are  contained  in the  Fund's  Annual  Report to  Shareholders  and are
incorporated  by reference  into the  Statement of Additional  Information  (the
"SAI").  The unaudited  financial  statements of Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies
Fund for the period  through  November 30, 1997  similarly are  incorporated  by
reference  into  the  SAI.  None  of the  other  Funds  had any  Advisor  Shares
outstanding  during those periods.  Copies of the Funds' Annual and  Semi-Annual
Reports may be  obtained  without  charge by writing  the Funds at Two  Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101 or by calling 1-800-290-9826.
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           FOR THE SIX     FOR THE
                                                                                          MONTHS ENDED   PERIOD ENDED
                                                                                          NOVEMBER 30,     MAY 31,
                                                                                              1997         1997(A)
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>            <C>
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                                          $13.24         $11.89
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
Investment Operations:
  Net Investment Income (Loss)(b)                                                               (0.04  )      (0.03  )
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                                         1.94          1.38
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
Total from Investment Operations                                                                 1.90          1.35
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period                                                                 $15.14        $13.24
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
                                                                                          -------------  ------------
Total Return(c)                                                                                 14.35  %      11.35  %
Ratios/Supplementary Data
  Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)                                                     $1,053           $81
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
  Expenses After Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                                        1.68  %       1.74  %
  Expenses Before Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                                       5.41  %      57.02  %
  Net Investment Income (Loss) After Expense Limitation(b)(d)                                   (0.82  %)      (0.67  %)
Average Commission Rate Per Share(e)                                                          $0.0588       $0.0584
Portfolio Turnover Rate                                                                         28.71  %      34.45  %
</TABLE>
 
(a) Advisor Class shares were first issued on December 23, 1996.
 
(b) Includes the Fund's proportionate share of income and expenses of the
    Portfolio.
 
(c) Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced
    during the period shown.
 
(d) Annualized.
 
(e) The rate represents the average commission per share paid by the Portfolio
    to brokers on the purchase and sale of equity securities on which
    commissions were charged.
 
                                                                               5
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
Each Fund has a  different  investment  objective  that it pursues  through  the
investment policies described below.
 
Because of the differences in objectives and policies among the Funds, the Funds
will achieve different investment returns and will be subject to varying degrees
of market and financial  risk.  There is no assurance that any Fund will achieve
its  objective.  None of the  Funds  is  intended  to be a  complete  investment
program.
 
EACH FUND (OTHER THAN U.S. EQUITY FUND) CURRENTLY  INVESTS  SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF
ITS ASSETS IN A MANAGED  PORTFOLIO OF SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS OR SCHRODER CAPITAL
FUNDS  II.  EACH  SUCH  PORTFOLIO  IS  REFERRED  TO  IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS  AS  A
"PORTFOLIO." IN REVIEWING THE DESCRIPTION OF A FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE AND
POLICIES  BELOW,  INVESTORS  SHOULD  ASSUME THAT THE  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  AND
POLICIES OF THE CORRESPONDING PORTFOLIO ARE THE SAME IN ALL MATERIAL RESPECTS AS
THOSE OF THE FUND.  SCHRODER CAPITAL  MANAGEMENT  INTERNATIONAL INC. ("SCMI") IS
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER TO EACH FUND AND TO EACH PORTFOLIO.
 
A Fund's investment  objective may not be changed without shareholder  approval.
The investment policies of each Fund may, unless otherwise  specifically stated,
be changed by the Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds  (Delaware)  (the "Trust")
without a vote of the  shareholders.  All percentage  limitations on investments
will apply at the time of investment and will not be considered  violated unless
an excess or deficiency  occurs or exists  immediately  after and as a result of
the investment.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
 
SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL   FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  IS  LONG-TERM  CAPITAL
APPRECIATION THROUGH INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES MARKETS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  securities  convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or
warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing.  They may also  include  American
Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and other similar instruments
providing for indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may
also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies that invest in turn
primarily in foreign securities.
 
The Fund  normally  invests at least 65% of its assets in equity  securities  of
companies  domiciled  outside the United States and will invest in securities of
issuers  domiciled  in at least three  countries  other than the United  States.
There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial  portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in a
single  country,  it will be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that
country  than  would  a fund  investing  in a  geographically  more  diversified
portfolio.  The Fund  normally  invests a  substantial  portion of its assets in
countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which
is a market  capitalization-weighted  index of  companies  in  developed  market
countries in Europe,  Australia and the Far East.  Other  countries in which the
Fund may invest may be considered  "emerging markets" and involve special risks.
See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Foreign Securities."
 
The Fund may invest in debt securities,  including,  for example,  securities of
foreign governments  (including  provinces and municipalities) or their agencies
or   instrumentalities,   securities   issued  or  guaranteed  by  international
organizations  designated or supported by multiple foreign governmental entities
to promote  economic  reconstruction  or  development,  and debt  securities  of
foreign corporations or financial institutions.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of
its net assets in  lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail
certain risks. See "Other  Investment  Practices and Risk  Considerations - Debt
Securities."
 
6
<PAGE>
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
 
SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS  FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK  LONG-TERM
CAPITAL APPRECIATION. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of issuers
domiciled  or doing  business in emerging  market  countries  in regions such as
Southeast Asia, Latin America,  and Eastern and Southern  Europe.  The Fund will
normally invest in at least three countries other than the United States.
 
An  "emerging  market"  country  is any  country  not  included  at the  time of
investment  in the Morgan  Stanley  Capital  International  World Index of major
world economies. Those economies currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada,  Denmark,   Finland,   France,  Germany,   Ireland,  Italy,  Japan,  the
Netherlands,   New  Zealand,   Norway,  Portugal,   Singapore,   Spain,  Sweden,
Switzerland,  the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  SCMI may at
times determine based on its own analysis that an economy  included in the Index
should  nonetheless be considered an emerging market  country;  any such country
would then  constitute an emerging  market country for purposes of investment by
the Fund.
 
The Fund  normally  invests at least 65% of its assets in equity  securities  of
issuers  determined by SCMI to be emerging  market  issuers.  Equity  securities
include common stocks,  preferred stocks,  securities convertible into common or
preferred  stocks,  and rights or  warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing
(although  such rights and warrants  will not be taken into account in determing
compliance with the 65% requirement  described in the preceding sentence).  They
may also include American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and
other similar  instruments  providing  for indirect  investment in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund may also invest in securities of closed-end investment
companies  that invest in turn  primarily in foreign  securities.  The Fund is a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."
 
The  remainder  of the Fund's  assets may be invested in  securities  of issuers
located  anywhere  in the world.  The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
debt securities,  including lower-quality,  high yielding debt securities, which
entail certain risks. The Fund would invest in debt securities principally in an
effort to realize capital  appreciation due, for example,  to a favorable change
in  currency  exchange or control  rates,  or in the  creditworthiness  of their
issuers. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in sovereign debt securities
that are in default.  See "Other Investment  Practices and Risk Considerations -
Debt Securities."
 
An issuer of a security will be  considered  to be an emerging  market issuer if
SCMI  determines  that: (1) it is organized under the laws of an emerging market
country;  (2) its primary  securities  trading  market is in an emerging  market
country;  (3) at least 50% of the issuer's  revenues or profits are derived from
goods  produced or sold,  investments  made,  or services  performed in emerging
market  countries;  or (4) at least 50% of its assets are  situated  in emerging
market countries.  The Fund may consider  investment  companies to be located in
the country or countries in which SCMI determines they focus their investments.
 
There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial  portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in a
single  country,  it will be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that
country  than  would  a fund  investing  in a  geographically  more  diversified
portfolio.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL   SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  IS
LONG-TERM CAPITAL  APPRECIATION THROUGH INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES MARKETS OUTSIDE
THE  UNITED  STATES.  The Fund  normally  invests  at least 65% of its assets in
equity  securities  of companies  domiciled  outside the United States that have
market  capitalizations  of $1.5 billion or less at the time of  investment.  In
selecting  investments  for the  Fund,  SCMI  considers  a  number  of  factors,
including,  for example,  the  company's  potential for  long-term  growth,  the
company's financial condition, its sensitivity to cyclical factors, the relative
value of the company's securities (to those of other companies and to the market
as a whole), and the extent to which the company's management owns equity in the
company.
 
                                                                               7
<PAGE>
Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred
stocks,  securities  convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or
warrants  to  purchase  any of the  foregoing.  They may also  include  American
Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts, and other similar instruments
providing for indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may
also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies that invest in turn
primarily in foreign securities.
 
The Fund will  invest in  securities  of  issuers  domiciled  in at least  three
countries other than the United States, although there is no limit on the amount
of the Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of issuers  domiciled in
any one country.  When the Fund has invested a substantial portion of its assets
in the securities of companies  domiciled in a single  country,  it will be more
susceptible  to the  risks  of  investing  in  that  country  than  would a Fund
investing in a geographically more diversified  portfolio.  Certain countries in
which the Fund may invest  may be  considered  "emerging  markets"  and  involve
special risks. See "Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Foreign
Securities."
 
Smaller  companies may present greater  opportunities for investment return than
do larger companies,  but also involve greater risks. Smaller companies may have
limited  product  lines,  markets,  or financial  resources,  or may depend on a
limited  management  group.  Their  securities may trade less  frequently and in
limited volume.  As a result,  the prices of these securities may fluctuate more
than prices of securities of larger,  more widely traded  companies.  See "Other
Investment   Practices  and  Risk   Considerations   -  Investments  in  Smaller
Companies."
 
The Fund may invest in debt securities,  including,  for example,  securities of
foreign governments,  international organizations,  and foreign corporations and
U.S. government securities.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Debt Securities."
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
 
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND'S INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK A HIGH RATE
OF TOTAL RETURN.  The Fund normally invests  substantially  all of its assets in
debt securities and debt-related  investments of issuers  domiciled  outside the
United States.
 
"Total  return"  consists of current  income,  including  interest  payments and
discount  accruals,  plus any increases in the values of the Fund's  investments
(less any decreases in the values of any of its investments and amortizations of
premiums). SCMI considers expected changes in foreign currency exchange rates in
determining  the  anticipated  returns  on  securities  denominated  in  foreign
currencies.
 
The Fund  may  invest  in debt  securities  of  foreign  governments  (including
provinces and  municipalities)  and their agencies and  instrumentalities,  debt
securities  of  supranational  organizations,  and debt  securities  of  private
issuers.  These bonds may pay interest at fixed,  variable,  or floating  rates.
Certain  securities in which the Fund invests may be convertible  into common or
preferred  stock,  or they may be traded together with warrants for the purchase
of common stock.  The rate of return on some debt  obligations  may be linked to
indices or stock  prices or indexed to the level of exchange  rates  between the
U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies.  The Fund may invest up to 10%
of its net assets in lower-quality,  high-yielding  debt securities.  See "Other
Investment  Practices and Risk  Considerations - Debt Securities." The Fund is a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."
 
The Fund normally  invests in  securities of issuers in at least five  countries
other than the United  States,  although  there is no limit on the amount of the
Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of issuers domiciled in any one
country.  When the Fund has invested a substantial  portion of its assets in the
securities  of  companies  domiciled  in a  single  country,  it  will  be  more
susceptible  to the  risks  of  investing  in  that  country  than  would a fund
investing in a geographically more diversified portfolio. At times, the Fund may
invest a substantial  portion of its assets in securities of issuers in emerging
market countries,  which involves special risks. See "Other Investment Practices
and Risk Considerations - Foreign Securities."
 
8
<PAGE>
Generally,  the  Fund's  average  maturity  will be  shorter  when SCMI  expects
interest  rates in markets where the Fund has invested to rise,  and longer when
SCMI  expects  interest  rates in those  markets to fall.  SCMI may use  various
techniques to increase the  interest-rate  sensitivity of the Fund's  portfolio,
including  transactions in futures and options on futures,  interest-rate swaps,
caps, floors, and short sales of securities.
 
SCMI believes  that active  currency  management,  through the use of any of the
foreign currency  exchange  transactions  described below, can enhance portfolio
returns  through   opportunities   arising  from,  for  example,   interest-rate
differentials between securities  denominated in different currencies or changes
in value between currencies.  SCMI also believes that active currency management
can be employed as an overall  portfolio risk management tool.  Foreign currency
management can also provide increased  overall  portfolio risk  diversification.
See "Other  Investment  Practices  and Risk  Considerations  - Foreign  Currency
Exchange  Transactions."  The Fund may also borrow money to invest in additional
securities.  Use of  leverage  involves  special  risks.  See "Other  Investment
Practices and Risk Considerations - Leverage."
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND'S INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS GROWTH OF CAPITAL. The Fund
normally  invests  substantially  all of its  assets  in  equity  securities  of
companies in the United States.  Equity  securities in which the Fund may invest
include common stocks,  preferred stocks,  securities convertible into common or
preferred stocks, and rights or warrants to purchase any of the foregoing.
 
The Fund  does not limit  its  investments  to any  particular  type of  company
although the Fund will not normally invest in securities of small capitalization
companies  (companies with market  capitalizations of $1.5 billion or less). The
Fund may  invest in  companies,  large or small,  that SCMI  believes  offer the
potential for capital  growth.  They may, for example,  include  companies whose
earnings are believed to be in a relatively strong growth trend,  companies with
a proprietary  advantage,  or companies  that are in industry  segments that are
experiencing  rapid  growth;  the Fund may also  invest  in  companies  in which
significant  further growth is not  anticipated but whose market value per share
is thought to be undervalued.  The Fund may invest in relatively less well-known
companies  that  meet any of  these  characteristics  or  other  characteristics
identified by SCMI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE IS TO SEEK CAPITAL
APPRECIATION.  The Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in equity  securities
of   U.S.-domiciled   companies  that  have  at  the  time  of  purchase  market
capitalizations of $1.5 billion or less. In selecting  investments for the Fund,
SCMI seeks to identify  securities of companies with strong  management  that it
believes  can  generate  above  average  earnings  growth,  and are  selling  at
favorable prices in relation to book values and earnings.  Equity  securities in
which the Fund may invest include common stocks,  preferred  stocks,  securities
convertible into common or preferred stocks,  and rights or warrants to purchase
any of the foregoing.
 
The Fund may also invest in equity  securities  of larger  companies and in debt
securities,  if SCMI believes such  investments  are consistent  with the Fund's
investment objective. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in
lower-quality,  high yielding debt  securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations - Debt Securities."
 
Smaller  companies may present greater  opportunities for investment return than
do larger  companies,  but also  involve  greater  risks.  They may have limited
product  lines,  markets,  or  financial  resources,  or may depend on a limited
management  group.  Their  securities  may trade less  frequently and in limited
volume.  As a result,  the prices of these  securities  may fluctuate  more than
prices of securities of larger,  widely traded companies.  See "Other Investment
Practices and Risk  Considerations - Investments in Smaller Companies." The Fund
intends to invest no more than 25% of its total  assets in  securities  of small
companies  that,  together with their  predecessors,  have been in operation for
less than three years.
 
                                                                               9
<PAGE>
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
The  Funds may  engage  in the  following  investment  practices,  each of which
involves certain special risks. The SAI contains more detailed information about
these practices (some of which may be considered "derivative" investments).
 
FOREIGN  SECURITIES.  Investments  in foreign  securities  entail certain risks.
There may be a  possibility  of  nationalization  or  expropriation  of  assets,
confiscatory  taxation,  political  or  financial  instability,  and  diplomatic
developments  that  could  affect the value of a Fund's  investments  in certain
foreign countries.  Since foreign securities are normally denominated and traded
in foreign currencies, the values of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably
or  unfavorably  by  currency   exchange  rates,   currency   exchange   control
regulations,  foreign  withholding taxes and restrictions or prohibitions on the
repatriation  of  foreign  currencies.  There may be less  information  publicly
available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S.  issuer,  and foreign issuers
are not generally  subject to  accounting,  auditing,  and  financial  reporting
standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities
of some  foreign  issuers  are less  liquid  and at  times  more  volatile  than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers.  Foreign brokerage  commissions and other
fees are also  generally  higher than in the United States.  Foreign  settlement
procedures  and trade  regulations  may involve  certain risks (such as delay in
payment or delivery of  securities  or in the  recovery of a Fund's  assets held
abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.
 
In addition,  legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries
may be more limited than those  available  with  respect to  investments  in the
United  States or in other foreign  countries.  The  willingness  and ability of
sovereign issuers to pay principal and interest on government securities depends
on various economic factors, including, without limitation, the issuer's balance
of payments,  overall debt level,  and cash-flow  considerations  related to the
availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer's obligations.  If a
foreign  governmental  entity is unable or unwilling to meet its  obligations on
the securities in accordance with their terms, a Fund may have limited  recourse
available to it in the event of default.  The laws of some foreign countries may
limit a Fund's  ability to invest in  securities of certain  issuers  located in
those foreign countries. Special tax considerations apply to foreign securities.
Except as otherwise provided in this Prospectus, there is no limit on the amount
of a Fund's assets that may be invested in foreign securities.

If a Fund purchases  securities  denominated in foreign currencies,  a change in
the value of any such currency  against the U.S.  dollar will result in a change
in the U.S.  dollar value of the Fund's assets and the Fund's  income  available
for distribution.  In addition, although at times most of a Fund's income may be
received or realized in these  currencies,  the Fund will be required to compute
and distribute its income in U.S. dollars.  Therefore,  if the exchange rate for
any  such  currency  declines  after  the  Fund's  income  has been  earned  and
translated into U.S.  dollars but before payment,  the Fund could be required to
liquidate  portfolio  securities to make such  distributions.  Similarly,  if an
exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars
and the time such expenses are paid, the amount of such currency  required to be
converted into U.S.  dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S.  dollars will
be greater than the  equivalent  amount in any such currency of such expenses at
the time they  were  incurred.  A Fund may buy or sell  foreign  currencies  and
options and futures  contracts  on foreign  currencies  for hedging  purposes in
connection with its foreign investments.
 
In determining  whether to invest in debt  securities of foreign  issuers,  SCMI
considers the likely  impact of foreign taxes on the net yield  available to the
Fund and its shareholders. Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign
countries  may be  reduced  by  withholding  and  other  taxes  imposed  by such
countries.  Tax conventions  between certain countries and the United States may
reduce or  eliminate  such taxes.  Any such taxes paid by a Fund will reduce its
net income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances,
a Fund may be able to pass  through to  shareholders  credits for foreign  taxes
paid. See "How to Sell Shares - Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
 
Certain Funds may invest in securities of issuers in emerging  market  countries
with respect to some or all of their assets. The securities' prices and relative
currency values of emerging market investments are subject to
 
10
<PAGE>
greater  volatility  than  those of issuers  in many more  developed  countries.
Investments  in  emerging  market  countries  are  subject  to  the  same  risks
applicable  to  foreign  investments  generally,  although  those  risks  may be
increased due to  conditions  in such  countries.  For example,  the  securities
markets  and  legal  systems  in  emerging  market  countries  may  only be in a
developmental  stage  and  may  provide  few,  or  none,  of the  advantages  or
protections of markets or legal systems  available in more developed  countries.
Although  many of the  securities  in which the Funds may  invest  are traded on
securities  exchanges,  they may trade in limited volume,  and the exchanges may
not provide  all of the  conveniences  or  protections  provided  by  securities
exchanges in more  developed  markets.  The Funds may also invest a  substantial
portion of their assets in securities traded in the over-the-counter  markets in
such  countries and not on any  exchange,  which may affect the liquidity of the
investment  and expose the Funds to the credit risk of their  counterparties  in
trading those  investments.  Emerging market countries may experience  extremely
high rates of inflation,  which may adversely affect these countries'  economies
and securities markets.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar values of securities  denominated in foreign  currencies.
Exchange  rates  between  the U.S.  dollar  and other  currencies  fluctuate  in
response to forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange  markets.  These
forces are affected by the international  balance of payments and other economic
and  financial  conditions,  government  intervention,  speculation,  and  other
factors,  many of which may be difficult (if not impossible) to predict.  A Fund
may  engage in  foreign  currency  exchanges  transactions  to  protect  against
uncertainty  in the level of future  exchange  rates.  Although  the strategy of
engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions could reduce the risk of loss
due to a decline  in the value of the hedged  currency,  it could also limit the
potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.
 
In particular,  a Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange  transactions to
protect  against a change in exchange  ratios that may occur between the date on
which  the  Fund  contracts  to  trade  a  security  and  the  settlement   date
("transaction  hedging") or in  anticipation  of placing a trade  ("anticipatory
hedging");  to "lock in" the U.S.  dollar value of interest and  dividends to be
paid in a foreign  currency;  or to hedge against the possibility that a foreign
currency in which  portfolio  securities are  denominated or quoted may suffer a
decline against the U.S. dollar ("position  hedging").  International  Bond Fund
may also enter into forward  contracts to adjust the Fund's  exposure to various
foreign  currencies,   either  pending  anticipated  investments  in  securities
denominated  in  those  currencies  or as a  hedge  against  anticipated  market
changes.
 
SCMI may seek to enhance a Fund's  investment  return  through  active  currency
management.  SCMI may buy or sell foreign  currencies  for a Fund,  on a spot or
forward  basis,  in an attempt to profit from  inefficiencies  in the pricing of
various currencies or of debt securities denominated in those currencies.
 
When investing in foreign  securities,  a Fund usually effects currency exchange
transactions  on a "spot" (I.E.,  cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign exchange  market. A Fund incurs foreign exchange  expenses in converting
assets from one currency to another.  In addition,  the International  Bond Fund
may, to a limited extent,  purchase  forward  contracts to increase  exposure in
foreign  currencies  that are expected to appreciate and thereby  increase total
return.
 
A forward  currency  contract  is an  obligation  to purchase or sell a specific
currency at a future  date (which may be any fixed  number of days from the date
of the  contract  agreed upon by the  parties) at a price set at the time of the
contract.  Forward  contracts do not eliminate  fluctuations  in the  underlying
prices of securities  and expose the Fund to the risk that the  counterparty  is
unable to perform.
 
Forward contracts are not exchange traded,  and there can be no assurance that a
liquid  market  will  exist at a time  when a Fund  seeks to close out a forward
contract.  Currently,  only a  limited  market,  if  any,  exists  for  exchange
transactions relating to currencies in certain emerging markets or to securities
of issuers  domiciled  or  principally  engaged in business in certain  emerging
markets.  This may  limit a Fund's  ability  to hedge its  investments  in those
markets.  These  contracts  involve  a risk of loss if  SCMI  fails  to  predict
accurately changes in relative currency values, the direction of stock prices or
interest rates and other economic factors.
 
                                                                              11
<PAGE>
From  time to time,  a Fund's  currency  hedging  transactions  may call for the
delivery of one foreign  currency in exchange for another  foreign  currency and
may at times involve  currencies in which its portfolio  securities are not then
denominated  ("cross  hedging").  From time to time,  a Fund may also  engage in
"proxy"  hedging,  whereby  the Fund would seek to hedge the value of  portfolio
holdings  denominated in one currency by entering into an exchange contract on a
second currency, the valuation of which SCMI believes correlates to the value of
the first  currency.  Cross hedging and proxy hedging  transactions  involve the
risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to
which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other
asset or liability that is the subject of the hedge.
 
INVESTMENTS IN SMALLER COMPANIES.  Certain Funds may invest all or a substantial
portion of their assets in securities issued by small companies.  Such companies
may offer greater  opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies,
but  investments  in such  companies may involve  certain  special  risks.  Such
companies may have limited product lines,  markets,  or financial  resources and
may be dependent on a limited  management group. While the markets in securities
of such companies have grown rapidly in recent years,  such securities may trade
less  frequently  and in smaller  volume than more widely held  securities.  The
values of these  securities  may  fluctuate  more  sharply  than  those of other
securities, and a Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing
out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less
publicly  available  information  about the issuers of these  securities or less
market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies,  and it
may take a longer  period of time for the prices of such  securities  to reflect
the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.
 
Some  securities  of  smaller  issuers  may be  restricted  as to  resale or may
otherwise  be  highly  illiquid.  The  ability  of a Fund  to  dispose  of  such
securities may be greatly limited,  and a Fund may have to continue to hold such
securities during periods when SCMI would otherwise have sold the securities. It
is possible that SCMI or its affiliates or clients may hold securities issued by
the  same  issuers,  and may in some  cases  have  acquired  the  securities  at
different  times, on more favorable terms, or at more favorable  prices,  than a
Fund.
 
LEVERAGE.  International  Bond Fund may  borrow  money by  engaging  in  reverse
repurchase agreements to invest in additional  securities.  "Reverse" repurchase
agreements  generally  involve the sale by the Fund of securities held by it and
an agreement to repurchase  the securities at an  agreed-upon  price,  date, and
interest  payment.  Certain  other  Funds  may  engage in  forward  commitments,
described  below and in the SAI,  which may have the same economic  effect as if
the Funds had borrowed money.
 
The use of borrowed money, known as "leverage," increases the International Bond
Fund's  market  exposure  and risk and may result in  losses.  When the Fund has
borrowed money for leverage and its  investments  increase or decrease in value,
its net asset value will  normally  increase or decrease more than if it had not
borrowed money for this purpose. The interest that the Fund must pay on borrowed
money will reduce its net  investment  income,  and may also  either  offset any
potential capital gains or increase any losses.  The Fund will not always borrow
money for  investments,  and the extent to which the Fund will borrow money, and
the  amount it may  borrow,  depend on market  conditions  and  interest  rates.
Successful use of leverage depends on SCMI's ability to predict market movements
correctly. The amount of leverage that can exist at any one time will not exceed
one-third  of the  value  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (including  the  amount
borrowed).  A Fund may be  required  to  segregate  certain  assets  against its
obligations under reverse repurchase agreements entered into by it.
 
DEBT SECURITIES.  Each Fund may invest in debt securities.  A Fund may invest in
debt securities  either to earn investment  income or to benefit from changes in
the market values of such securities. Debt securities are subject to market risk
(the  fluctuation of market value in response to changes in interest  rates) and
to credit risk (the risk that the issuer may become  unable or unwilling to make
timely payments of principal and interest).
 
Each Fund also may invest in lower-quality,  high-yielding debt securities rated
below investment  grade and in unrated debt securities  determined by SCMI to be
of  comparable  quality.  Lower-rated  debt  securities  (commonly  called "junk
bonds") are  considered  to be of poor standing and  predominantly  speculative.
Securities in the lowest rating  categories may have extremely poor prospects of
attaining any real investment
 
12
<PAGE>
standing,  and some of those  securities  in which a Fund may  invest  may be in
default.  The rating  services'  descriptions  of securities in the lower rating
categories,  including  their  speculative  characteristics,  are set  forth  in
Appendix A to this Prospectus.
 
In addition,  lower-rated  securities reflect a greater possibility that adverse
changes  in the  financial  condition  of the  issuer,  or in  general  economic
conditions,  or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of the issuer to make  payments of interest  and  principal.  Changes by
recognized rating services in their ratings of any fixed-income  security and in
the  perceived  ability of an issuer to make  payments of interest and principal
may also affect the value of these  investments.  The  inability  (or  perceived
inability) of issuers to make timely  payments of interest and  principal  would
likely  make the values of  securities  held by a Fund more  volatile  and could
limit a Fund's ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values
the Fund had  placed on such  securities.  In the  absence  of a liquid  trading
market for securities held by it, a Fund may be unable at times to establish the
fair value of such  securities.  The rating  assigned  to a security by a rating
agency does not reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security's market
value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security.
 
Each  Fund  may  at  times  invest  in  so-called   "zero   coupon"   bonds  and
"payment-in-kind"  bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount
from face value and pay  interest  only at  maturity,  rather than at  intervals
during the life of the security.  Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its
option,  to make  current  interest  payments on the bonds  either in cash or in
additional bonds. The values of zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind  bonds are
subject to greater  fluctuation in response to changes in market  interest rates
than bonds which pay interest  currently,  and may involve  greater  credit risk
than such bonds. From time to time, a Fund may invest a portion of its assets in
Brady  Bonds,  which are  securities  created  through the  exchange of existing
commercial  bank loans to sovereign  entities for new  obligations in connection
with debt  restructuring.  Brady  Bonds  have been  issued  only  recently  and,
therefore, do not have a long payment history.
 
A Fund  will not  necessarily  dispose  of a  security  when its debt  rating is
reduced below its rating at the time of purchase, although SCMI will monitor the
investment to determine whether continues investment in the security will assist
in meeting the Fund's investment objective.
 
OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES  TRANSACTIONS.  Each  Fund  may  engage  in a  variety  of
transactions  involving  the use of options  and futures  contracts.  A Fund may
engage in such  transactions for hedging purposes or, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to increase its current return.
 
A Fund may seek to increase its current  return by writing  covered call options
and covered put options on its portfolio securities or other securities in which
it may  invest.  A Fund  receives a premium  from  writing a call or put option,
which increases the Fund's return if the option expires unexercised or is closed
out at a net profit.  A Fund may also buy and sell put and call  options on such
securities for hedging purposes. When a Fund writes a call option on a portfolio
security,  it gives up the  opportunity to profit from any increase in the price
of the  security  above the exercise  price of the option;  when it writes a put
option,  a Fund takes the risk that it will be  required  to purchase a security
from  the  option  holder  at a price  above  the  current  market  price of the
security.  A Fund may  terminate  an  option  that it has  written  prior to its
expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases
an option having the same terms as the option written. A Fund may also from time
to time buy and sell combinations of put and call options on the same underlying
security to earn additional income.
 
A Fund may buy and sell index futures contracts. An "index future" is a contract
to buy or sell units of a  particular  index at an agreed  price on a  specified
future date. Depending on the change in value of the index between the time when
a Fund enters into and  terminates  an index  future  transaction,  the Fund may
realize a gain or loss. A Fund may also  purchase  warrants,  issued by banks or
other financial institutions,  whose values are based on the values from time to
time of one or more securities indices.
 
                                                                              13
<PAGE>
A Fund may buy and sell futures contracts on U.S. Government securities or other
debt  securities.  A futures contract on a debt security is a contract to buy or
sell a certain  amount of the debt  security  at an agreed  price on a specified
future date.  Depending on the change in the value of the security when the Fund
enters into and terminates a futures contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss.
 
A Fund may  purchase  and sell  options on futures  contracts  or on  securities
indices in addition to or as an alternative  to purchasing  and selling  futures
contracts.
 
A Fund may also  purchase and sell put and call  options on foreign  currencies,
futures contracts on foreign currencies, and options on foreign currency futures
contracts as an alternative,  or in addition to, the foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  described  above.  Such  transactions  are  similar to options and
futures contracts on securities, except that they typically contemplate that one
party to a transaction  will deliver one foreign currency to the other in return
for another currency (which may or may not be the U.S. dollar).
 
RISK  FACTORS  IN  OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES   TRANSACTIONS.   Options  and  futures
transactions  involve  costs and may  result in losses.  The use of options  and
futures involves  certain special risks,  including the risks that a Fund may be
unable at times to close out such positions,  that hedging  transactions may not
accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations,  or that SCMI
may not forecast market movements correctly.
 
The effective use of options and futures strategies is dependent on, among other
things,  a Fund's  ability to terminate  options and futures  positions at times
when SCMI deems it desirable to do so. Although a Fund will enter into an option
or futures  contract  position  only if SCMI  believes  that a liquid  secondary
market exists for that option or futures contract,  there is no assurance that a
Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an
acceptable price.
 
Each Fund generally  expects that its options and futures contract  transactions
will be conducted on recognized exchanges. In certain instances, however, a Fund
may purchase and sell options in the over-the-counter  markets. A Fund's ability
to terminate  options in the  over-the-counter  markets may be more limited than
for  exchange-traded  options  and may also  involve  the risk  that  securities
dealers  participating  in such  transactions  would  be  unable  to meet  their
obligations  to a  Fund.  A  Fund  will,  however,  engage  in  over-the-counter
transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded  transactions are unavailable
and when,  in the opinion of SCMI,  the pricing  mechanism  and liquidity of the
over-the-counter  markets are  satisfactory and the participants are responsible
parties likely to meet their  contractual  obligations.  A Fund will treat over-
the-counter  options  (and,  in the  case  of  options  sold  by the  Fund,  the
underlying  securities held by the Fund) as illiquid  investments as required by
applicable law.
 
The use of options and futures  strategies  also  involves the risk of imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of options and futures contracts and
movements in the value of the underlying  securities,  index, or currency, or in
the prices of the  securities or currency  that are the subject of a hedge.  The
successful  use of these  strategies  further  depends on the ability of SCMI to
forecast market movements correctly.
 
Because the markets for certain  options and futures  contracts  in which a Fund
will invest (including  markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new
and still  developing  and may be subject  to  regulatory  restraints,  a Fund's
ability to engage in  transactions  using such  investments  may be  limited.  A
Fund's  ability  to engage in  hedging  transactions  may be  limited by certain
regulatory and tax considerations.  A Fund's hedging transactions may affect the
character  or amount  of its  distributions.  The tax  consequences  of  certain
hedging transactions have been modified by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
 
For more information about any of the options or futures portfolio  transactions
described above, see the SAI.
 
SWAP  AGREEMENTS.  The  International  Bond Fund may enter  into  interest-rate,
index, and currency-exchange  rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to
obtain a particular  desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund
had invested  directly in an instrument that yielded that desired  return.  Swap
agreements  are  two-party  contracts  entered into  primarily by  institutional
investors  for  periods  ranging  from a few weeks to more  than one year.  In a
typical "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the
 
14
<PAGE>
returns (or  differentials  in rates of return) earned or realized on particular
predetermined  investments or instruments.  The gross returns to be exchanged or
"swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount"
(I.E., the dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular
foreign  currency,  or in a "basket" of  securities  representing  a  particular
index).  Commonly used swap agreements include  interest-rate caps, under which,
in return for a premium,  one party agrees to make  payments to the other to the
extent that  interest  rates exceed a specified  rate,  or "cap";  interest-rate
floors,  under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments
to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified  level, or
"floor";  and  interest-rate  collars,  under  which  a  party  sells  a cap and
purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest
rate movements exceeding a given minimum or maximum.  The use of swap agreements
is a highly specialized  activity that involves investment  techniques and risks
different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
If SCMI is incorrect in its forecast of market values,  interest rates, exchange
rates,  or  other  factors,  the  Fund's  investment  performance  would be less
favorable than if the Fund had not used such agreements.
 
SHORT SALES. The International Bond Fund may engage in "short sales",  which are
transactions  in  which  the  Fund  sells a  security  that  it does  not own in
anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security.  To complete the
transaction,  the  Fund  must  borrow  the  security  to  make  delivery  to the
purchaser. The Fund is then obligated to replace the borrowed security through a
purchase of it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at that
time may be more or less than the price at which  the  security  was sold by the
Fund.  The Fund  incurs a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the
security  increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the
Fund  replaces the borrowed  security.  The Fund realizes a gain if the security
declines in price  between  those dates.  The result is the opposite of what one
would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security.
 
Until the security is replaced,  the Fund is required to pay the lender  amounts
equal to any dividend that accrues  during the period of the loan. To borrow the
security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium or specified amounts in
lieu of  interest.  The amount of any gain is  decreased,  and the amount of any
loss is  increased,  by any premium or amounts in lieu of  interest  the Fund is
required to pay. The  proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker,  to
the extent  necessary to meet margin  requirements,  until the short position is
closed out. No securities will be sold short,  however,  if thereafter the total
market value of all  securities  sold short would exceed 25% of the value of the
Fund's assets.

Any of the Funds may make short sales "against-the-box",  which are transactions
in which the Fund  sells  short a  security  that it owns in  anticipation  of a
decline in the market value of that security. The proceeds of the short sale are
held by a broker until the settlement  date, at which time the Fund delivers the
security to close the short  position.  The Fund  receives the net proceeds from
the  short  sale.  It  is  anticipated   that  a  Fund  will  make  short  sales
against-the-box only to protect the value of its net assets.
 
NON-DIVERSIFICATION  AND  GEOGRAPHIC  CONCENTRATION.  Emerging  Markets Fund and
International  Bond Fund are  "non-diversified"  mutual funds, and each Fund may
invest its assets in a more limited number of issuers than may other  investment
companies.  Under the Internal Revenue Code, an investment company,  including a
non-diversified  investment  company,  generally may not invest more than 25% of
its total assets in  obligations  of any one issuer  other than U.S.  Government
obligations  and, with respect to 50% of its total assets, a fund may not invest
more than 5% of its total  assets in the  securities  of any one issuer  (except
U.S. Government obligations).  Thus, each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total
assets in the securities of each of any two issuers.  This practice  involves an
increased  risk of  loss to a Fund if the  market  value  of a  security  should
decline or its issuer were otherwise not to meet its obligations.
 
Any of the Funds may invest more than 25% of its total assets in issuers located
in any one country.  To the extent that it does so, a Fund is  susceptible  to a
range of factors that could adversely affect that country,  including  political
and economic  developments and foreign  exchange rate  fluctuations as discussed
above.  As a result of investing  substantially  in one country,  the value of a
Fund's assets may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a comparable
fund with a lesser degree of geographic concentration.

 
                                                                              15
<PAGE>

SECURITIES LOANS,  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  Each Fund may
lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions meeting
specified credit  conditions,  and may enter into repurchase  agreements without
limit.  Such  activities  may create  taxable  income in excess of the cash they
generate.  The percentage limitation on the amount of a Fund's total assets that
may be loaned in accordance with the approved procedures is as follows: SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  FUND  -  10%;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND,
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND FUND,  SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND and SCHRODER U.S.
SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND - 25%;  and SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS FUND - 33 1/3%.
These  transactions  must be fully  collateralized at all times but involve some
risk to a Fund if the other party should  default on its obligation and the Fund
is  delayed  or  prevented  from  recovering  its  assets  or  realizing  on the
collateral.  Each Fund may also purchase  securities for future delivery,  which
may increase its overall investment  exposure and involves a risk of loss if the
value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date.
 
INVESTMENT IN OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES.  Each Fund is permitted to invest in
other investment companies or pooled vehicles,  including closed-end funds, that
are advised by SCMI or its  affiliates or by  unaffiliated  parties.  A Fund may
invest in the shares of other investment  companies that invest in securities in
which the Fund is  permitted  to invest,  subject  to the limits and  conditions
required under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
or  any  orders,  rules  or  regulations  thereunder.   When  investing  through
investment companies,  a Fund may pay a premium above such investment companies'
net asset value per share.  As a shareholder  in an investment  company,  a Fund
would bear its ratable share of the investment company's expenses, including its
advisory and  administrative  fees. At the same time, the Fund would continue to
pay its own fees and expenses.
 
LIQUIDITY.  A  Fund  will  not  invest  more  than  15%  (10%,  in the  case  of
International  Fund  and  U.S.  Equity  Fund) of its net  assets  in  securities
determined by SCMI to be illiquid.  Certain securities that are restricted as to
resale may  nonetheless  be resold by a Fund in accordance  with Rule 144A under
the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended.  Such  securities may be determined by
SCMI to be liquid for purposes of  compliance  with the  limitation  on a Fund's
investment in illiquid  securities.  There can, however,  be no assurance that a
Fund  will be able to sell  such  securities  at any  time  when  SCMI  deems it
advisable to do so or at prices  prevailing for comparable  securities  that are
more widely held.
 
ALTERNATIVE  INVESTMENTS.  At times,  SCMI may judge that market conditions make
pursuing a Fund's basic investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests
of its  shareholders.  At such  times,  SCMI  may  temporarily  use  alternative
strategies,  primarily  designed  to reduce  fluctuations  in the  values of the
Fund's assets. In implementing these "defensive"  strategies,  a Fund may invest
without  limit  in U.S.  government  obligations  and  other  high-quality  debt
instruments  and any other  investment SCMI considers to be consistent with such
defensive strategies, and may hold any portion of its assets in cash.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
The length of time a Fund has held a  particular  security  is not  generally  a
consideration  in investment  decisions.  The investment  policies of a Fund may
lead to frequent changes in the Fund's  investments,  particularly in periods of
volatile market movements. A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as
"portfolio  turnover."  Portfolio  turnover generally involves some expense to a
Fund,  including brokerage  commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction
costs on the sale of  securities  and  reinvestment  in other  securities.  Such
securities sales may result in realization of taxable capital gain.
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
Investors  may purchase  Advisor  Shares of each Fund  directly  from the Trust.
Prospectuses,  sales material and account  applications can be obtained from the
Trust or through Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC, the Trust's  transfer agent
(the "Transfer Agent").  Investments also may be made through broker-dealers and
other financial  institutions ("Service  Organizations").  Service Organizations
may charge their  customers a service fee for  processing  orders to purchase or
sell shares.  Investors  wishing to purchase  Shares through 
 
16
<PAGE>

their  accounts  at a Service  Organization  should  contact  that  organization
directly for appropriate instructions. A Service Organization is responsible for
forwarding  all  necessary  documentation  to the Trust,  and may charge for its
services.
 
Each Fund's  Advisor  Shares are offered at the net asset value  next-determined
after receipt of your completed  account  application  (at the address set forth
below) and your purchase request in good order.  The minimum initial  investment
and the minimum  subsequent  investment  for each Fund is set forth in the table
below.  A Service  Organization  may impose  higher  minimums on your initial or
subsequent investment. The Trust is authorized to reject any purchase order.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         INITIAL     SUBSEQUENT
FUND                                                                   INVESTMENT    INVESTMENT
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                             $   2,500     $     250
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                          $   2,500     $     250
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                           $   2,000     $     250
Schroder International Bond Fund                                        $   2,500     $     250
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                               $   2,500     $     250
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                    $   2,500     $     250
</TABLE>
 
Purchases  may be made by mailing your check (in U.S.  dollars),  payable to the
Fund to:
 
               [Name of Fund] - Advisor Shares
               P.O. Box 446
               Portland, Maine 04112
 
For initial  purchases,  your check must be accompanied  by a completed  account
application in proper form. Further documentation, such as corporate resolutions
and   instruments   of   authority,   may  be   requested   from   corporations,
administrators, executors, personal representatives,  directors or custodians to
evidence the authority of the person or entity making the purchase request.
 
You may make subsequent purchases by mailing a check, by sending a bank wire, or
through your Service  Organization,  as indicated.  All payments  should clearly
indicate the shareholder's name and account number.
 
Investors and Service Organizations (on behalf of their customers) may transmit
purchase payments by Federal Reserve Bank wire directly to the Fund as follows:
 
               The Chase Manhattan Bank
               New York, NY
               ABA No.: 021000021
               For Credit To: Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
               Account. No.: 910-2-718187
               Ref.: [Name of Fund] - Advisor Shares
               Account of: (shareholder name)
               Account No.: (shareholder account number)
 
The wire order must  specify  the name of the Fund,  the  shares'  class  (I.E.,
Advisor  Shares),  the account name and number,  address,  confirmation  number,
amount to be wired,  name of the wiring bank,  and name and telephone  number of
the  person  to be  contacted  in  connection  with the  order.  If the  initial
investment  is by wire,  an account  number  will be  assigned,  and a completed
account  application  must be mailed to the Fund before any transaction  will be
effected. Wire orders received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on a day when the  Exchange is open for trading are  processed  at the net asset
value next  determined as of that day. Wire orders  received  after the close of
the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  are  processed  at the  net  asset  value  next
determined.

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
The Fund's  Transfer Agent  establishes  for each  shareholder of record an open
account to which all shares  purchased  and all  reinvested  dividends and other
distributions  are  credited.  Although most  shareholders  elect not to receive
share  certificates,  certificates  for full  shares can be  obtained by written
request to the Fund's Transfer Agent. No certificates  are issued for fractional
shares.
 
The  Transfer  Agent will deem an account  lost if six months have passed  since
correspondence  to the shareholder's  address of record is returned,  unless the
Transfer Agent  determines  the  shareholder's  new address.  When an account is
deemed lost, dividends and other distributions are automatically  reinvested. In
addition,  the  amount  of  any  outstanding  checks  for  dividends  and  other
distributions that have been returned to the Transfer Agent are reinvested,  and
the checks are canceled.
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN
 
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. ("Schroder Advisors"), 787 Seventh Avenue, New York,
New York 10019,  serves as Distributor of the Funds' shares.  Schroder  Advisors
was organized in 1989 as a registered broker-dealer to serve as an administrator
and distributor of each Fund and other mutual funds.
 
Each Fund has  adopted a  Distribution  Plan  pursuant to which the Fund may pay
Schroder Advisors or others compensation in an amount limited in any fiscal year
to the annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets  attributable
to  its  Advisor  Shares.  The  Funds  presently  make  no  payments  under  the
Distribution Plans,  although the Trustees may at any time authorize payments at
any annual rate of up to 0.50% of a Fund's average daily net assets attributable
to its Advisor Shares.
 
Payment under a Fund's  Shareholder  Servicing  Plan for Advisor  Shares will be
considered  to have been made pursuant to the Fund's  Distribution  Plan, to the
extent such  payments  may be deemed to be  primarily  intended to result in the
sale of the Fund's Advisor Shares.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN
 
The Trust has adopted a shareholder  service plan (the  "Service  Plan") for the
Advisor  Shares of each Fund.  Under the  Service  Plan,  each Fund pays fees to
Schroder  Advisors  or others at an  annual  rate of up to 0.25% of the  average
daily net assets of the Fund  represented by Advisor Shares.  Schroder  Advisors
may  enter  into  shareholder  service  agreements  with  Service  Organizations
pursuant  to which the  Service  Organizations  provide  administrative  support
services to their customers who are Fund  shareholders.  In return for providing
these  support  services,  a Service  Organization  may  receive  payments  from
Schroder  Advisors at a rate not exceeding 0.25% of the average daily net assets
of the  Advisor  Shares of each Fund for which the Service  Organization  is the
Service Organization of record.  These administrative  services may include, but
are not  limited  to, the  following  functions:  establishing  and  maintaining
accounts and records relating to clients of the Service Organization;  answering
shareholder  inquiries regarding the manner in which purchases,  exchanges,  and
redemptions  of Advisor  Shares of the Trust may be effected  and other  matters
pertaining to the Trust's services; providing necessary personnel and facilities
to  establish  and  maintain   shareholder   accounts  and  records;   assisting
shareholders  in arranging for  processing  purchase,  exchange,  and redemption
transactions;  arranging  for the  wiring  of  funds;  guaranteeing  shareholder
signatures in  connection  with  redemption  orders and transfers and changes in
shareholder-designated  accounts;  integrating  periodic  statements  with other
customer  transactions;  and  providing  such  other  related  services  as  the
shareholder may request. Payments to a particular Service Organization under the
Service Plan are  calculated  by  reference  to the average  daily net assets of
Advisor Shares owned  beneficially by investors who have a service  relationship
with the Service Organization.  Some Service Organizations may impose additional
conditions  or fees,  such as requiring  clients to invest more than the minimum
amounts required by the Trust for initial or subsequent  investments or charging
a direct fee for  services.  Such fees would be in addition to any amounts which
might be paid to the Service  Organization by Schroder Advisors.  Please contact
your Service Organization for details.
  
18
<PAGE>

RETIREMENT PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
Advisor Shares are offered in connection  with  tax-deferred  retirement  plans,
including  traditional and Roth IRAs.  Application forms and further information
about these plans, including applicable fees, are available upon request. Before
investing in a Fund through one of these plans,  investors  should consult their
tax advisors.
 
The Funds may be used as an  investment  vehicle for an IRA including a SEP-IRA.
An IRA  naming  Bank-Boston  as  custodian  is  available  from the Trust or the
Transfer  Agent.  The  minimum  initial  investment  for an IRA and the  minimum
subsequent investment for each Fund is set forth in the table below.  Generally,
contributions  and investment  earnings in a traditional  IRA grow  tax-deferred
until   withdrawn.   In   contrast,   contributions   to  a  Roth  IRA  are  not
tax-deductible,  but  investment  earnings  generally  grow  tax-free.  IRAs are
available to individuals (and their spouses) who receive  compensation or earned
income  whether  or not they  are  active  participants  in a  tax-qualified  or
government-approved  retirement  plan. An IRA  contribution  by an individual or
spouse who  participates in a tax-qualified  or  government-approved  retirement
plan may not be deductible,  depending upon the individual's income. Individuals
also may establish an IRA to receive a "rollover"  contribution of distributions
from another IRA or qualified plan. Consult your tax advisor.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         INITIAL     SUBSEQUENT
FUND                                                                   INVESTMENT    INVESTMENT
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Schroder International Fund                                             $     250     $     250
Schroder Emerging Markets Fund                                          $     250     $     250
Schroder International Smaller Companies Fund                           $     250     $     250
Schroder International Bond Fund                                        $     250     $     250
Schroder U.S. Equity Fund                                               $     250     $     250
Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund                                    $     250     $     250
</TABLE>
 
EXCHANGES
 
You may exchange a Fund's  Advisor Shares for Advisor Shares of any fund offered
by the  Schroder  family of funds so long as your  investment  meets the initial
investment minimum of the fund being purchased,  and you maintain the respective
minimum account balance in each fund in which you own shares.  Exchanges between
Funds are made at net asset value.
 
For federal  income tax  purposes,  an exchange  is  considered  to be a sale of
shares on which you may  realize a  capital  gain or loss.  If you hold  Advisor
Shares  directly,  you may make an  exchange by calling  the  Transfer  Agent at
1-800-344-8332  (see "How to Sell Shares - By Telephone") or by mailing  written
instructions to Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), P.O. Box 446, Portland, Maine
04112. If you hold Advisor Shares through a Service Organization,  you must make
an  exchange  through  the  Service  Organization.  Exchange  privileges  may be
exercised  only in those  states where shares of the other funds of the Schroder
family of funds may  legally  be sold.  Exchange  privileges  may be  amended or
terminated at any time upon sixty (60) days' notice.
 
HOW TO SELL SHARES
 
You can sell  your  Advisor  Shares  in a Fund to that Fund any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open, either through your Service  Organization or directly to
the Fund. If your shares are held in the name of a Service Organization, you may
only sell shares through that Service  Organization.  The Trust will only redeem
shares for which it has received payment.
 
Advisor  Shares are  redeemed  at their net asset  value next  determined  after
receipt by the Fund (see the address  set forth under "How to Buy  Shares") of a
redemption request in proper form. Redemption requests 
 
                                                                              19
<PAGE>

that are  received in good order prior to the close of the  Exchange on a day on
which the Exchange is open are processed at the net asset value determined as of
that day.  Redemption requests that are received after the close of the Exchange
are processed at the net asset value next determined.
 
TELEPHONE REQUESTS
 
Redemption  requests may be made by a shareholder of record by  telephoning  the
Transfer Agent at the telephone number on the cover page of this  Prospectus.  A
shareholder must provide the Transfer Agent with the class of shares, the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed,  shareholder account number, and some
additional form of identification such as a password.  A redemption by telephone
may be made only if the telephone  redemption  privilege option has been elected
on the account  application  or  otherwise  in writing.  In an effort to prevent
unauthorized  or  fraudulent   redemption  requests  by  telephone,   reasonable
procedures  will be followed by the  Transfer  Agent to confirm  that  telephone
instructions are genuine. The Transfer Agent and the Trust generally will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests, but
either or both may be liable if they do not follow these procedures.  Shares for
which  certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.  In times
of drastic economic or market change, it may be difficult to make redemptions by
telephone.  If a  shareholder  cannot  reach the  Transfer  Agent by  telephone,
redemption requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
 
WRITTEN REQUESTS
 
Redemptions  may  be  made  by a  shareholder  of  record  by  letter  to a Fund
specifying  the class of  shares,  the  dollar  amount or number of shares to be
redeemed,  and the shareholder account number. The letter must also be signed in
exactly the same way the account is registered  (if there is more than one owner
of the  shares,  all must  sign)  and,  in  certain  cases,  signatures  must be
guaranteed by an  institution  that is acceptable  to the Transfer  Agent.  Such
institutions  include certain banks,  brokers,  dealers (including municipal and
government   securities   brokers  and  dealers),   credit  unions  and  savings
associations.  Notaries public are not acceptable.  Further documentation may be
requested  to  evidence  the  authority  of the  person  or  entity  making  the
redemption request.  Questions  concerning the need for signature  guarantees or
documentation  of authority  should be directed to the Fund at the above address
or by calling 1-800-290-9826.
 
If Advisor Shares to be redeemed are held in certificate  form, the certificates
must be enclosed with the redemption  request,  and the  assignment  form on the
back of the  certificates  (or an assignment  separate from the certificates but
accompanied  by the  certificates)  must be signed by all owners in exactly  the
same  way the  owners'  names  are  written  on the  face  of the  certificates.
Requirements  for  signature  guarantees  and/or  documentation  of authority as
described above could also apply. For your  protection,  the Trust suggests that
certificates be sent by registered mail.
 
ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION  INFORMATION.  Checks for redemption proceeds normally are
mailed  within  seven days.  No  redemption  proceeds are mailed until checks in
payment for the purchase of the Advisor Shares to be redeemed have been cleared,
which may take up to 15  calendar  days from the  purchase  date.  Unless  other
instructions  are given in proper form, a check for the proceeds of a redemption
is sent to the shareholder's address of record.
 
A Fund may suspend the right of redemption  during any period when:  (1) trading
on the New York Stock  Exchange is restricted or the New York Stock  Exchange is
closed; (2) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension;  or (3) an emergency
(as defined by rules of the SEC) exists making disposal of portfolio investments
or determination of the Fund's net asset value not reasonably practicable.
 
If the Board of Trustees  determines  that it would be  detrimental  to the best
interest  of the  remaining  shareholders  of a Fund to make  payment  wholly or
partly  in cash,  the Fund may  redeem  Advisor  Shares in whole or in part by a
distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities  in lieu of cash.  The Fund will,
however, redeem Advisor Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1%
of net assets  during any 90-day  period for any one  shareholder.  In the event
that payment for redeemed  Advisor  Shares is made wholly or partly in portfolio
securities,  the  shareholder  may be subject to  additional  risks and costs in
converting  the  securities to cash.  See  "Additional  Purchase and  Redemption
Information" in the SAI.
 
20
<PAGE>
 
The proceeds of a redemption  may be more or less than the amount  invested and,
therefore,  a  redemption  may result in a gain or loss for  federal  income tax
purposes.
 
Due to the  relatively  high  cost of  maintaining  smaller  accounts,  the Fund
reserves the right to redeem shares in any account (other than an IRA) if at any
time the account does not have a value of at least  $2,000,  unless the value of
the  account  falls  below that  amount  solely as a result of market  activity.
Shareholders  will be  notified  that the value of the  account is less than the
required  minimum  and will be  allowed  at least 30 days to make an  additional
investment  to increase  the account  balance to at least the  required  minimum
amount.
 
The Trust may also  redeem  shares if you own shares of any Fund above a maximum
amount set by the Trustees.  There is currently no maximum, but the Trustees may
establish  one at any  time,  which  could  apply  to both  present  and  future
shareholders.

OTHER INFORMATION
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
EACH FUND  CALCULATES  THE NET ASSET VALUE OF ITS ADVISOR SHARES BY DIVIDING THE
TOTAL  VALUE  OF  ITS  ASSETS  ATTRIBUTABLE  TO ITS  ADVISOR  SHARES,  LESS  ITS
LIABILITIES  ATTRIBUTABLE  TO THOSE SHARES,  BY THE NUMBER OF ITS ADVISOR SHARES
OUTSTANDING.  Shares are  valued as of the close of the New York Stock  Exchange
(normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Portfolio  securities  for which market  quotations  are readily  available  are
stated at market value.  Short-term  investments  that will mature in 60 days or
less are stated at amortized cost,  which  approximates  market value. All other
securities  and  assets  are  valued  at  their  fair  values  determined  by in
accordance  with  procedures  approved by the Board of  Trustees.  The net asset
value of a Fund's Advisor  Shares will  generally  differ from that of its other
class  of  shares  due to the  variance  in daily  net  income  realized  by and
dividends paid on each class of shares,  and  differences in the expenses of the
different  classes.  All assets and liabilities of a Fund denominated in foreign
currencies are valued in U.S.  dollars based on the exchange rate last quoted by
a major  bank  prior  to the  time  when  the net  asset  value  of the  Fund is
calculated.
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 
Each Fund  distributes  any net investment  income and any net realized  capital
gain at least  annually.  Distributions  from net  capital  gain are made  after
applying any available capital loss carryovers.
 
YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM FOUR DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS: (1) reinvest all distributions in
additional  Advisor  Shares of your Fund;  (2)  receive  distributions  from net
investment  income  in cash  while  reinvesting  capital-gain  distributions  in
additional  Advisor  Shares of your Fund;  (3)  receive  distributions  from net
investment  income in  additional  Advisor  Shares of your Fund while  receiving
capital-gain  distributions  in cash; or (4) receive all  distributions in cash.
You can change your  distribution  option by  notifying  the  Transfer  Agent in
writing.  If you do not  select  an  option  when you  open  your  account,  all
distributions  by a Fund will be reinvested in Advisor  Shares of that Fund. You
will receive a statement confirming  reinvestment of distributions in additional
Fund shares promptly following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.
 
TAXES
 
Each Fund  intends to qualify as a  "regulated  investment  company" for federal
income tax purposes and to meet all other requirements that are necessary for it
to  be  relieved  of  federal  taxes  on  income  and  gain  it  distributes  to
shareholders.  A Fund will  distribute  substantially  all of its net investment
income and net capital-gain income on a current basis.
 
All Fund  distributions  will be taxable to you as ordinary income,  except that
any  distributions  of net  long-term  capital  gain  will  be  taxed  as  such,
regardless of how long you have held the shares.  Long-term capital

                                                                              21
<PAGE>

gain will be subject to a maximum rate of 28% or 20% depending  upon the holding
period of the portfolio  investment  generating the gain.  Distributions will be
taxable as described  above  whether  received in cash or in shares  through the
reinvestment of distributions.
 
Early in each year the Trust  will  notify  you of the  amount and tax status of
distributions paid to you by each Fund for the preceding year.
 
The  foregoing  is a summary  of certain  federal  income  tax  consequences  of
investing  in a Fund.  You should  consult  your tax  advisor to  determine  the
precise effect of an investment in a Fund on your particular tax situation.
 
CERTAIN  INFORMATION  REGARDING  FOREIGN TAXES.  Foreign  governments may impose
taxes on the Funds and the Portfolios  and their  investments,  which  generally
would reduce the income of the Fund or Portfolio.  However,  an  offsetting  tax
credit or deduction may be available to you. Each Fund that is eligible to do so
intends to elect to permit its  shareholders  to take a credit (or a  deduction)
for the Fund's share of qualified  foreign income taxes paid by the Portfolio in
which that Fund invests its assets. If the Fund does make such an election,  its
shareholders  would include as gross income in their federal  income tax returns
both: (1) distributions  received from the Fund and (2) the amount that the Fund
advises is their pro rata  portion of foreign  income taxes paid with respect to
or  withheld  from  dividends  and  interest  paid to the Fund from its  foreign
investments. Shareholders then would be entitled, subject to certain limitations
(including, with respect to a foreign tax credit, a holding period requirement),
to take a foreign tax credit  against their federal income tax liability for the
amount of such foreign taxes or else to deduct such foreign taxes as an itemized
deduction from gross income.
 
THE PORTFOLIOS
 
The  Portfolios  are not  required  to pay federal  income tax because  they are
classified  as  partnerships  for federal  income tax  purposes.  All  interest,
dividends, gain and losses of the Portfolios will be deemed to have been "passed
through" to the Funds in  proportion  to the Funds'  holdings in the  Portfolios
regardless of whether such interest,  dividends or gain have been distributed by
the Portfolios.
 
Each  Portfolio  intends to conduct its operations so as to enable each fund, if
each  invests  all of its  assets in a  Portfolio,  to  qualify  as a  regulated
investment company.
 
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
 
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is responsible  for generally  overseeing the
conduct of the Trust's business.  The business and affairs of each Portfolio are
managed under the  direction of the Board of Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds
or of  Schroder  Capital  Funds  II.  Information  regarding  the  Trustees  and
executive  officers of the Trust, as well as the Trustees and executive officers
of Schroder  Capital  Funds and Schroder  Capital  Funds II, may be found in the
SAI.
 
Schroder  Capital  Management  International  Inc.  ("SCMI")  is the  investment
adviser  to each of the  Funds.  SCMI  is a  wholly  owned  U.S.  subsidiary  of
Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc., which engages through its subsidiary firms in the
investment banking,  asset management and securities  businesses.  Affiliates of
Schroders  U.S.  Holdings  Inc.  (or their  predecessors)  have been  investment
managers since 1927.  SCMI and its United Kingdom  affiliate,  Schroder  Capital
Management International,  Ltd., served as investment managers for approximately
$28 billion in the aggregate as of September 30, 1997.  Schroders U.S.  Holdings
Inc. is an indirect,  wholly owned U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders plc, a publicly
owned holding company organized under the laws of England. Schroders plc and its
affiliates  engage in international  merchant banking and investment  management
businesses,  and as of September 30, 1997, had under  management  assets of over
$175 billion.  Schroder Fund  Advisors  Inc.  ("Schroder  Advisors") is a wholly
owned subsidiary of SCMI.
  
22
<PAGE>

SCMI also serves as  investment  adviser to each of the  Portfolios  of Schroder
Capital  Funds and  Schroder  Capital  Funds II. Each of those  Portfolios  pays
advisory fees to SCMI monthly at the following annual rates (based on the assets
of each Portfolio taken  separately):  INTERNATIONAL  EQUITY FUND - 0.45% of the
Portfolio's  average daily net assets;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO -
0.50% of the  Portfolio's  average  daily  net  assets;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL
SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.85% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets;
SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO - 1.00% of the Portfolio's  average daily net assets;
and SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.60% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets. SCMI has agreed to waive 0.10% of the advisory fees payable by
Schroder   International  Smaller  Companies  Portfolio.   This  fee  limitation
arrangement  shall  remain in effect  until its  elimination  is approved by the
Board of Trustees of Schroder Capital Funds. Each Fund, due to its investment in
a  Portfolio,  bears a  proportionate  part of the  management  fees paid by the
Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolio's assets attributable to the
Fund).
 
Each Fund (except  Schroder  U.S.  Equity  Fund) has entered into an  investment
advisory  agreement  with SCMI  pursuant  to which SCMI would  manage the Fund's
assets directly in the event that the Fund were to cease investing substantially
all of its  assets in a  Portfolio.  SCMI will not  receive  any fees under that
agreement so long as a Fund continues to invest  substantially all of its assets
in a Portfolio (or another investment company). For further information on these
investment advisory agreements, see the SAI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND pays advisory fees to SCMI monthly at the annual rates
of 0.75% of the first $100  million of the Fund's  average  daily net assets and
0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $100 million.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE  SERVICES.  The Trust,  on behalf of each Fund  (other  than U.S.
Equity  Fund),  has  entered  into an  administration  agreement  with  Schroder
Advisors  pursuant to which Schroder  Advisors  provides certain  management and
administrative  services to these Funds.  The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has
entered into  subadministration  agreements with Forum Administrative  Services,
LLC, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101 ("FAdS"), pursuant to which FAdS
provides certain management and administrative services necessary for the Funds'
operations.  The Trust pays fees to Schroder Advisors and to FAdS monthly at the
following  annual  rates:  SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  FUND  -  0.15%  and  0.05%,
respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets; SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS
FUND - 0.15% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets;
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND - 0.10% and 0.075%,  respectively,
of the Fund's average daily net assets; SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND - 0.10%
and 0.075%,  respectively,  of the Fund's average daily net assets; and SCHRODER
U.S.  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND - 0.25% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of the Fund's
average  daily net  assets.  Each of  Emerging  Markets  Fund and  International
Smaller  Companies  Fund also is subject to a $25,000  minimum annual fee plus a
$12,000 charge per class under the subadministration agreement.
 
Schroder  Advisors and FAdS also serve as  administrator  and  subadministrator,
respectively,  to each of the Portfolios of Schroder  Capital Funds and Schroder
Capital Funds II. Each of those Portfolios pays  administration fees to Schroder
Advisors  and  subadministration  fees to FAdS monthly at the  following  annual
rates (based on the assets of each Portfolio  taken  separately):  INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY FUND - 0.075% and 0.075%, respectively,  of the Portfolio's average daily
net  assets;   SCHRODER   INTERNATIONAL  BOND  PORTFOLIO  -  0.10%  and  0.075%,
respectively,   of  the   Portfolio's   average   daily  net  assets;   SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.15% and 0.075%,  respectively,  of
the Portfolio's average daily net assets; SCHRODER EM CORE PORTFOLIO - 0.10% and
0.075%,  respectively,  of the Portfolio's  daily net assets;  and SCHRODER U.S.
SMALLER COMPANIES PORTFOLIO - 0.00% and 0.075%, respectively, of the Portfolio's
average daily net assets. Each Fund, due to its investment in a Portfolio, bears
a proportionate part of the administration  and  subadministration  fees paid by
the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolio's assets attributable to
the Fund).
 
In order  to  limit  the  Funds'  expenses,  SCMI  and  Schroder  Advisors  have
voluntarily  agreed to reduce their  compensation  (and,  if  necessary,  to pay
certain  expenses of each of the Funds) with respect to each of the Funds to the
extent that a Fund's expenses  chargeable to Advisor Shares exceed the following
annual rates:  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  FUND - 1.24% of the Fund's average daily
net assets  attributable to Advisor  Shares;  

                                                                              23
<PAGE>

SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS FUND - 1.95% of the Fund's  average daily net assets
attributable to Advisor Shares;  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND -
1.75% of the Fund's  average daily net assets  attributable  to Advisor  Shares;
SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND - 1.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Advisor Shares;  SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND - 1.75% of the Fund's
average  daily net assets  attributable  to Advisor  Shares;  and SCHRODER  U.S.
SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND  -  1.74%  of  the  Fund's  average  daily  net  assets
attributable  to  Advisor  Shares.  In  addition,  SCMI has  agreed to limit the
advisory fees paid by U.S.  EQUITY FUND to 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.  FAdS may waive  voluntarily all or a portion of its  subadvisory  fees,
from time to time.  The Trust pays all expenses not assumed by SCMI and Schroder
Advisors,  including Trustees' fees, auditing,  legal,  custodial,  and investor
servicing, and shareholder reporting expenses.
 
SCMI's investment  decisions for each Portfolio in which a Fund invests (or, for
the U.S.  Equity  Fund,  for the Fund) are made by an  investment  manager or an
investment  team,  with the  assistance of an investment  committee at SCMI. The
Portfolio Managers for each Fund are as follows:
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONA FUND:

     MICHAEL  PERELSTEIN  --Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International  Equity  Portfolio,  in  which  Schroder  International  Fund
     invests,  and Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder  International
     Bond  Portfolio,  in which Schroder  International  Bond Fund invests.  Mr.
     Perelstein is a Vice  President of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital Funds
     and is a Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI.  He was  previously a
     Managing Director, MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.
 
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND:

     JOHN A. TROIANO  --Portfolio  Manager  since  inception of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio,  in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests. Mr. Troiano is
     a Vice President of the Trust and of Schroder Capital Funds. He is also the
     Chief Executive of SCMI.

     HEATHER  CRIGHTON  --Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio, in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests. Ms. Crighton is
     a First Vice President of SCMI.

     MARK  BRIDGEMAN  --Portfolio  Manager  since  inception of Schroder EM Core
     Portfolio,  in which Schroder Emerging Markets Fund invests.  Mr. Bridgeman
     is a Vice President of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND: 
 
     RICHARD R.  FOULKES  --Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International Smaller Companies Portfolio,  in which Schroder International
     Smaller  Companies  Fund invests.  Mr.  Foulkes is a Vice  President of the
     Trust and of Schroder Capital Funds. He is also Deputy Chairman of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND:

     MICHAEL  PERELSTEIN  --Portfolio  Manager  since  January  1997 of Schroder
     International  Equity  Portfolio,  in  which  Schroder  International  Fund
     invests,  and Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder  International
     Bond  Portfolio,  in which Schroder  International  Bond Fund invests.  Mr.
     Perelstein is a Vice  President of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital Funds
     and is a Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI.  He was  previously a
     Managing Director, MacKay-Shields Financial Corp.

     MARK ASTLEY --Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder  International
     Bond  Portfolio,  in which Schroder  International  Bond Fund invests.  Mr.
     Astley is a Vice  President of the Trust and of Schroder  Capital Funds II.
     He is also a First Vice President of SCMI.

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND:
 
     PAUL MORRIS --Portfolio  Manager since January 1997 of Schroder U.S. Equity
     Fund.  Mr.  Morris is Senior  Vice  President  of SCMI.  He was  previously
     Principal and Senior Portfolio  Manager,  Weiss Peck & Greer,  L.L.C.,  and
     Managing Director, Equity Division, UBS Asset Management.
 
24
<PAGE>

     JANE P. LUCAS  --Portfolio  Manager  since  November  1995 of Schroder U.S.
     Equity  Fund.  Ms.  Lucas is a Vice  President of the Trust and Senior Vice
     President of SCMI.
 
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND:
 
     FARIBA TALEBI --Portfolio  Manager since inception of Schroder U.S. Smaller
     Companies Portfolio, in which Schroder U.S. Smaller Companies Fund invests.
     Ms.  Talebi is a Vice  President  of the Trust and Group Vice  President of
     SCMI.
 
SCMI  places all orders for  purchases  and sales of the Funds'  securities.  In
selecting  broker-dealers,  SCMI may consider  research and  brokerage  services
furnished to it and its affiliates.  Schroder & Co. Inc. and Schroder Securities
Limited, affiliates of SCMI, may receive brokerage commissions from the Funds in
accordance  with  procedures  adopted by the  Trustees  under the 1940 Act which
require  periodic  review of these  transactions.  Subject to  seeking  the most
favorable  price and execution  available,  SCMI may consider sales of shares of
the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers.
 
YEAR 2000
 
The Funds  receive  services  from  their  investment  adviser,  administrators,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian, which rely on the smooth functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform these services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the year 1999 because of the inability
of the software to distinguish  the year 2000 from the year 1900. SCMI is taking
steps that it believes are  reasonably  designed to address this  potential year
2000 problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that  comparable  steps are
being taken by each of the Funds' other major service providers. There can be no
assurance,  however,  that these steps will be  sufficient  to avoid any adverse
impact on the Funds from this problem.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
Yield (for  Advisor  Shares of  International  Bond Fund) and total  return data
relating  to Advisor  Shares of the Funds may from time to time be  included  in
advertisements  about the  Funds.  The  "yield"  of a Fund's  Advisor  Shares is
calculated by dividing the Fund's  annualized net investment  income per Advisor
Shares during a recent  30-day period by the net asset value per Advisor  Shares
on the last day of that period.  When a Fund's "total return" is advertised with
respect to Advisor  Shares,  it will be calculated  for the past year,  the past
five  years,  and the past ten years (or if a Fund's  Advisor  Shares  have been
offered for a period shorter than one,  five, or ten years,  that period will be
substituted)  through the most recent calendar quarter,  as more fully described
in the SAI. Advertisements about a Fund may include total return information for
the Fund's Investor Shares for periods prior to the initial offering date of the
Fund's Advisor Shares;  that information may be applicable to the Fund's Advisor
Shares during the periods presented.  Total return for any period of one year or
less  represents  the actual rate of return on such an investment  earned during
the period,  although  annualized  figures may also be shown in  advertisements.
Total  return  quotations  assume  that  all  dividends  and  distributions  are
reinvested when paid.
 
ALL  DATA  ARE  BASED  ON PAST  INVESTMENT  RESULTS  AND DO NOT  PREDICT  FUTURE
PERFORMANCE. Investment performance of a Fund's Advisor Shares, which will vary,
is based on many factors,  including market  conditions,  the composition of the
Fund's portfolio,  and the Fund's operating expenses attributable to its Advisor
Shares.  Investment  performance also often reflects the risks associated with a
Fund's investment  objectives and policies.  Quotations of yield or total return
for any period when an expense  limitation  is in effect will be greater than if
the limitation had not been in effect.  These factors should be considered  when
comparing the investment  results of a Fund's Advisor Shares to those of various
classes of other mutual funds and other  investment  vehicles.  Performance  for
each Fund's Advisor Shares may be compared to various  indices.  See the SAI for
more information.
 
                                                                              25
<PAGE>

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST
 
The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation on July 30, 1969,  reorganized
on February  29, 1988 as Schroder  Capital  Funds,  Inc.  and  reorganized  as a
Delaware business trust on January 9, 1996. The Trust has an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided
into an  unlimited  number of  series of such  shares,  which,  in turn,  may be
divided into an unlimited  number of classes of such shares.  The Trust's shares
of beneficial  interest are presently divided into nine different  series.  Each
Fund's shares are presently divided into two classes,  Advisor Shares, which are
offered through this Prospectus,  and Investor Shares, which are offered through
a separate prospectus. Unlike Advisor Shares, Investor Shares are not subject to
shareholder  service and distribution  fees, which will affect their performance
relative to Advisor Shares.  To obtain more  information  about Investor Shares,
contact  Schroder  Capital  Funds  (Delaware)  at  1-800-290-9826.  The  Trust's
principal office is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101, and
its telephone number is 1-207-879-8903.
 
Each  share  has  one  vote,  with  fractional  shares  voting   proportionally.
Shareholders  of a class of shares  or series  generally  have  separate  voting
rights  with  respect  to matters  that  affect  only that class or series.  See
"Organization and Capitalization" in the SAI. Shares are freely transferable and
are entitled to dividends and other  distributions  as declared by the Trustees.
Dividends paid by the Funds on their two classes of shares will normally  differ
in amount due to the differing expenses borne by the two classes. If a Fund were
liquidated,  each  class of  shares  would  receive  the net  assets of the Fund
attributable to that class. The Trust may suspend the sale of a Fund's shares at
any time and may refuse any order to purchase shares.  Although the Trust is not
required to hold  annual  meetings of its  shareholders,  shareholders  have the
right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees, or to take other actions as
provided in the Declaration of Trust.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS
 
Each of the Funds (other than U.S.  Equity Fund) seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing all of its  investable  assets in a Portfolio of Schroder
Capital  Funds or  Schroder  Capital  Funds  II,  that  has the same  investment
objective and similar  policies.  In that way, a Portfolio  acquires  investment
securities  directly,  and  a  Fund  acquires  an  indirect  interest  in  those
securities.  Schroder Capital Funds is a business trust organized under the laws
of the State of Delaware  in  September  1995.  Schroder  Capital  Funds II is a
business  trust  organized  under the laws of the State of  Delaware in December
1996. Each of Schroder Capital Funds and Schroder Capital Funds II is registered
under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company. The assets of a
Portfolio  belong only to, and the  liabilities  of a Portfolio are borne solely
by, that Portfolio and no other Portfolio of Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder
Capital Funds II.
 
A  Fund's  investment  in a  Portfolio  is in  the  form  of a  non-transferable
beneficial interest. All other investors in a Portfolio invest on the same terms
and  conditions  as the Fund and pay a  proportionate  share of the  Portfolio's
expenses.
 
The Portfolios  normally will not hold meetings of investors  except as required
by the 1940 Act.  Each  investor  in a  Portfolio  will be  entitled  to vote in
proportion to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues
subject to a vote of investors,  in accordance  with applicable law the Board of
Trustees will either:  (1) solicit voting  instructions  from Fund  shareholders
with regard to the voting of all  proxies  with  respect to a Fund's  shares and
vote  such  proxies  in  accordance  with  such  instructions,  or (2)  vote the
interests held by a Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders
of the  Portfolio's  interests.  If there are other  investors in the Portfolio,
there can be no assurance  that any issue that  receives a majority of the votes
cast by Fund shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast by all investors
in the Portfolio;  indeed,  if other  investors hold a majority  interest in the
Portfolio, they could have voting control of the Portfolio.
 
The  Portfolios  do not sell their  shares  directly  to members of the  general
public.  Another investor in a Portfolio,  such as an investment  company,  that
might sell its shares to members of the general  public would not be required to
sell its shares at the same public  offering price as the Fund investing in that
Portfolio
 
26
<PAGE>

and could  have  different  fees and  expenses  than the Fund.  Therefore,  Fund
shareholders may have different returns than shareholders in another  investment
company that invests  exclusively in the same Portfolio.  Information  regarding
any such funds in the future will be available by calling 1-800-730-2932.
 
Under  federal  securities  law, any person or entity that signs a  registration
statement may be liable for a misstatement of a material fact in, or omission of
a material fact from, the registration statement. Each of Schroder Capital Funds
and Schroder Capital Funds II, their Trustees, and certain of their officers are
required to sign the registration  statement of the Trust and may be required to
sign the registration statements of certain other investors in the Portfolio. In
addition,  Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II may be liable for
misstatements or omissions of a material fact in any proxy  soliciting  material
of an investor in a Portfolio,  including a Fund.  Each investor in a Portfolio,
including the Trust, is required to indemnify Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder
Capital  Funds II, as the case may be, and their  Trustees  and  officers  ("SCF
Indemnitees") against certain claims.
 
Indemnified  claims  are  those  brought  against  SCF  Indemnitees  based  on a
misstatement  of a material  fact in, or  omission  of a material  fact from,  a
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II, as the case may be, and was
supplied to the investor by Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds II,
as the case may be. Similarly,  Schroder Capital Funds or Schroder Capital Funds
II, as the case may be, is required to indemnify  each  investor in a Portfolio,
including a Fund,  for any claims  brought  against the investor with respect to
the  investor's  registration  statement or proxy  materials,  to the extent the
claim is based on a  misstatement  or  omission of a material  fact  relating to
information  about Schroder  Capital Funds or Schroder  Capital Funds II, as the
case may be,  that is supplied to the  investor  by  Schroder  Capital  Funds or
Schroder Capital Funds II, as the case may be.
 
A Fund's investment in a Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other large
investors in the Portfolio;  for example,  if the Portfolio had a large investor
other than the Fund that redeemed its interest in the Portfolio, the Portfolio's
remaining investors  (including the Fund) might, as a result,  experience higher
pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
 
A Fund may withdraw its entire  investment  from a Portfolio at any time, if the
Trust  Board  determines  that it is in the best  interests  of the Fund and its
shareholders to do so. A Fund might withdraw,  for example,  if there were other
investors in the Portfolio who, by a vote of the  shareholders  of all investors
(including  the Fund),  changed  the  investment  objective  or  policies of the
Portfolio  in a manner not  acceptable  to the Trust Board.  A withdrawal  could
result in a distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities (as opposed to a cash
distribution)  by  the  Portfolio.  That  distribution  could  result  in a less
diversified portfolio of investments for the Fund and could affect adversely the
liquidity  of the  Fund's  portfolio.  If the  Fund  decided  to  convert  those
securities to cash, it would likely incur  brokerage  fees or other  transaction
costs.  If a Fund should  withdraw its  investment  from a Portfolio,  the Trust
Board would consider appropriate  alternatives,  including the management of the
Fund's assets in accordance with its investment  objective and policies by SCMI,
or the  investment  of all of the Fund's  investable  assets in  another  pooled
investment  entity having  substantially  the same  investment  objective as the
Fund. The inability of a Fund to find a suitable replacement investment,  if the
Board  decided  not to permit  SCMI to manage  the Fund's  assets,  could have a
significant adverse impact on shareholders of the Fund.
 
Each  investor  in a  Portfolio,  including  a  Fund,  may  be  liable  for  all
obligations  of the  Portfolio.  The  risk  to an  investor  in a  Portfolio  of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence  of  which  SCMI  considers  to  be  remote.  Upon  liquidation  of a
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.
 
                                                                              27
<PAGE>
                 [This page has been intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A
                     RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC. ("MOODY'S")
FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"Aaa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the best
              quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
              referred to as "gilt edge". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
              exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
              protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
              most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
"Aa"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality by
              all standards. Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are generally
              known as high grade fixed-income securities. They are rated lower than the best
              fixed-income securities because margins of protection may not be as large as in
              "Aaa" securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
              amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks
              appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa" securities.
"A"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "A" possess many favorable investment
              attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
              giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
              may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
              future.
"Baa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Baa" are considered as medium grade
              obligations; i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
              Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
              certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
              unreliable over any great length of time. Such fixed-income securities lack
              outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
              characteristics as well.
              Fixed-income securities rated "Aaa", "Aa", "A" and "Baa" are considered
              investment grade.
"Ba"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative
              elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
              protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and
              therefore not well safeguarded during both good and bad times in the future.
              Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
"B"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of
              the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
              maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
              small.
"Caa"         Fixed-income securities which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing. Such issues
              may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
              principal or interest.
"Ca"          Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ca" present obligations which are
              speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
              marked shortcomings.
"C"           Fixed-income securities which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of
              fixed-income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
              poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
</TABLE>
 
Rating Refinements:  Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, "1", "2", and "3" in
each  generic  rating  classification  from "Aa"  through  "B" in its  municipal
fixed-income  security  rating  system.  The  modifier  "1"  indicates  that the
security  ranks in the higher end of its generic rating  category;  the modifier
"2" indicates a mid-range  ranking;  and a modifier "3" indicates that the issue
ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
 
                                                                             A-1
<PAGE>
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay punctually
promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months.
The ratings apply to Municipal  Commercial  Paper as well as taxable  Commercial
Paper.  Moody's  employs  the  following  three  designations,  all judged to be
investment grade, to indicate the relative  repayment capacity of rated issuers:
"Prime-1", "Prime-2", "Prime-3".
 
Issuers  rated  "Prime-1"  have a superior  capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory  obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Prime-2"  have a strong  capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated "Prime-3" have
an  acceptable  capacity for  repayment of  short-term  promissory  obligations.
Issuers rated "Not Prime" do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S RATING GROUP ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS
 
A Standard & Poor's fixed-income  security rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness  of an obligor  with  respect to a  specific  obligation.  This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained
by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers  reliable.  The ratings are
based, in varying degrees,  on the following  considerations:  (1) likelihood of
default-capacity  and  willingness  of the  obligor as to the timely  payment of
interest  and  repayment  of  principal  in  accordance  with  the  terms of the
obligation;  (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation;  and (3) protection
afforded  by,  and  relative  position  of,  the  obligation  in  the  event  of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
Standard & Poor's  does not perform an audit in  connection  with any rating and
may, on occasion,  rely on unaudited financial  information.  The ratings may be
changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of,
such information, or for other reasons.
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"AAA"         Fixed-income securities rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by Standard
              & Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
"AA"          Fixed-income securities rated "AA" have a very strong capacity to pay interest
              and repay principal and differs from the highest-rated issues only in small
              degree.
"A"           Fixed-income securities rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay interest and
              repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
              effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than fixed-income
              securities in higher-rated categories.
"BBB"         Fixed-income securities rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity
              to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
              protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
              more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal
              for fixed-income securities in this category than for fixed-income securities in
              higher-rated categories.
              Fixed-income securities rated "AAA", "AA", "A" and "BBB" are considered
              investment grade.
"BB"          Fixed-income securities rated "BB" have less near-term vulnerability to default
              than other speculative grade fixed-income securities. However, it faces major
              ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
              conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity or willingness to pay
              interest and repay principal.
"B"           Fixed-income securities rated "B" have a greater vulnerability to default but
              presently have the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.
              Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity
              or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
</TABLE>
 
A-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"CCC"         Fixed-income securities rated "CCC" have a current identifiable vulnerability to
              default, and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business, financial and
              economic conditions to meet timely payments of interest and repayments of
              principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions,
              it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
"CC"          The rating "CC" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
              senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.
"C"           The rating "C" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
              senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" rating.
"CI"          The rating "CI" is reserved for fixed-income securities on which no interest is
              being paid.
"NR"          Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
              information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
              particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
</TABLE>
 
Fixed-income  securities  rated "BB", "B",  "CCC",  "CC" and "C" are regarded as
having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and
"C" the highest degree of speculation.  While such fixed-income  securities will
likely have some quality and protective  characteristics,  these are out-weighed
by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
Plus (+) or minus (-):  The  rating  from "AA" TO "CCC" may be  modified  by the
addition  of a plus or minus  sign to show  relative  standing  with  the  major
ratings categories.
 
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
Standard  & Poor's  commercial  paper  rating  is a  current  assessment  of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. The  commercial  paper rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase or
sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the
issuer or  obtained  by  Standard  & Poor's  from  other  sources  it  considers
reliable.  The ratings may be changed,  suspended,  or  withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information.  Ratings are graded into group
categories,  ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.
 
Issues  assigned "A" ratings are  regarded as having the  greatest  capacity for
timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation
"1", "2", and "3" to indicate the relative degree of safety.
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>
"A-1"         Indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
"A-2"         Indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
              However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
              designated "A-1".
"A-3"         Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this
              designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
              changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
</TABLE>
 
A-3
<PAGE>

                               INVESTMENT ADVISER
                 Schroder Capital Management International Inc.
                         787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
                            New York, New York 10019
 
                           ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
                           Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
                         787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
                            New York, New York 10019
 
                                SUBADMINISTRATOR
                       Forum Administrative Services, LLC
                               Two Portland Square
                              Portland, Maine 04101
 
                                    CUSTODIAN
                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                             Chase MetroTech Center
                            Brooklyn, New York 11245
                                       and
                             Global Custody Division
                                 125 London Wall
                         London EC2Y 5AJ, United Kingdom
 
                     TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
                         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
                                  P.O. Box 446
                              Portland, Maine 04112
 
                                     COUNSEL
                                  Ropes & Gray
                             One International Place
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 
                             INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                            Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
                             One Post Office Square
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02109

                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
                                  P.O. Box 446
                              Portland, maine 04112
                                 1-800-290-9826
<PAGE>


                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)

             SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                 INVESTOR SHARES

                                  MARCH 1, 1998


SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS  FUND  INSTITUTIONAL  PORTFOLIO ( the "Fund")  seeks
long-term  capital  appreciation  by investing in equity and debt  securities of
issuers domiciled or doing business in emerging market countries.  The Fund is a
non-diversified series of shares of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware).  The Fund
invests  substantially  all of its  assets in  Schroder  Emerging  Markets  Fund
Institutional  Portfolio  (the  "Portfolio").  The  Portfolio  is  a  separately
managed,  non-diversified  portfolio  of Schroder  Capital  Funds,  which,  like
Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), is an open-end management investment company.
Schroder Capital  Management  International Inc. serves as investment adviser to
the Fund and to the Portfolio.

This Prospectus  explains concisely the information that a prospective  investor
should know before  investing  in  Investor  Shares of the Fund.  Please read it
carefully  and keep it for future  reference.  INVESTORS  CAN FIND MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION  ABOUT SCHRODER  CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) (THE "TRUST") IN THE MARCH
1, 1998 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME. FOR A
FREE  COPY  OF  THE   STATEMENT   OF   ADDITIONAL   INFORMATION,   PLEASE   CALL
1-800-290-9826.  The Statement of Additional Information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission and is incorporated  into this Prospectus by
reference.  The  Prospectus  and the  Statement of  Additional  Information  are
available along with other related materials for reference on the SEC's Internet
Web Site (http://www.sec.gov).

SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION,  ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION,  THE FEDERAL  RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY,  AND INVOLVE RISK,
INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

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


<PAGE>




================================================================================



               FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHRODER FUND ADVISORS INC.
        PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS.
             PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>

 SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) 1-800-290-9826            SCHRODER SERIES TRUST  1-800-464-3108

  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                                 SCHRODER LARGE CAPITALIZATION EQUITY FUND
  SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                              SCHRODER SMALL CAPITALIZATION VALUE FUND
  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND               SCHRODER MIDCAP VALUE FUND
  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                            SCHRODER INVESTMENT GRADE INCOME FUND
  SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND                                   SCHRODER SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
  SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
  SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
</TABLE>

================================================================================

          FUND STRUCTURE

SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS FUND  INSTITUTIONAL  PORTFOLIO  seeks to achieve its
investment  objective by investing  all of its  investable  assets in a separate
portfolio  ( a  "Portfolio")  of  Schroder  Capital  Funds  that  has  the  same
investment objective as, and investment policies that are substantially  similar
to those of, the Fund.  Accordingly,  the investment experience of the Fund will
correspond directly with the investment experience of the Portfolio.  See "Other
Information -- Information about the Portfolio."


                                       2
<PAGE>

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

Expenses  are one of several  factors to  consider  when  investing  in Investor
Shares  of  the  Fund.  The  "Shareholder   Transaction  Expenses"  table  below
summarizes  the  maximum  transaction  costs you  would  incur by  investing  in
Investor  Shares of the Fund.  "Annual  Operating  Expenses"  show the  expenses
incurred  by the Fund based on its most recent  fiscal  year.  Annual  Operating
Expenses  of the Fund  include  the  Fund's pro rata  portion  of all  operating
expenses  of  the  Portfolio.   The  Example  shows  the   cumulative   expenses
attributable  to a  hypothetical  $1,000  investment in the Fund over  specified
periods.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                              .......................None
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends                   .......................None
  Deferred Sales Load                                                  .......................None
  Purchase Charge (based on amount invested)(1)                        ..................... 0.50%
  Redemption Charge (based on net asset value of shares redeemed)(1)   ......................0.50%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                            <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)

Management Fees (after expense limitation) (2)(3)                      ......................0.89%
12b-1 Fees                                                             .......................None
OTHER EXPENSES (AFTER expense limitation)                              ......................0.52%
- ----------------------                                                                       -----
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after expense limitation) (3)           ......................1.41%
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------

(1)  The Purchase and  Redemption  Charges are collected by the Fund and paid to
     the  Portfolio  to  compensate  the other  investors in the  Portfolio  for
     expenses  incurred in  connection  with  purchases  and sales of  portfolio
     securities. See "How to Buy Shares" and How to Sell Shares."
(2)  Management  Fees  reflect the fees paid by the  Portfolio  and the Fund for
     investment advisory and administrative services.
(3)  Management Fees and Total Operating  Expenses  reflect expense  limitations
     currently  in effect.  See  "Management  of the Fund --  Expenses."  In the
     absence of the expense  limitation,  Management Fees,  Other Expenses,  and
     Total  Fund   Operating   Expenses  would  be  1.10%  ,  .52%,  and  1.62%,
     respectively.

EXAMPLE

Your investment of $1,000 would incur the following expenses, assuming 5% annual
return and redemption at the end of each period.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
                                                       1 year      3 years        5 years       10 years
                                                       ------      -------        -------       --------
  Assuming no redemption                                $19          $50            $82           $174
  Assuming full redemption at end of period             $24          $55            $87           $179
</TABLE>

THE TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REPRESENT  PAST OR FUTURE  EXPENSE  LEVELS.  ACTUAL
EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.  FEDERAL  REGULATIONS  REQUIRE
THE EXAMPLE TO ASSUME A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, BUT ACTUAL ANNUAL RETURN WILL VARY.

                                       3
<PAGE>


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The  financial  highlights  of the Fund  presented  below  have been  audited by
Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.,  independent  accountants  to the Fund. The financial
statements  for the period  ended  October 31, 1997 and the related  independent
accountants'  report  are  incorporated  by  reference  into  the  Statement  of
Additional Information (the "SAI"). Further information about the performance of
the Fund is also contained in its Annual Report,  which may be obtained  without
charge by writing the Fund at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101 or by
calling 1-800-290-9826.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>                  <C>
                                                                                           Period Ended
                                                                                           October 31,
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          1997               1996(A)              1995(B)
                                                                          ----               -------              -------

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                      $11.06              $10.63              $10.00
                                                                          ------              ------              ------
Investment Operations:
     Net Investment Income (Loss)(c)                                        0.06                0.02                0.02
     Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments(d)             (0.03)               0.43                0.61
                                                                           ------               ----                ----
Total from Investment Operations                                            0.03                0.45                0.63
                                                                            ----                ----                ----
     Distributions from Net Investment Income                              (0.01)              (0.02)              --
                                                                           ------              ------              --
Total Distributions                                                        (0.01)              (0.02)               --
                                                                           ------              ------               --
Net Asset Value, End of period                                            $11.08              $11.06              $10.63
                                                                          ======              ======              ======

Total Return (e)(f)                                                         0.27%               4.22%               6.30%

Ratios/Supplementary Data:
Net Assets at End of period (000s omitted)                              $179,436             $167,570             $18,423
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
     Expenses including reimbursement/waiver(c)                             1.41%               1.60%               1.58%(g)
     Expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver(c)                             1.62%               1.71%               2.45%(g)
     Net investment income (loss) including
       waiver(c)                                                            0.51%               0.36%               0.46%(g)
     Average Commission Rate Per Share(h)                                  $0.0020             $0.0008              N/A
     Portfolio Turnover Rate(i)                                            43.13%             102.70%             44.10%
- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>

(a)  On May 17, 1996,  the Fund began  offering two classes of shares,  Investor
     Shares and Advisor Shares, and all then outstanding shares of the Fund were
     designated as Investor Shares.
(b)  The Fund  commenced  operations on March 31, 1995 and converted to Core and
     Gateway(R) on November 1, 1995.
(c)  For the  periods  ending  after  October  31,  1995,  includes  the  Fund's
     proportionate share of income and expenses of the Portfolio.
(d)  For the  period  ended  October  31,  1996,  the  amount  shown for a share
     outstanding  does not  correspond  with the  aggregate  net gain  (loss) on
     investments for the period ended due to the timing of sales and repurchases
     of the  Fund  shares  in  relation  to  fluctuating  market  values  of the
     investments of the Fund.
(e)  Total return calculation does not include the purchase or redemption fee of
     0.50%, respectively.
(f)  Total  return  would have been lower had certain  expenses not been reduced
     during the periods shown.
(g)  Annualized.
(h)  For the fiscal periods beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Fund is
     required to disclose average  commission per share paid by the Portfolio to
     brokers on the purchase and sale of equity  securities on which commissions
     are charged.
(i)  Portfolio  turnover  represents  the rate of portfolio  activity.  The rate
     after  October 31,  1995  represents  the  portfolio  turnover  rate of the
     Portfolio.


                                       4
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS
TO SEEK LONG-TERM CAPITAL  APPRECIATION THROUGH DIRECT OR INDIRECT INVESTMENT IN
EQUITY AND DEBT  SECURITIES OF ISSUERS  DOMICILED OR DOING  BUSINESS IN EMERGING
MARKET COUNTRIES IN REGIONS SUCH AS SOUTHEAST ASIA,  LATIN AMERICA,  AND EASTERN
AND  SOUTHERN  EUROPE.  The Fund is not  intended  to be a  complete  investment
program.  There can be no assurance  that the Fund will  achieve its  investment
objective.

THE FUND  CURRENTLY  SEEKS TO ACHIEVE  ITS  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  BY  INVESTING
SUBSTANTIALLY  ALL OF ITS  ASSETS IN A MANAGED  PORTFOLIO  OF  SCHRODER  CAPITAL
FUNDS.  THAT PORTFOLIO IS REFERRED TO IN THIS PROSPECTUS AS THE  "PORTFOLIO." IN
REVIEWING  THE  DESCRIPTION  OF THE FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVES  AND POLICIES
BELOW, INVESTORS SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE
PORTFOLIO ARE THE SAME IN ALL MATERIAL  RESPECTS AS THOSE OF THE FUND.  SCHRODER
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT  INTERNATIONAL INC. ("SCMI") IS THE INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE
FUND AND PORTFOLIO.

An  "emerging  market"  country  is any  country  not  included  at the  time of
investment  in the Morgan  Stanley  Capital  International  World Index of major
world economies. Those economies currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada,  Denmark,   Finland,   France,  Germany,   Ireland,  Italy,  Japan,  the
Netherlands,   New  Zealand,   Norway,  Portugal,   Singapore,   Spain,  Sweden,
Switzerland,  the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  SCMI may at
times determine based on its own analysis that an economy  included in the Index
should  nonetheless be considered an emerging market  country;  any such country
would then  constitute an emerging  market country for purposes of investment by
the Fund.

The Fund  normally  invests at least 65% of its assets in  securities of issuers
determined  by SCMI to be  emerging  market  issuers.  The Fund may  invest  the
remainder of its assets of issuers located  anywhere in the world.  The Fund may
invest in equity or debt securities of any kind.  Equity securities may include,
for example, common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common
or  preferred  stocks,  and  rights  and  warrants,   and  non-convertible  debt
securities.  They  may  also  include  American  Depositary  Receipts,  European
Depositary  Receipts,  and other  similar  instruments  providing  for  indirect
investment  in  securities  of  foreign  issuers.  The Fund may also  invest  in
securities of closed-end  investment  companies that invest in turn primarily in
foreign   securities,   including  emerging  market  issuers.   The  Fund  is  a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."

The  Fund may  invest  up to 35% of its  assets  in debt  securities,  including
lower-quality,  high-yielding  debt securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations -- Debt securities."

An issuer of a security will be  considered  to be an emerging  market issuer if
SCMI  determines  that: (1) it is organized under the laws of an emerging market
country;  (2) its primary  securities  trading  market is in an emerging  market
country;  (3) at least 50% of the issuer's  revenues or profits are derived from
goods  produced or sold,  investments  made,  or services  performed in emerging
market  countries;  or (4) at least 50% of its assets are  situated  in emerging
market countries.  The Fund may consider  investment  companies to be located in
the country or countries in which SCMI determines they focus their investments.

There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial portion of its assets in the securities of a single country, it will
be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that country than would a fund
investing in a geographically more diversified portfolio.

The Fund's investment objective may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The investment policies of the Fund may, unless otherwise  specifically  stated,
be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees without a vote of the  shareholders.
All percentage  limitations on investments  will apply at the time of investment
and will not be 
                                       5
<PAGE>

considered  violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately
after and as a result of the  investment,  except that the policies  stated with
regard to borrowing and liquidity will be observed at all times.

OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

The  Fund  may  engage  in the  following  investment  practices,  each of which
involves certain special risks. The SAI contains more detailed information about
these practices (some of which may be considered "derivative" investments).

FOREIGN  SECURITIES.  Investments  in foreign  securities  entail certain risks.
There may be a  possibility  of  nationalization  or  expropriation  of  assets,
confiscatory  taxation,  political  or  financial  instability,  and  diplomatic
developments  that could affect the value of the Fund's  investments  in certain
foreign countries.  Since foreign securities are normally denominated and traded
in foreign currencies, the values of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably
or  unfavorably  by  currency   exchange  rates,   currency   exchange   control
regulations,  foreign  withholding taxes and restrictions or prohibitions on the
repatriation  of  foreign  currencies.  There may be less  information  publicly
available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S.  issuer,  and foreign issuers
are not generally  subject to  accounting,  auditing,  and  financial  reporting
standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities
of some  foreign  issuers  are less  liquid  and at  times  more  volatile  than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers.  Foreign brokerage  commissions and other
fees are also  generally  higher than in the United States.  Foreign  settlement
procedures  and trade  regulations  may involve  certain risks (such as delay in
payment or delivery of  securities  or in the recovery of the Fund's assets held
abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.

In addition,  legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries
may be more limited than those  available  with  respect to  investments  in the
United  States or in other foreign  countries.  The  willingness  and ability of
sovereign issuers to pay principal and interest on government securities depends
on various economic factors,  including without  limitation the issuer's balance
of payments,  overall debt level,  and cash-flow  considerations  related to the
availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer's obligations.  If a
foreign  governmental  entity is unable or unwilling to meet its  obligations on
the  securities  in accordance  with their terms,  and the Fund may have limited
recourse  available  to it in the  event of  default.  The laws of some  foreign
countries  may limit the  Fund's  ability  to invest in  securities  of  certain
issuers located in those foreign countries.  Special tax considerations apply to
foreign securities. Except as otherwise provided in this Prospectus, there is no
limit on the  amount  of the  Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in  foreign
securities.

If the Fund purchases securities denominated in foreign currencies,  a change in
the value of any such currency  against the U.S.  dollar will result in a change
in the U.S.  dollar value of the Fund's assets and the Fund's  income  available
for distribution.  In addition,  although at times most of the Fund's income may
be  received  or  realized  in these  currencies,  the Fund will be  required to
compute and distribute its income in U.S.  dollars.  Therefore,  if the exchange
rate for any such currency  declines after the Fund's income has been earned and
translated into U.S.  dollars but before payment,  the Fund could be required to
liquidate  portfolio  securities to make such  distributions.  Similarly,  if an
exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars
and the time such expenses are paid, the amount of such currency  required to be
converted into U.S.  dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S.  dollars will
be greater than the  equivalent  amount in any such currency of such expenses at
the time they were  incurred.  The Fund may buy or sell foreign  currencies  and
options and futures  contracts  on foreign  currencies  for hedging  purposes in
connection with its foreign investments.

In determining  whether to invest in debt  securities of foreign  issuers,  SCMI
considers the likely  impact of foreign taxes on the net yield  available to the
Fund and its  shareholders.  Income  received  by the Fund from  sources  within
foreign  countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such
countries.  Tax conventions  between certain countries and the United States may
reduce or eliminate such taxes.  Any such taxes paid by the Fund will reduce its
net income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances,
the Fund may be able to pass through to  shareholders  credits for foreign taxes
paid. See "How to Sell Shares -- Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."

                                       6
<PAGE>

The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in emerging  market  countries with
respect  to some or all of its  assets.  The  securities'  prices  and  relative
currency values of emerging market investments are subject to greater volatility
than those of issuers in many more developed countries.  Investments in emerging
market countries are subject to the same risks applicable to foreign investments
generally,  although  those risks may be  increased  due to  conditions  in such
countries.  For example,  the  securities  markets and legal systems in emerging
market  countries may only be in a  developmental  stage and may provide few, or
none, of the advantages or protections of markets or legal systems  available in
more developed countries.  Although many of the securities in which the Fund may
invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and
the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by
securities  exchanges  in more  developed  markets.  The Fund may also  invest a
substantial  portion of its assets in securities traded in the  over-the-counter
markets  in such  countries  and  not on any  exchange,  which  may  affect  the
liquidity  of the  investment  and  expose  the Fund to the  credit  risk of its
counterparties  in trading  those  investments.  Emerging  market  countries may
experience  extremely high rates of inflation,  which may adversely affect these
countries' economies and securities markets.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar values of securities  denominated in foreign  currencies.
Exchange  rates  between  the U.S.  dollar  and other  currencies  fluctuate  in
response to forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange  markets.  These
forces are affected by the international  balance of payments and other economic
and  financial  conditions,  government  intervention,  speculation,  and  other
factors, many of which may be difficult (if not impossible) to predict. The Fund
may  engage in  foreign  currency  exchanges  transactions  to  protect  against
uncertainty  in the level of future  exchange  rates.  Although  the strategy of
engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions could reduce the risk of loss
due to a decline  in the value of the hedged  currency,  it could also limit the
potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.

In particular, the Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions to
protect  against a change in exchange  ratios that may occur between the date on
which  the  Fund  contracts  to  trade  a  security  and  the  settlement   date
("transaction  hedging") or in  anticipation  of placing a trade  ("anticipation
hedging");  to "lock in" the U.S.  dollar value of interest and  dividends to be
paid in a foreign  currency;  or to hedge against the possibility that a foreign
currency in which  portfolio  securities are  denominated or quoted may suffer a
decline against the U.S. dollar ("position hedging").

SCMI may seek to enhance the Fund's  investment  return through active  currency
management.  SCMI may buy or sell  currencies  of the Fund, on a spot or forward
basis,  in an attempt to profit  from  inefficiencies  in the pricing of various
currencies or of debt securities denominated in those currencies.

When investing in foreign securities, the Fund usually effects currency exchange
transactions  on a "spot" (I.E.,  cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign exchange market. The Fund incurs foreign exchange expenses in converting
assets from one  currency to another.  In  addition,  the Fund may, to a limited
extent,  purchase forward contracts to increase  exposure in foreign  currencies
that are expected to appreciate and thereby increase total return.

A forward  currency  contract  is an  obligation  to purchase or sell a specific
currency at a future  date (which may be any fixed  number of days from the date
of the  contract  agreed upon by the  parties) at a price set at the time of the
contract.  Forward  contracts do not eliminate  fluctuations  in the  underlying
prices of securities  and expose the Fund to the risk that the  counterparty  is
unable to perform.

Forward contracts are not exchange traded,  and there can be no assurance that a
liquid  market  will  exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a forward
contract.  Currently,  only a  limited  market,  if  any,  exists  for  exchange
transactions relating to currencies in certain emerging markets or to securities
of issuers  domiciled  or  principally  engaged in business in certain  emerging
markets.  This may limit the Fund's  ability to hedge its  investments  in those
markets.  These  contracts  involve  a risk of loss if  SCMI  fails  to  predict
accurately changes in relative currency values, the direction of stock prices or
interest rates, and other economic factors.

                                       7
<PAGE>

From time to time, the Fund's  currency  hedging  transactions  may call for the
delivery of one foreign  currency in exchange for another  foreign  currency and
may at times involve  currencies in which its portfolio  securities are not then
denominated  ("cross  hedging").  From time to time, the Fund may also engage in
"proxy"  hedging  whereby the Fund  \would seek to hedge the value of  portfolio
holdings  denominated in one currency by entering into an exchange contract on a
second currency, the valuation of which SCMI believes correlates to the value of
the first  currency.  Cross hedging and proxy hedging  transactions  involve the
risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to
which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other
asset or liability that are the subject of the hedge.

INVESTMENTS  IN SMALLER  COMPANIES.  The Fund may  invest  all or a  substantial
portion of its assets in securities  issued by small  companies.  Such companies
may offer greater  opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies,
but  investments  in such  companies may involve  certain  special  risks.  Such
companies may have limited product lines,  markets,  or financial  resources and
may be dependent on a limited  management group. While the markets in securities
of such companies have grown rapidly in recent years,  such securities may trade
less  frequently  and in smaller  volume than more widely held  securities.  The
values of these  securities  may  fluctuate  more  sharply  than  those of other
securities,  and the Fund may  experience  some  difficulty in  establishing  or
closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may
be less publicly available  information about the issuers of these securities or
less market interest in such  securities  than in the case of larger  companies,
and it may take a longer  period of time for the  prices of such  securities  to
reflect  the full  value of their  issuers'  underlying  earnings  potential  or
assets.

Some  securities  of  smaller  issuers  may be  restricted  as to  resale or may
otherwise  be  highly  illiquid.  The  ability  of the Fund to  dispose  of such
securities  may be greatly  limited,  and the Fund may have to  continue to hold
such  securities  during  periods  when  SCMI  would  otherwise  have  sold  the
securities.  It is  possible  that SCMI or its  affiliates  or clients  may hold
securities  issued by the same issuers,  and may in some cases have acquired the
securities at different  times,  on more favorable  terms,  or at more favorable
prices,  than the Fund. See  "Additional  Information  Regarding  Investments --
Micro and Small Cap Companies, and -- Unseasoned Issuers" in the SAI.

DEBT SECURITIES.  The Fund may invest in debt securities. The Fund may invest in
debt securities  either to earn investment  income or to benefit from changes in
the market values of such securities. Debt securities are subject to market risk
(the  fluctuation of market value in response to changes in interest  rates) and
to credit risks (the risk that the issuer may become unable or unwilling to make
timely payments of principal and interest).

The Fund also may invest in lower-quality,  high-yielding  debt securities rated
below investment  grade and in unrated debt securities  determined by SCMI to be
of  comparable  quality.  Lower-rated  debt  securities  (commonly  called "junk
bonds") are  considered  to be of poor standing and  predominantly  speculative.
Securities in the lowest rating  categories may have extremely poor prospects of
attaining any real investment  standing,  and some of those  securities in which
the Fund may invest may be in  default.  The rating  services'  descriptions  of
securities  in  the  lower  rating   categories,   including  their  speculative
characteristics, are set forth in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

In addition,  lower-rated  securities reflect a greater possibility that adverse
changes  in the  financial  condition  of the  issuer,  or in  general  economic
conditions,  or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of the issuer to make  payments of interest  and  principal.  Changes by
recognized rating services in their ratings of any fixed-income  security and in
the ability or perceived  ability of an issuer to make  payments of interest and
principal  may also affect the value of these  investments.  The  inability  (or
perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal
would likely make the values of  securities  held by the Fund more  volatile and
could limit the Fund's  ability to sell its  securities at prices  approximating
the values the Fund had placed on such  securities.  In the  absence of a liquid
trading  market  for  securities  held by it, the Fund may be unable at times to
establish the fair value of such  securities.  The rating assigned to a security
by a rating  agency  does not reflect an  assessment  of the  volatility  of the
security's market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security.

The  Fund  may  at  times  invest  in   so-called   "zero   coupon"   bonds  and
"payment-in-kind"  bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount
from face value and pay  interest  only at  maturity,  rather than at  intervals
during the life of the security.  Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its
option,  to make  current  interest  payments on 


                                       8
<PAGE>

the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. The values of zero-coupon bonds
and  payment-in-kind  bonds are  subject to greater  fluctuation  in response to
changes in market  interest rates than bonds which pay interest  currently,  and
may involve greater credit risk than such bonds. From time to time, the Fund may
invest a portion  of its assets in Brady  Bonds,  which are  securities  created
through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for
new  obligations in connection  with debt  restructuring.  Brady Bonds have been
issued only recently and, therefore, do not have a long payment history.

The Fund will not  necessarily  dispose  of a security  when its debt  rating is
reduced below its rating at the time of purchase, although SCMI will monitor the
investment to determine whether continues investment in the security will assist
in meeting the Fund's investment objective.

OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES  TRANSACTIONS.  The  Fund  may  engage  in  a  variety  of
transactions  involving the use of options and futures  contracts.  The Fund may
engage in such  transactions  for hedging  purposes or, to the text permitted by
applicable law, to increase its current return.

The Fund may seek to increase its current return by writing covered call options
and covered put options on its portfolio securities or other securities in which
it may invest.  The Fund  receives a premium  from writing a call or put option,
which increases the Fund's return if the option expires unexercised or is closed
out at a net profit. The Fund may also buy and sell put and call options on such
securities  for  hedging  purposes.  When the Fund  writes  a call  option  on a
portfolio  security,  it gives up the opportunity to profit from any increase in
the price of the security above the exercise price of the option; when it writes
a put  option,  the Fund takes the risk that it will be  required  to purchase a
security from the option holder at a price above the current market price of the
security.  The Fund may  terminate  an option that it has  written  prior to its
expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases
an option  having the same terms as the option  written.  The Fund may also from
time to time  buy and sell  combinations  of put and  call  options  on the same
underlying security to earn additional income.

The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts.  An "index future" is a contract to
buy or sell units of a particular index at an agreed price on a specified future
date.  Depending  on the change in value of the index  between the time when the
Fund  enters  into and  terminates  an index  future  transaction,  the Fund may
realize a gain or loss. The Fund may also purchase warrants,  issued by banks or
other financial institutions,  whose values are based on the values from time to
time of one or more securities indices.

The Fund may buy and sell futures  contracts on U.S.  government  obligations or
other debt securities. A futures contract on a debt security is a contract to by
and sell a certain amount of the debt security at an agreed price on a specified
future date.  Depending on the change in the value of the security when the Fund
enters into and terminates a futures contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss.

The Fund may  purchase and sell  options on futures  contracts or on  securities
indices in addition to or as an alternative  to purchasing  and selling  futures
contracts.

The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts,  options on futures contracts,
and  options  on  securities  indices  for  hedging  purposes  or, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, to increase its current return.

The Fund may also purchase and sell put and call options on foreign  currencies,
futures contracts on foreign currencies, and options on foreign currency futures
contracts as an alternative,  or in addition to, the foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  described  above.  Such  transactions  are  similar to options and
futures contracts on securities, except that they typically contemplate that one
party to a transaction  will deliver one foreign currency to the other in return
for another currency (which may or may not be the U.S. dollar).

RISK  FACTORS  IN  OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES   TRANSACTIONS.   Options  and  futures
transactions  involve  costs and may  result in losses.  The use of options  and
futures involves certain special risks, including the risks that the Fund may be
unable at times to close out such positions,  that hedging  transactions may not
accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations,  or that SCMI
may not forecast market movements correctly.

                                       9
<PAGE>

The effective use of options and futures strategies is dependent on, among other
things,  the Fund's ability to terminate  options and futures positions at times
when SCMI  deems it  desirable  to do so.  Although  the Fund will enter into an
option  or  futures  contract  position  only if  SCMI  believes  that a  liquid
secondary  market  exists  for that  option  or  futures  contract,  there is no
assurance  that the Fund  will be able to  effect  closing  transactions  at any
particular time or at an acceptable price.

The Fund generally  expects that its options and futures  contract  transactions
will be conducted on recognized  exchanges.  In certain instances,  however, the
Fund may purchase and sell options in the  over-the-counter  markets. The Fund's
ability to terminate options in the over-the-counter markets may be more limited
than for  exchange-traded  options and may also involve the risk that securities
dealers  participating  in such  transactions  would  be  unable  to meet  their
obligations  to the Fund.  The Fund will,  however,  engage in  over-the-counter
transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded  transactions are unavailable
and when,  in the opinion of SCMI,  the pricing  mechanism  and liquidity of the
over-the-counter  markets are  satisfactory and the participants are responsible
parties  likely to meet  their  contractual  obligations.  The Fund  will  treat
over-the-counter  options  (and,  in the case of options  sold by the Fund,  the
underlying  securities held by the Fund) as illiquid  investments as required by
applicable law.

The use of options and futures  strategies  also  involves the risk of imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of options and futures contracts and
movements in the value of the underlying  securities or index,  or in the prices
of the securities  that are the subject of a hedge.  The successful use of these
strategies  further depends on the ability of SCMI to forecast market  movements
correctly.

Because the markets for certain options and futures  contracts in which the Fund
will invest (including  markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new
and still  developing  and may be subject to regulatory  restraints,  the Fund's
ability to engage in transactions  using such  investments  may be limited.  The
Fund's  ability  to engage in  hedging  transactions  may be  limited by certain
regulatory and tax  considerations.  The Fund's hedging  transactions may affect
the character or amount of its  distributions.  The tax  consequences of certain
hedging transactions have been modified by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

For more information about any of the options or futures portfolio  transactions
described above, see the SAI.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION    AND   GEOGRAPHIC    CONCENTRATION.    The   Fund   is   a
"non-diversified" series mutual fund, and it may invest in a more limited number
of issuers than may other investment companies.  Under the Internal Revenue Code
an investment company, including a non-diversified investment company, generally
may not  invest  more than 25% of its total  assets  in  obligations  of any one
issuer other than U.S.  government  obligations  and, with respect to 50% of its
total  assets,  the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total  assets in the
securities of any one issuer  (except U.S.  government  obligations).  Thus, the
Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the  securities  of each of any
two issuers. This practice involves an increased risk of loss to the Fund if the
market value of a security  should  decline or its issuer were  otherwise not to
meet its obligations.

SECURITIES LOANS,  REPURCHASE  AGREEMENTS AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  The Fund may
lend  portfolio  securities  amounting  to not more  than 25% of its  assets  to
brokers, dealers and financial institutions meeting specified credit conditions,
and may enter into  repurchase  agreements  without  limit such  activities  may
create  taxable  income in excess of the cash the generate.  These  transactions
must be fully  collateralized  at all times but involve some risk to the Fund if
the other  party  should  default on its  obligation  and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from  recovering its assets or realizing on the  collateral.  The Fund
may also purchase securities for future delivery, which may increase its overall
investment  exposure  and involve a risk of loss if the value of the  securities
declines prior to the settlement date.

                                       10
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT  IN OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES.  The Fund is permitted to invest in
other investment companies or pooled vehicles,  including closed-end funds, that
are advised by SCMI or its affiliates or by unaffiliated  parties.  The Fund may
invest in the shares of other investment  companies that invest in securities in
which the Fund is  permitted  to invest,  subject  to the limits and  conditions
required under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
or  any  orders,  rules  or  regulations  thereunder.   When  investing  through
investment  companies,  the  Fund  may  pay  a  premium  above  such  investment
companies' net asset value per share. As a shareholder in an investment company,
the Fund would bear its  ratable  share of the  investment  company's  expenses,
including its advisory and administrative fees. At the same time, the Fund would
continue to pay its own fees and expenses.

LIQUIDITY.  The  Fund  will  not  invest  more  than  15% of its net  assets  in
securities  determined  by SCMI to be  illiquid.  Certain  securities  that  are
restricted as to resale may nonetheless be resold by the Fund in accordance with
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Such  securities may be
determined by SCMI to be liquid for purposes of compliance  with the  limitation
on the Fund's  investment  in illiquid  securities.  There can,  however,  be no
assurance  that the Fund will be able to sell such  securities  at any time when
SCMI  deems  it  advisable  to  do so or at  prices  prevailing  for  comparable
securities that are more widely held.

ALTERNATIVE  INVESTMENTS.  At times,  SCMI may judge that market conditions make
pursuing  the  Fund's  basic  investment  strategy  inconsistent  with  the best
interests  of  its  shareholders.  At  such  times,  SCMI  may  temporarily  use
alternative strategies,  primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the values
of the Fund's assets. In implementing these "defensive" strategies, the Fund may
invest without limit in U.S. government  obligations and other high-quality debt
instruments  and any other  investment SCMI considers to be consistent with such
defensive strategies, and may hold any portion of its assets in cash.

PORTFOLIO  TURNOVER.  The length of time the Fund has held a particular security
is not  generally  a  consideration  in  investment  decisions.  The  investment
policies  of the Fund may lead to  frequent  changes in the Fund's  investments,
particularly in periods of volatile market movements. A change in the securities
held by the Fund is known as "portfolio  turnover." Portfolio turnover generally
involves some expense to the Fund,  including  brokerage  commissions  or dealer
mark-ups and other  transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment
in other securities.  Such securities sales may result in realization of taxable
capital gain.

HOW TO BUY SHARES

Investors  may purchase  Investor  Shares of the Fund  directly  from the Trust.
Prospectuses,  sales material and account  applications can be obtained from the
Trust or through Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the Fund's transfer agent (the
"Transfer Agent"). Investments also may be made through broker-dealers and other
financial  institutions  ("Service  Organizations").  Service  Organizations may
charge their  customers a service fee for processing  orders to purchase or sell
shares. Investors wishing to purchase Shares through their accounts at a Service
Organization   should  contact  that   organization   directly  for  appropriate
instructions. A Service Organization is responsible for forwarding all necessary
documentation to the Trust, and may charge for its services.

The Fund's  Investor  Shares are offered at the net asset value  next-determined
after  receipt of a  completed  account  application  (at the  address set forth
below)and your purchase request in good order. The minimum initial investment is
$250,000.  There is no minimum subsequent investment. A Service Organization may
impose higher  minimums on an initial and  subsequent  investment.  All purchase
payments are invested in full and fractional  shares.  The Fund is authorized to
reject any purchase order.

Purchases of Fund shares are subject to a purchase charge of 0.50% of the amount
invested.  This charge is paid to the  Portfolio  and is designed to  compensate
shareholders for the transaction costs incurred in purchasing securities because
of an  investment  in the Fund,  including  brokerage  commissions  in acquiring
portfolio  securities;  currency transaction costs and transfer agent costs; and
to protect the  interests of  shareholders.  This  charge,  which is not a sales
charge,  is  assessed  by the Fund and paid to the  Portfolio,  not to  Schroder
Advisors  or any  other  entity.  The  


                                       11
<PAGE>

purchase   charge  is  not  assessed  on  the   reinvestment   of  dividends  or
distributions or shares purchased through a subscription in kind.

Purchases may be made by mailing a check (in U.S. dollars),  payable to the Fund
to:

                  Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio --
                         Investor Shares
                  P.O. Box 446
                  Portland, Maine 04112

For initial  purchases,  the check must be  accompanied  by a completed  account
application in proper form. Further documentation, such as corporate resolutions
and   instruments   of   authority,   may  be   requested   from   corporations,
administrators, executors, personal representatives,  directors or custodians to
evidence the authority of the person or entity making the subscription request.

You may make subsequent purchases by mailing a check, by sending a bank wire, or
through your Service  Organization,  as indicated.  All payments  should clearly
indicate the shareholder's name and account number.

Investors and Service  Organizations (on behalf of their customers) may transmit
purchase payments by Federal Reserve Bank wire directly to the Fund as follows:

               The Chase Manhattan Bank
               New York, NY
               ABA No.: 021000021
               For Credit To: Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
               Account. No.: 910-2-718187
               Ref.: Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio --
                        Investor Shares
               Account of: (shareholder name)
               Account No.: (shareholder account number)

The wire order must  specify  the name of the Fund,  the  shares'  class  (I.E.,
Investor Shares),  the account name and number,  address,  confirmation  number,
amount to be wired,  name of the wiring bank,  and name and telephone  number of
the  person  to be  contacted  in  connection  with the  order.  If the  initial
investment  is by wire,  an account  number  will be  assigned,  and a completed
account  application  must be mailed to the Fund before any transaction  will be
effected. Wire orders received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on a day when the New York Stock  Exchange is open for trading are  processed at
the net asset value next  determined as of that day. Wire orders  received after
the close of the New York Stock  Exchange  are  processed at the net asset value
next determined.

The Fund's  Transfer Agent  establishes  for each  shareholder of record an open
account to which all shares  purchased  and all  reinvested  dividends and other
distributions  are  credited.  Although most  shareholders  elect not to receive
share  certificates,  certificates  for full  shares can be  obtained by written
request to the Fund's Transfer Agent. No certificates  are issued for fractional
shares.

The  Transfer  Agent will deem an account  lost if six months have passed  since
correspondence  to the shareholder's  address of record is returned,  unless the
Transfer Agent  determines  the  shareholder's  new address.  When an account is
deemed lost, dividends and other distributions are automatically  reinvested. In
addition,  the  amount  of  any  outstanding  checks  for  dividends  and  other
distributions that have been returned to the Transfer Agent are reinvested,  and
the checks are canceled.

RETIREMENT PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Investor Shares are offered in connection with  tax-deferred  retirement  plans,
including  traditional and Roth IRAs.  Application forms and further information
about these plans, including applicable fees, are available upon request. Before
investing in the Fund through one of these plans, investors should consult their
tax advisors.

                                       12
<PAGE>

The Fund may be used as an investment vehicle for an IRA including  SEP-IRA.  An
IRA naming  BankBoston as custodian is available  from the Trust or the Transfer
Agent.  The  minimum  initial  investment  for  an IRA is  $2,000;  the  minimum
subsequent investment is $250. Generally,  contributions and investment earnings
in  a  traditional  IRA  grow   tax-deferred   until  withdrawn.   In  contrast,
contributions  to a Roth IRA are not  tax-deductible,  but  investment  earnings
generally grow tax-free.  IRAs are available to individuals  (and their spouses)
who  receive  compensation  or  earned  income  whether  or not they are  active
participants in a tax-qualified or  government-approved  retirement plan. An IRA
contribution by an individual or spouse who  participates in a tax-qualified  or
government-approved  retirement  plan may not be deductible,  depending upon the
individual's  income.  Individuals  also  may  establish  an  IRA to  receive  a
"rollover"  contribution  of  distributions  from another IRA or qualified plan.
Consult your tax advisor.

EXCHANGES

You may exchange  the Fund's  Investor  Shares for  Investor  Shares of any fund
offered  by the  Schroder  family of funds so long as the  investment  meets the
initial  investment  minimum of the fund being  purchased,  and the  shareholder
maintains the applicable minimum account balance in the fund in which the Shares
are held. Exchanges between funds are made at net asset value.

For federal income tax purposes an exchange is considered to be a sale of shares
on which a shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. If a shareholder owns
Investor Shares through a Service  Organization,  the  shareholder  must make an
exchange through the Service Organization. If a shareholder owns Investor Shares
directly,  the shareholder may make an exchange by calling the Transfer Agent at
1-800-344-8332  (see "How to Sell Shares -- By Telephone") or by mailing written
instructions to Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), P.O. Box 446, Portland, Maine
04112. Exchange privileges may be exercised only in those states where shares of
the other funds of the  Schroder  family of funds may legally be sold.  Exchange
privileges  may be  amended  or  terminated  at any time upon  sixty  (60) days'
notice.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

Investor  Share  investors  also  may  meet  the  minimum   initial   investment
requirement  based on  cumulative  purchases by means of a written  Statement of
Intention,  expressing  the investor's  intention to invest  $250,000 or more in
Investor Shares of the Fund within a period of 13 months.

Investors  wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention  in  conjunction  with
their initial  investment in shares of the Fund should  complete the appropriate
portion to the account  application form. [THIS SENTENCE DOES NOT SEEN NECESSARY
AS  THERE  IS  NO  SUBSEQUENT   INVESTMENT  MINIMUM  --   DELETE?]Current   Fund
shareholders can obtain a Statement of Intention form by contacting the Transfer
Agent.  The Fund  reserves the right to redeem  Shares in any account if, at the
end of the Statement of Intention  period,  the account does not have a value of
at least the minimum investment amount.

HOW TO SELL SHARES

A  shareholder  can sell his or her Investor  Shares in the Fund to the Fund any
day the New York Stock Exchange is open, either through the Service Organization
or  directly  to the  Fund.  If  Shares  are  held  in  the  name  of a  Service
Organization,  a  shareholder  may only sell the  shares  through  that  Service
Organization.  The  Trust  will only  redeem  shares  for which it has  received
payment.

Investor  Shares are  redeemed  at their next  determined  net asset value after
receipt by the Fund (see the address  set forth under "How to Buy  Shares") of a
redemption request in proper form.  Redemption  requests that are received prior
to the  close  of the  Exchange  on a day on  which  the  Exchange  is open  are
processed at the net asset value determined as of that day.  Redemption requests
that are received after the close of the Exchange are processed at the net asset
value next determined. See "Net Asset Value".

                                       13
<PAGE>

TELEPHONE REQUESTS

Redemption  requests may be made by a shareholder of record by  telephoning  the
Transfer Agent at the telephone number on the cover page of this  Prospectus.  A
shareholder must provide the Transfer Agent with the class of shares, the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed,  shareholder account number, and some
additional form of identification such as a password.  A redemption by telephone
may be made only if the telephone  redemption  privilege option has been elected
on the account  application  or  otherwise  in writing.  In an effort to prevent
unauthorized  or  fraudulent   redemption  requests  by  telephone,   reasonable
procedures  will be followed by the  Transfer  Agent to confirm  that  telephone
instructions are genuine. The Transfer Agent and the Trust generally will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests, but
either or both may be liable if they do not follow these procedures.  Shares for
which  certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.  In times
of drastic  economic or market change it may be difficult to make redemptions by
telephone.  If a  shareholder  cannot  reach the  Transfer  Agent by  telephone,
redemption requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.

WRITTEN REQUESTS

Redemptions  may be made by a  shareholder  of  record  by  letter  to the  Fund
specifying  the class of  Shares,  the  dollar  amount or number of Shares to be
redeemed,  and the shareholder account number. The letter must also be signed in
exactly the same way the account is registered  (if there is more than one owner
of the  Shares,  all must  sign)  and,  in  certain  cases,  signatures  must be
guaranteed by an  institution  that is acceptable  to the Transfer  Agent.  Such
institutions  include certain banks,  brokers,  dealers (including municipal and
government   securities   brokers  and  dealers),   credit  unions  and  savings
associations.  Notaries public are not acceptable.  Further documentation may be
requested  to  evidence  the  authority  of the  person  or  entity  making  the
redemption request.  Questions  concerning the need for signature  guarantees or
documentation  of authority  should be directed to the Fund at the above address
or by calling 1-800-290-9826.

If Investor Shares to be redeemed are held in certificate form, the certificates
must be enclosed with the redemption  request,  and the  assignment  form on the
back of the  certificates  (or an assignment  separate from the certificates but
accompanied  by the  certificates)  must be signed by all owners in exactly  the
same  way the  owners'  names  are  written  on the  face  of the  certificates.
Requirements  for  signature  guarantees  and/or  documentation  of authority as
described above could also apply. For your  protection,  the Trust suggests that
certificates be sent by registered mail.

ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION  INFORMATION.  Checks for redemption proceeds normally are
mailed  within  seven days.  No  redemption  proceeds are mailed until checks in
payment  for the  purchase  of the  Investor  Shares  to be  redeemed  have been
cleared,  which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase  date.  Unless
other  instructions  are given in proper  form,  a check for the  proceeds  of a
redemption is sent to the shareholder's address of record.

The Fund may suspend the right of redemption during any period when: (1) trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or that the New York Stock Exchange
is  closed;  (2) the SEC  has by  order  permitted  such  suspension;  or (3) an
emergency (as defined by rules of the SEC) exists  making  disposal of portfolio
investments  or  determination  of the  Fund's  net asset  value not  reasonably
practicable.

If the Board of Trustees  determines  that it would be  detrimental  to the best
interest of the  remaining  shareholders  of the Fund to make payment  wholly or
partly in cash,  the Fund may  redeem  Investor  Shares in whole or in part by a
distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities  in lieu of cash.  The Fund will,
however,  redeem  Investor Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or
1% of net assets during any 90-day period for any one shareholder.  In the event
that payment for redeemed  Investor Shares is made wholly or partly in portfolio
securities,  the  shareholder  may be subject to  additional  risks and costs in
converting the securities to cash.
See "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" in the SAI.

The proceeds of a redemption  may be more or less than the amount  invested and,
therefore,  a  redemption  may result in a gain or loss for  federal  income tax
purposes.

                                       14
<PAGE>

Due to the  relatively  high  cost of  maintaining  smaller  accounts,  the Fund
reserves the right to redeem shares in any account (other than an IRA) if at any
time the account does not have a value of at least $100,000, unless the value of
the  account  falls  below that  amount  solely as a result of market  activity.
Shareholders  will be  notified  that the value of the  account is less than the
required  minimum  and will be  allowed  at least 30 days to make an  additional
investment  to increase  the account  balance to at least the  required  minimum
amount.

The Trust may also redeem shares if a shareholder  owns shares of any Fund above
a maximum  amount set by the  Trustees.  There is currently no maximum,  but the
Trustees may  establish  one at any time,  which could apply to both present and
future shareholders.

OTHER INFORMATION

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The Fund  calculates the net asset value of its Investor  Shares by dividing the
total  value  of its  assets  attributable  to its  Investor  Shares,  less  its
liabilities  attributable to those shares,  by the number of its Investor Shares
outstanding.  Shares are valued as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (
normally  4:00 p.m.  Eastern  time)  each day the  Exchange  is open.  Portfolio
securities  for which  market  quotations  are readily  available  are stated at
market  value.  Short-term  investments  that will mature in 60 days or less are
stated at amortized cost, which approximates  market value. All other securities
and assets are valued at their fair  values  determined  by SCMI.  The net asset
value of the Fund's Investor Shares will generally differ from that of its other
classes  of shares  due to the  variance  in daily net  income  realized  by and
dividends paid on each class of shares,  and  differences in the expenses of the
different classes. All assets and liabilities of the Fund denominated in foreign
currencies are valued in U.S.  dollars based on the exchange rate last quoted by
a major  bank  prior  to the  time  when  the net  asset  value  of the  Fund is
calculated.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

The Fund distributes any net investment income and any net realized capital gain
at least annually.  Distributions  from net capital gain are made after applying
any available capital loss carryovers.

DISTRIBUTION  OPTIONS:  (1) reinvest all  distributions  in additional  Investor
Shares of the Fund; (2) receive distributions from net investment income in cash
while reinvesting capital-gain  distributions in additional Investor Shares; (3)
receive  distributions from net investment income in Additional  Investor Shares
while  receiving  capital-gain   distributions  in  cash;  or  (4)  receive  all
distributions  in cash.  An  investor  can  change  the  distribution  option by
notifying  the Transfer  Agent in writing.  If the  investor  does not select an
option  when the  account  is  opened,  all  distributions  by the Fund  will be
reinvested in Investor  Shares of the Fund.  Investors  will receive a statement
confirming  reinvestment  of  distributions  in additional  Fund shares promptly
following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.

TAXES

The Fund  intends to qualify as a  "regulated  investment  company"  for federal
income tax purposes and to meet all other requirements that are necessary for it
to  be  relieved  of  federal  taxes  on  income  and  gain  it  distributes  to
shareholders.  The Fund will distribute  substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gain income on a current basis.

All Fund  distributions  will be taxable to a  shareholder  as ordinary  income,
except that any  distributions  of net  long-term  capital gain will be taxed as
such,  regardless  of how long the  shareholder  has held the shares.  Long-term
capital gain will be subject to a maximum rate of 28% or 20%, depending upon the
holding period of the portfolio  investment  generating the gain.  Distributions
will be taxable as described above whether received in cash or in shares through
the reinvestment of distributions.

                                       15
<PAGE>

Early in each year the Trust will notify each  shareholder of the amount and tax
status of  distributions  paid to the  shareholder by the Fund for the preceding
year.

The  foregoing  is a summary  of certain  federal  income  tax  consequences  of
investing in the Fund.  Investors should consult their tax advisors to determine
the  precise  effect  of an  investment  in the  Fund on  their  particular  tax
situation.

CERTAIN  INFORMATION  REGARDING  FOREIGN TAXES.  Foreign  governments may impose
taxes on the Fund, the Portfolio,  and their investments,  which generally would
reduce the  income of the Fund or the  Portfolio.  However,  an  offsetting  tax
credit or deduction may be available to investors.

The Fund,  provided that it is eligible to do so, intends to elect to permit its
shareholders  to take a credit (or a deduction)  for the Fund's share of foreign
income  taxes  paid by the Fund.  If the Fund does  make such an  election,  its
shareholders  would include as gross income in their federal  income tax returns
both: (1) distributions  received from the Fund and (2) the amount that the Fund
advises is their pro rata  portion of foreign  income taxes paid with respect to
or  withheld  from  dividends  and  interest  paid to the Fund from its  foreign
investments. Shareholders then would be entitled, subject to certain limitations
(  including,   with  respect  to  a  foreign  tax  credit,   a  holding  period
requirement),  to take a foreign tax credit  against  their  federal  income tax
liability  for the amount of such  foreign  taxes or else to deduct such foreign
taxes as an itemized deduction from gross income.

THE PORTFOLIO

The Portfolio is not required to pay federal income tax because it is classified
as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. All interest,  dividends, gain
and losses of the Portfolio will be deemed to have been "passed  through" to the
Fund in proportion to the Fund's holdings in the Portfolio regardless of whether
such interest, dividends or gain have been distributed by the Portfolio.

The Portfolio  intends to conduct its operations so as to enable the Fund, if it
invests all of its assets in the Portfolio, to qualify as a regulated investment
company.

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

The Board of Trustees of the Trust is responsible  for generally  overseeing the
conduct of the Trust's  business.  The business and affairs of the Portfolio are
managed under the  direction of the Board of Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds
(the "Core").  Information  regarding the Trustees and executive officers of the
Trust, as well as the trustees and executive  officers of the Core, may be found
in the SAI under "Management --Trustees and Officers".

Schroder Capital Management  International Inc. is the investment adviser to the
Fund.  SCMI is a wholly owned U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc.,
which engages  through its  subsidiary  firms in the investment  banking,  asset
management and securities businesses. Affiliates of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc.
(or their  predecessors) have been investment  managers since 1927. SCMI and its
United Kingdom  affiliate,  Schroder  Capital  Management  International,  Ltd.,
together  served as  investment  managers  for  approximately  $28 billion as of
September 30, 1997.  Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc. is an indirect,  wholly owned
U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders  plc, a publicly owned holding  company  organized
under the laws of England.  Schroders plc and its affiliates  ("Schroder Group")
engage in international  merchant banking and investment management  businesses,
and as of September 30, 1997, had under management  assets of over $175 billion.
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.  ("Schroder  Advisors") is a wholly owned subsidiary
of SCMI.

SCMI also serves as investment  adviser to the Portfolio.  SCMI is entitled to a
monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's  average daily net assets.
The Fund, due to its investment in the Portfolio,  bears a proportionate part of
the  management  fees  paid by the  Portfolio  (based on the  percentage  of the
Portfolio's assets attributable to the Fund).

                                       16
<PAGE>

The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with SCMI pursuant to
which SCMI would  manage the Fund's  assets  directly in the event that the Fund
were to cease  investing  substantially  all of its assets in the  Portfolio (or
another investment company). SCMI is not entitled to receive any fees under that
agreement  so long as the Fund  continues  to  invest  substantially  all of its
assets in the Portfolio (or another investment company).  If SCMI were to manage
the Fund's assets  directly under the investment  advisory  agreement,  the Fund
would pay fees to SCMI monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets.

ADMINISTRATIVE  SERVICES.  The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into an
administration  agreement  with  Schroder  Advisors  pursuant to which  Schroder
Advisors provides certain management and  administrative  services necessary the
Fund.  The Trust,  on behalf of the Fund,  has entered into a  subadministration
agreement  with  Forum  Administrative   Services,  LLC,  Two  Portland  Square,
Portland,  Maine  04101  ("FAdS"),  pursuant  to  which  FAdS  provides  certain
management  and  administrative  services  necessary for the Fund's  operations.
Schroder  Advisors is entitled to compensation at an annual rate of 0.05% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.  FAdS is entitled to compensation at the annual
rate of 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Schroder Advisors and FAdS also serve as administrator and  subadministrator  to
Schroder  Emerging  Markets Fund  Institutional  Portfolio  of Schroder  Capital
Funds.  The  Portfolio  pays   administration  fees  to  Schroder  Advisors  and
subadministration  fees to FAdS  monthly  at an  annual  rate of .10% and  .05%,
respectively,  of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Fund, due to its
investment in the Portfolio,  bears a proportionate  part of the  administration
and subadministration fees paid by the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the
Portfolio's assets attributable to the Fund).

In order  to  limit  the  Fund's  expenses,  SCMI  and  Schroder  Advisors  have
voluntarily  agreed to reduce their  compensation  (and,  if  necessary,  to pay
certain  expenses  of the Fund) with  respect to the Fund to the extent that the
Fund's  expenses  chargeable to Investor Shares exceed the annual rate of 1.45%.
FAdS may waive  voluntarily all or a portion of its subadvisory  fees, from time
to time. The Trust pays all expenses not assumed by SCMI and Schroder  Advisors,
including Trustees' fees, auditing,  legal,  custodial,  and investor servicing,
and shareholder reporting expenses.

SCMI's investment  decisions for the Portfolio are made by an investment manager
or an investment  team, with the assistance of an investment  committee at SCMI.
Mr. John A.  Troiano,  a Vice  President  of the Trust and of  Schroder  Capital
Funds, and Chief Executive of SCMI, Ms. Heather Crighton, a First Vice President
of SCMI,  and Mr.  Mark  Bridgeman,  a Vice  President  of SCMI,  are  primarily
responsible for managing Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio,
in which the Fund invests.  Mr. Troiano managed the Fund's investment  portfolio
from its inception until it invested its assets in the Portfolio and has managed
the Portfolio's assets since its inception.

SCMI  places all  orders for  purchases  and sales of the Fund'  securities.  In
selecting  broker-dealers,  SCMI may consider  research and  brokerage  services
furnished to it and its affiliates.  Schroder & Co. Inc. and Schroder Securities
Limited,  affiliates of SCMI, may receive brokerage commissions from the Fund in
accordance  with  procedures  adopted by the  Trustees  under the 1940 Act which
require  periodic  review of these  transactions.  Subject to  seeking  the most
favorable  price and execution  available,  SCMI may consider sales of shares of
the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers.

YEAR 2000

The  Fund  receives  services  from  its  investment   adviser,   administrator,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian which rely on the smooth  functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform those services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the year 1999 because of the inability
of the software to distinguish  the year 2000 from the year 1900. SCMI is taking
steps that is believes are  reasonably  designed to address this  potential Year
2000 problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that  comparable  steps are
being taken by each of the Fund's other major service providers. There can be no
assurance,  however,  that these steps will be  sufficient  to avoid any adverse
impact on the Funds from this problem.

                                       17
<PAGE>

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Total return data relating to Investor  Shares of the Fund may from time to time
be included  in  advertisements  about the Fund.  The Fund's  total  return with
respect to Investor Shares is calculated for the past year, the past five years,
and the past ten years (or if the Fund's Investor Shares have been offered for a
period shorter than five or ten years,  that period will be  substituted)  since
the  establishment of the Fund, as more fully described in the SAI. Total return
quotations assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid.

ALL  DATA  ARE  BASED  ON PAST  INVESTMENT  RESULTS  AND DO NOT  PREDICT  FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.  Investment  performance of the Fund's Investor Shares,  which will
vary, is based on many factors,  including market conditions, the composition of
the Fund's  portfolio,  and the Fund's  operating  expenses  attributable to its
Investor Shares. Investment performance also often reflects the risks associated
with the Fund's investment  objectives and policies.  Quotations of total return
for any period when an expense  limitation  is in effect will be greater than if
the limitation had not been in effect.  These factors should be considered  when
comparing  the  investment  results  of the Fund's  Investor  Shares to those of
various classes of other mutual Funds and other investment vehicles. Performance
for the Fund's Investor Shares may be compared to various  indices.  See the SAI
for a fuller discussion of performance information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation on July 30, 1969,  reorganized
on February  29, 1988 as Schroder  Capital  Funds,  Inc.  and  reorganized  as a
Delaware business trust on January 9, 1996. The Trust has an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided
into an  unlimited  number of  series of such  shares,  which,  in turn,  may be
divided into an unlimited  number of classes of such shares.  The Trust's shares
of beneficial  interest are presently  divided into nine different  series.  The
Fund's shares are presently divided into two classes, Investor Shares, which are
offered through this Prospectus, and Advisor Shares, which are offered through a
separate  prospectus.  Unlike  Investor  Shares,  Advisor  Shares are subject to
shareholder  service and distribution  fees, which will affect their performance
relative to Investor Shares.  To obtain more  information  about Advisor Shares,
contact  Schroder  Capital  Funds  (Delaware)  at 1-800  290-9826.  The  Trust's
principal office is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101, and
its telephone number is 1-207-879-8903.

Each  share  has  one  vote,  with  fractional  shares  voting   proportionally.
Shareholders  of a class of shares  or series  generally  have  separate  voting
rights  with  respect  to matters  that  affect  only that class or series.  See
"Organization and Capitalization" in the SAI. Shares are freely transferable and
are entitled to dividends and other  distributions  as declared by the Trustees.
Dividends paid by the Fund on its two classes of shares will normally  differ in
amount due to the differing expenses borne by the two classes.  If the Fund were
liquidated,  each  class of  shares  would  receive  the net  assets of the Fund
attributable to that class.  The Trust may suspend the sale of the Fund's shares
at any time and may refuse any order to purchase  shares.  Although the Trust is
not required to hold annual meetings of its shareholders,  shareholders have the
right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees, or to take other actions as
provided in the Declaration of Trust.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO

The Fund seeks to achieve  its  investment  objective  by  investing  all of its
investable assets in the Portfolio,  which has the same investment objective and
similar  policies.  In that way, the Portfolio  acquires  investment  securities
directly,  and the Fund  acquires  an  indirect  interest  in those  securities.
Schroder Capital Funds is a business trust organized under the laws of the State
of Delaware in September 1995.  Schroder  Capital Funds is registered  under the
1940  Act as an  open-end  management  investment  company.  The  assets  of the
Portfolio  belong only to, and the liabilities of the Portfolio are borne solely
by, that Portfolio and no other portfolio of Schroder Capital Funds.

The Fund's  investment  in the  Portfolio  is in the form of a  non-transferable
beneficial  interest.  All other  investors in the Portfolio  invest on the same
terms  and  conditions  as  the  Fund  and  pay a  proportionate  share  of  the
Portfolio's expenses.

                                       18
<PAGE>

The Portfolio normally will not hold meetings of investors except as required by
the 1940 Act.  Each  investor in the Portfolio is entitled to vote in proportion
to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues subject to
a vote of investors,  in accordance  with  applicable  law the Board of Trustees
will either: (1) solicit voting  instructions from Fund shareholders with regard
to the  voting of all  proxies  with  respect  to a Fund's  shares and vote such
proxies in accordance with such instructions,  or (2) vote the interests held by
a Fund  in the  same  proportion  as  the  vote  of  all  other  holders  of the
Portfolio's interests.. If there are other investors in the Portfolio, there can
be no  assurance  that any issue that  receives a majority  of the votes cast by
Fund  shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast by all investors in the
Portfolio; indeed, if other investors hold a majority interest in the Portfolio,
they could have voting control of the Portfolio.

The  Portfolio  does not sell its shares  directly  to  members  of the  general
public.  Another investor in the Portfolio,  such as an investment company, that
might sell its shares to members of the general  public would not be required to
sell its  shares at the same  public  offering  price as the Fund and could have
different fees and expenses than the Fund. Therefore, Fund shareholders may have
different returns than shareholders in another  investment  company that invests
exclusively in the Portfolio.  Information regarding any such fund in the future
will be available by calling 1-800-730-2932.

Under  federal  securities  law, any person or entity that signs a  registration
statement may be liable for a misstatement of a material fact in, or omission of
a material fact from, the  registration  statement.  Schroder Capital Funds, its
Trustees,  and certain of its  officers  are  required to sign the  registration
statement of the Trust and may be required to sign the  registration  statements
of certain other investors in the Portfolio. In addition, Schroder Capital Funds
may be liable for  misstatements  or omissions  of a material  fact in any proxy
soliciting  material of an investor in the Portfolio,  including the Fund.  Each
investor  in the  Portfolio,  including  the Trust,  is  required  to  indemnify
Schroder Capital Funds and its Trustees and officers ("SCF Indemnitees") against
certain claims.

Indemnified  claims  are  those  brought  against  SCF  Indemnitees  based  on a
misstatement  of a material  fact in, or  omission  of a material  fact from,  a
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder  Capital  Funds and was  supplied to the  investor by Schroder  Capital
Funds. Similarly,  Schroder Capital Funds is required to indemnify each investor
in the  Portfolio,  including  the Fund,  for any  claims  brought  against  the
investor  with  respect  to  the  investor's  registration  statement  or  proxy
materials,  to the extent the claim is based on a misstatement  or omission of a
material  fact  relating to  information  about  Schroder  Capital Funds that is
supplied to the investor by Schroder Capital Funds.

The Fund's  investment  in the Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other
large  investors in the  Portfolio;  for example,  if the  Portfolio had a large
investor  other than the Fund that redeemed its interest in the  Portfolio,  the
Portfolio's  remaining  investors  (including  the  Fund)  might,  as a  result,
experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.

The Fund may withdraw its entire  investment  from the Portfolio at any time, if
the Trust Board  determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders to do so. The Fund might withdraw, for example, if there were other
investors in the Portfolio who, by a vote of the  shareholders  of all investors
(including  the Fund),  changed  the  investment  objective  or  policies of the
Portfolio  in a manner not  acceptable  to the Trust Board.  A withdrawal  could
result in a distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities (as opposed to a cash
distribution)  by  the  Portfolio.  That  distribution  could  result  in a less
diversified portfolio of investments for the Fund and could affect adversely the
liquidity  of the  Fund's  portfolio.  If the  Fund  decided  to  convert  those
securities to cash, it would likely incur  brokerage  fees or other  transaction
costs. If the Fund should withdraw its investment from the Portfolio,  the Trust
Board would consider appropriate  alternatives,  including the management of the
Fund's assets in accordance with its investment  objective and policies by SCMI,
or the  investment  of all of the Fund's  investable  assets in  another  pooled
investment  entity having  substantially  the same  investment  objective as the
Fund. The inability of the Fund to find a suitable  replacement  investment,  if
the Board decided not to permit SCMI to manage the Fund's  assets,  could have a
significant adverse impact on shareholders of the Fund.

                                       19
<PAGE>

Each  investor  in the  Portfolio,  including  the Fund,  may be liable  for all
obligations  of the  Portfolio.  The risk to an  investor  in the  Portfolio  of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence  of which  SCMI  considers  to be  remote.  Upon  liquidation  of the
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.

As of February 1, 1998, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation held in excess of 25%
of the shares of the Fund and,  accordingly,  may be deemed to control  the Fund
for purposes of the 1940 Act.

                                       20
<PAGE>


                                   APPENDIX A


                      RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS



MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC. ("MOODY'S")

FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS

"Aaa" Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the best
quality.  They carry the smallest  degree of  investment  risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge".  Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally   stable  margin  and  principal  is  secure.  While  the  various
protective  elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

"Aa"  Fixed-income  securities  which  are rated  "Aa" are  judged to be of high
quality by all  standards.  Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade fixed-income securities. They are rated lower than
the best  fixed-income  securities  because  margins of protection may not be as
large as in "Aaa"  securities or  fluctuation  of protective  elements may be of
greater  amplitude  or  there  may be  other  elements  present  which  make the
long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa" securities.

"A"  Fixed-income   securities  which  are  rated  "A"  possess  many  favorable
investment   attributes   and  are  to  be  considered  as  upper  medium  grade
obligations.  Factors  giving  security to principal and interest are considered
adequate,  but  elements  may be  present  which  suggest  a  susceptibility  to
impairment sometime in the future.

"Baa"  Fixed-income  securities  which are rated "Baa" are  considered as medium
grade  obligations;  i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest  payments and principal  security  appear  adequate for the present but
certain  protective  elements  may  be  lacking  or  may  be  characteristically
unreliable  over any great length of time.  Such  fixed-income  securities  lack
outstanding   investment   characteristics   and  in   fact   have   speculative
characteristics as well.

         Fixed-income securities rated "Aaa", "Aa", "A" and "Baa" are considered
investment grade.

"Ba" Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative
elements;  their  future  cannot  be  considered  as  well  assured.  Often  the
protection  of  interest  and  principal  payments  may be  very  moderate,  and
therefore  not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times in the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

"B" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "B" generally lack  characteristics
of the desirable investment.  Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance  of other terms of the contract  over any long period of time may be
small.

"Caa" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing.  Such
issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect
to principal or interest.

"Ca" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "Ca" present obligations which are
speculative  in a high  degree.  Such  issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

"C"  Fixed-income  securities  which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of
fixed-income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

         Rating Refinements:  Moody's may apply numerical  modifiers,  "1", "2",
and "3" in each  generic  rating  classification  from "Aa"  through  "B" in its
municipal  fixed-income  security rating system. The modifier "1" indicates that
the  security  ranks in the  higher  end of its  generic  rating  category;  the
modifier "2" indicates a mid-range  ranking;  and a modifier "3" indicates  that
the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         Moody's  Commercial  Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay
punctually  promissory  obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal  Commercial Paper as well as taxable
Commercial Paper.  Moody's employs the following three designations,  all judged
to be investment  grade,  to indicate the relative  repayment  capacity of rated
issuers: "Prime-1", "Prime-2", "Prime-3".

         Issuers  rated  "Prime-1"  have a superior  capacity  for  repayment of
short-term  promissory  obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Prime-2"  have  a  strong
capacity for repayment of short-term promissory  obligations;  and Issuers rated
"Prime-3"  have an acceptable  capacity for  repayment of short-term  promissory
obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Not  Prime" do not fall  within  any of the Prime
rating categories.


STANDARD & POOR'S RATING GROUP("STANDARD & POOR'S")

FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS

         A  Standard  &  Poor's  fixed-income   security  rating  is  a  current
assessment  of the  creditworthiness  of an obligor  with  respect to a specific
obligation.  This  assessment  may  take  into  consideration  obligors  such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.

         The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by  Standard & Poor's from other  sources it  considers  reliable.  The
ratings are based,  in varying  degrees,  on the following  considerations:  (1)
likelihood of  default-capacity  and willingness of the obligor as to the timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal in  accordance  with the terms of
the  obligation;  (2)  nature  of and  provisions  of the  obligation;  and  (3)
protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.

         Standard  & Poor's  does not  perform an audit in  connection  with any
rating and may,  on  occasion,  rely on  unaudited  financial  information.  The
ratings may be changed,  suspended  or  withdrawn  as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or for other reasons.

"AAA"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by
Standard & Poor's.  Capacity to pay  interest  and repay  principal is extremely
strong.

"AA"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "AA" have a very  strong  capacity  to pay
interest and repay principal and differs from the  highest-rated  issues only in
small degree.

"A" Fixed-income securities rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay interest and
repay  principal  although  they are somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances  and economic  conditions than  fixed-income
securities in higher-rated categories.

"BBB"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "BBB" are  regarded as having an adequate
capacity to pay  interest  and repay  principal.  Whereas it  normally  exhibits
adequate  protection   parameters,   adverse  economic  conditions  or  changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay  principal  for   fixed-income   securities  in  this  category  than  for
fixed-income securities in higher-rated categories.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

         Fixed-income securities rated "AAA", "AA", "A" and "BBB" are considered
investment grade.

"BB"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "BB" have less near-term  vulnerability to
default than other speculative grade fixed-income securities.  However, it faces
major  ongoing  uncertainties  or exposure  to adverse  business,  financial  or
economic  conditions  which could lead to inadequate  capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.

"B" Fixed-income  securities  rated "B" have a greater  vulnerability to default
but  presently  have  the  capacity  to meet  interest  payments  and  principal
repayments.  Adverse  business,  financial or economic  conditions  would likely
impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.

"CCC"   Fixed-income   securities  rated  "CCC"  have  a  current   identifiable
vulnerability to default,  and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business,
financial  and  economic  conditions  to meet timely  payments  of interest  and
repayments of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic
conditions,  it is not likely to have the  capacity  to pay  interest  and repay
principal.

"CC"  The  rating  "CC"  is  typically   applied  to   fixed-income   securities
subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.

"C" The rating "C" is typically applied to fixed-income  securities subordinated
to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" rating.

"CI"  The  rating  "CI" is  reserved  for  fixed-income  securities  on which no
interest is being paid.

"NR" Indicates  that no rating has been  requested,  that there is  insufficient
information  on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

         Fixed-income  securities  rated  "BB",  "B",  "CCC",  "CC"  and "C" are
regarded as having  predominantly  speculative  characteristics  with respect to
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of
speculation and "C" the highest degree of speculation.  While such  fixed-income
securities will likely have some quality and protective  characteristics,  these
are  out-weighed  by large  uncertainties  or major  risk  exposures  to adverse
conditions.

         Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from "AA" TO "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show  relative  standing  with the major
ratings categories.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         Standard & Poor's  commercial  paper rating is a current  assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original  maturity of no more
than 365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase
or sell a security.  The ratings are based upon current information furnished by
the issuer or  obtained by  Standard & Poor's  from other  sources it  considers
reliable.  The ratings may be changed,  suspended,  or  withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information.  Ratings are graded into group
categories,  ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.

         Issues  assigned  "A"  ratings  are  regarded  as having  the  greatest
capacity for timely  payment.  Issues in this category are further  refined with
the designation "1", "2", and "3" to indicate the relative degree of safety.

"A-1"  Indicates  that the  degree of safety  regarding  timely  payment is very
strong.

"A-2" Indicates  capacity for timely payment on issues with this  designation is
strong.  However,  the relative  degree of safety is not as  overwhelming as for
issues designated "A-1".

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

"A-3" Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying
this designation are,  however,  somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects
of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>





TABLE OF CONTENTS

FUND STRUCTURE................................. 2

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................... 4

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  AND POLICIES................................. 5

HOW TO BUY SHARES..............................11

HOW TO SELL SHARES.............................13

OTHER INFORMATION..............................15

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST........................16

APPEND IX A - Description of Securities
  Ratings Appendix..........................A-1



<PAGE>





                                     [Logo]





                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)



                         SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
                             INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO


                        Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
                                  P.O. Box 446
                              Portland, Maine 04112
                                 1-800-290-9826




                                 INVESTOR SHARES



                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                                   MARCH 1, 1998








<PAGE>



INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Schroder Capital Management International Inc.
787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, New York 10019

ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, New York 10019

SUBADMINISTRATOR
Forum Administrative Services, LLC
Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04101

CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank
Chase MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, New York 11245
and
Global Custody Division
125 London Wall
London EC2Y 5AJ, United Kingdom

TRANSFER & DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112

COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

<PAGE>


                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)

             SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                 ADVISOR SHARES

                                  MARCH 1, 1998


SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS  FUND  INSTITUTIONAL  PORTFOLIO ( the "Fund")  seeks
long-term  capital  appreciation  by investing in equity and debt  securities of
issuers domiciled or doing business in emerging market countries.  The Fund is a
non-diversified series of shares of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware).  The Fund
invests  substantially  all of its  assets in  Schroder  Emerging  Markets  Fund
Institutional  Portfolio  (the  "Portfolio").  The  Portfolio  is  a  separately
managed,  non-diversified  portfolio  of Schroder  Capital  Funds,  which,  like
Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), is an open-end management investment company.
Schroder Capital  Management  International Inc. serves as investment adviser to
the Fund and to the Portfolio.

This Prospectus  explains concisely the information that a prospective  investor
should  know  before  investing  in Advisor  Shares of the Fund.  Please read it
carefully  and keep it for future  reference.  INVESTORS  CAN FIND MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION  ABOUT SCHRODER  CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) (THE "TRUST") IN THE MARCH
1, 1998 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME. FOR A
FREE  COPY  OF  THE   STATEMENT   OF   ADDITIONAL   INFORMATION,   PLEASE   CALL
1-800-290-9826.  The Statement of Additional Information has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission and is incorporated  into this Prospectus by
reference.  The  Prospectus  and the  Statement of  Additional  Information  are
available along with other related materials for reference on the SEC's Internet
Web Site (http://www.sec.gov).

SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION,  ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION,  THE FEDERAL  RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY,  AND INVOLVE RISK,
INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

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


<PAGE>




================================================================================



               FUNDS AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHRODER FUND ADVISORS INC.
        PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO OBTAIN A PROSPECTUS.
             PLEASE READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>

 SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE) 1-800-290-9826            SCHRODER SERIES TRUST  1-800-464-3108

  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND                                 SCHRODER LARGE CAPITALIZATION EQUITY FUND
  SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND                              SCHRODER SMALL CAPITALIZATION VALUE FUND
  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND               SCHRODER MIDCAP VALUE FUND
  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND                            SCHRODER INVESTMENT GRADE INCOME FUND
  SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND                                   SCHRODER SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
  SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
  SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
</TABLE>

================================================================================

          FUND STRUCTURE

SCHRODER  EMERGING  MARKETS FUND  INSTITUTIONAL  PORTFOLIO  seeks to achieve its
investment  objective by investing  all of its  investable  assets in a separate
portfolio  ( a  "Portfolio")  of  Schroder  Capital  Funds  that  has  the  same
investment objective as, and investment policies that are substantially  similar
to those of, the Fund.  Accordingly,  the investment experience of the Fund will
correspond directly with the investment experience of the Portfolio.  See "Other
Information -- Information about the Portfolio."


                                       2
<PAGE>

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

Expenses are one of several factors to consider when investing in Advisor Shares
of the Fund. The "Shareholder  Transaction  Expenses" table below summarizes the
maximum  transaction costs you would incur by investing in Advisor Shares of the
Fund.  "Annual Operating  Expenses" show the expenses incurred by the Fund based
on its most recent fiscal year.  Annual  Operating  Expenses of the Fund include
the Fund's pro rata  portion of all  operating  expenses of the  Portfolio.  The
Example shows the cumulative  expenses  attributable  to a  hypothetical  $1,000
investment in the Fund over specified periods.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                          <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases                              .......................None
  Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends                   .......................None
  Deferred Sales Load                                                  .......................None
  Purchase Charge (based on amount invested)(1)                        ..................... 0.50%
  Redemption Charge (based on net asset value of shares redeemed)(1)   ......................0.50%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)

Management Fees (after expense limitation) (2)(3)                      ......................0.89%
12b-1 Fees                                                             .......................None
OTHER EXPENSES (AFTER expense limitation)                              ......................0.77%
- ----------------------                                                                       -----
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after expense limitation) (3)           ......................1.66%
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------

(1)  The Purchase and  Redemption  Charges are collected by the Fund and paid to
     the  Portfolio  to  compensate  the other  investors in the  Portfolio  for
     expenses  incurred in  connection  with  purchases  and sales of  portfolio
     securities. See "How to Buy Shares" and "How to Sell Shares."
(2)  Management  Fees  reflect the fees paid by the  Portfolio  and the Fund for
     investment advisory and administrative services.
(3)  Management Fees and Total Operating  Expenses  reflect expense  limitations
     currently  in effect.  See  "Management  of the Fund --  Expenses."  In the
     absence of the expense  limitation,  Management Fees,  Other Expenses,  and
     Total  Fund   Operating   Expenses  would  be  1.10%  ,  .93%,  and  2.03%,
     respectively.

EXAMPLE

Your investment of $1,000 would incur the following expenses, assuming 5% annual
return and redemption at the end of each period.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
                                                       1 year      3 years        5 years       10 years
                                                       ------      -------        -------       --------
  Assuming no redemption                                $22          $57            $95           $202
  Assuming full redemption at end of period             $27          $62           $100           $207
</TABLE>

THE ANNUAL OPERATING  EXPENSES TABLE AND EXAMPLE DO NOT REPRESENT PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSE LEVELS. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. FEDERAL
REGULATIONS  REQUIRE THE EXAMPLE TO ASSUME A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, BUT ACTUAL ANNUAL
RETURN WILL VARY.


                                       3
<PAGE>


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The  financial  highlights  of the Fund  presented  below  have been  audited by
Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.,  independent  accountants  to the Fund. The financial
statements  for the period  ended  October 31, 1997 and the related  independent
accountants'  report  are  incorporated  by  reference  into  the  Statement  of
Additional Information (the "SAI"). Further information about the performance of
the Fund is also contained in its Annual and Semi-Annual  Reports,  which may be
obtained  without charge by writing the Fund at Two Portland  Square,  Portland,
Maine 04101 or by calling 1-800-290-9826.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
                                                                              Period Ended
                                                                               October 31,
                                                                                 1997(a)
                                                                                ---------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period                                             $11.28
Investment Operations:
     Net Investment Income (Loss)(c)                                               0.03
     Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments(b)                    (0.19)
Total from Investment Operations                                                  (0.16)
     Distributions from Net Investment Income                                     (0.01)
Total Distributions                                                               (0.01)
Net Asset Value, End of period                                                   $11.11

Total Return (c)(d)                                                               (1.42)%

Ratios/Supplementary Data:
Net Assets at End of period (000s omitted) $25,280 Ratios to Average Net Assets:
     Expenses Before Expense Limitation(b)(c)                                      1.66%
     Expenses After Expense Limitation(c)(e)                                       2.03%
       Net Investment Income (Loss) Before Expense
          Limitation(b)(c)                                                         0.27%
     Average Commission Rate Per Share(f)                                         $0.0020
     Portfolio Turnover Rate(g)                                                   43.13%
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------

(a)  Advisor Shares were first issued on November 21, 1996.
(b)  Includes  the  Fund's  proportionate  share of income and  expenses  of the
     Portfolio.
(c)  Total return calculation does not include the purchase or redemption fee of
     0.50%, respectively.
(d)  Total  return  would have been lower had certain  expenses not been reduced
     during the period shown.
(e)  Annualized.
(f)  Amount represents the average commission per share paid by the Portfolio to
     brokers  on  the  purchase  and  sale  of  portfolio  securities  on  which
     commissions are charged.
(g)  Portfolio  turnover  represents  the  rate  of  portfolio  activity  of the
     Portfolio.


                                       4
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS
TO SEEK LONG-TERM CAPITAL  APPRECIATION THROUGH DIRECT OR INDIRECT INVESTMENT IN
EQUITY AND DEBT  SECURITIES OF ISSUERS  DOMICILED OR DOING  BUSINESS IN EMERGING
MARKET COUNTRIES IN REGIONS SUCH AS SOUTHEAST ASIA,  LATIN AMERICA,  AND EASTERN
AND  SOUTHERN  EUROPE.  The Fund is not  intended  to be a  complete  investment
program.  There can be no assurance  that the Fund will  achieve its  investment
objective.

THE FUND  CURRENTLY  SEEKS TO ACHIEVE  ITS  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE  BY  INVESTING
SUBSTANTIALLY  ALL OF ITS  ASSETS IN A MANAGED  PORTFOLIO  OF  SCHRODER  CAPITAL
FUNDS.  THAT PORTFOLIO IS REFERRED TO IN THIS PROSPECTUS AS THE  "PORTFOLIO." IN
REVIEWING  THE  DESCRIPTION  OF THE FUND'S  INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVES  AND POLICIES
BELOW, INVESTORS SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE
PORTFOLIO ARE THE SAME IN ALL MATERIAL  RESPECTS AS THOSE OF THE FUND.  SCHRODER
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT  INTERNATIONAL INC. ("SCMI") IS THE INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE
FUND AND PORTFOLIO.

An  "emerging  market"  country  is any  country  not  included  at the  time of
investment  in the Morgan  Stanley  Capital  International  World Index of major
world economies. Those economies currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada,  Denmark,   Finland,   France,  Germany,   Ireland,  Italy,  Japan,  the
Netherlands,   New  Zealand,   Norway,  Portugal,   Singapore,   Spain,  Sweden,
Switzerland,  the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  SCMI may at
times determine based on its own analysis that an economy  included in the Index
should  nonetheless be considered an emerging market  country;  any such country
would then  constitute an emerging  market country for purposes of investment by
the Fund.

The Fund  normally  invests at least 65% of its assets in  securities of issuers
determined  by SCMI to be  emerging  market  issuers.  The Fund may  invest  the
remainder of its assets of issuers located  anywhere in the world.  The Fund may
invest in equity or debt securities of any kind.  Equity securities may include,
for example, common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common
or  preferred  stocks,  and  rights  and  warrants,   and  non-convertible  debt
securities.  They  may  also  include  American  Depositary  Receipts,  European
Depositary  Receipts,  and other  similar  instruments  providing  for  indirect
investment  in  securities  of  foreign  issuers.  The Fund may also  invest  in
securities of closed-end  investment  companies that invest in turn primarily in
foreign   securities,   including  emerging  market  issuers.   The  Fund  is  a
non-diversified   mutual   fund.   See   "Non-Diversification   and   Geographic
Concentration."

The  Fund may  invest  up to 35% of its  assets  in debt  securities,  including
lower-quality,  high-yielding  debt securities,  which entail certain risks. See
"Other Investment Practices and Risk Considerations -- Debt securities."

An issuer of a security will be  considered  to be an emerging  market issuer if
SCMI  determines  that: (1) it is organized under the laws of an emerging market
country;  (2) its primary  securities  trading  market is in an emerging  market
country;  (3) at least 50% of the issuer's  revenues or profits are derived from
goods  produced or sold,  investments  made,  or services  performed in emerging
market  countries;  or (4) at least 50% of its assets are  situated  in emerging
market countries.  The Fund may consider  investment  companies to be located in
the country or countries in which SCMI determines they focus their investments.

There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
securities of issuers domiciled in any one country. When the Fund has invested a
substantial portion of its assets in the securities of a single country, it will
be more  susceptible to the risks of investing in that country than would a fund
investing in a geographically more diversified portfolio.

The Fund's investment objective may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The investment policies of the Fund may, unless otherwise  specifically  stated,
be changed by the Trust's Board of Trustees without a vote of the  shareholders.
All percentage  limitations on investments  will apply at the time of investment
and will not be


                                       5
<PAGE>

considered  violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately
after and as a result of the  investment,  except that the policies  stated with
regard to borrowing and liquidity will be observed at all times.

OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

The Fund also may engage in the following  investment  practices,  each of which
involves certain special risks. The SAI contains more detailed information about
these practices (some of which may be considered "derivative" investments).

FOREIGN  SECURITIES.  Investments  in foreign  securities  entail certain risks.
There may be a  possibility  of  nationalization  or  expropriation  of  assets,
confiscatory  taxation,  political  or  financial  instability,  and  diplomatic
developments  that could affect the value of the Fund's  investments  in certain
foreign countries.  Since foreign securities are normally denominated and traded
in foreign currencies, the values of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably
or  unfavorably  by  currency   exchange  rates,   currency   exchange   control
regulations,  foreign  withholding taxes and restrictions or prohibitions on the
repatriation  of  foreign  currencies.  There may be less  information  publicly
available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S.  issuer,  and foreign issuers
are not generally  subject to  accounting,  auditing,  and  financial  reporting
standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities
of some  foreign  issuers  are less  liquid  and at  times  more  volatile  than
securities of comparable U.S. issuers.  Foreign brokerage  commissions and other
fees are also  generally  higher than in the United States.  Foreign  settlement
procedures  and trade  regulations  may involve  certain risks (such as delay in
payment or delivery of  securities  or in the recovery of the Fund's assets held
abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.

In addition,  legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries
may be more limited than those  available  with  respect to  investments  in the
United  States or in other foreign  countries.  The  willingness  and ability of
sovereign issuers to pay principal and interest on government securities depends
on various economic factors,  including without  limitation the issuer's balance
of payments,  overall debt level,  and cash-flow  considerations  related to the
availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer's obligations.  If a
foreign  governmental  entity is unable or unwilling to meet its  obligations on
the  securities  in accordance  with their terms,  and the Fund may have limited
recourse  available  to it in the  event of  default.  The laws of some  foreign
countries  may limit the  Fund's  ability  to invest in  securities  of  certain
issuers located in those foreign countries.  Special tax considerations apply to
foreign securities. Except as otherwise provided in this Prospectus, there is no
limit on the  amount  of the  Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in  foreign
securities.

If the Fund purchases securities denominated in foreign currencies,  a change in
the value of any such currency  against the U.S.  dollar will result in a change
in the U.S.  dollar value of the Fund's assets and the Fund's  income  available
for distribution.  In addition,  although at times most of the Fund's income may
be  received  or  realized  in these  currencies,  the Fund will be  required to
compute and distribute its income in U.S.  dollars.  Therefore,  if the exchange
rate for any such currency  declines after the Fund's income has been earned and
translated into U.S.  dollars but before payment,  the Fund could be required to
liquidate  portfolio  securities to make such  distributions.  Similarly,  if an
exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars
and the time such expenses are paid, the amount of such currency  required to be
converted into U.S.  dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S.  dollars will
be greater than the  equivalent  amount in any such currency of such expenses at
the time they were  incurred.  The Fund may buy or sell foreign  currencies  and
options and futures  contracts  on foreign  currencies  for hedging  purposes in
connection with its foreign investments.

In determining  whether to invest in debt  securities of foreign  issuers,  SCMI
considers the likely  impact of foreign taxes on the net yield  available to the
Fund and its  shareholders.  Income  received  by the Fund from  sources  within
foreign  countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such
countries.  Tax conventions  between certain countries and the United States may
reduce or eliminate such taxes.  Any such taxes paid by the Fund will reduce its
net income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances,
the Fund may be able to pass through to  shareholders  credits for foreign taxes
paid. See "How to Sell Shares -- Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."

                                       6
<PAGE>

The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in emerging  market  countries with
respect  to some or all of its  assets.  The  securities'  prices  and  relative
currency values of emerging market investments are subject to greater volatility
than those of issuers in many more developed countries.  Investments in emerging
market countries are subject to the same risks applicable to foreign investments
generally,  although  those risks may be  increased  due to  conditions  in such
countries.  For example,  the  securities  markets and legal systems in emerging
market  countries may only be in a  developmental  stage and may provide few, or
none, of the advantages or protections of markets or legal systems  available in
more developed countries.  Although many of the securities in which the Fund may
invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and
the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by
securities  exchanges  in more  developed  markets.  The Fund may also  invest a
substantial  portion of its assets in securities traded in the  over-the-counter
markets  in such  countries  and  not on any  exchange,  which  may  affect  the
liquidity  of the  investment  and  expose  the Fund to the  credit  risk of its
counterparties  in trading  those  investments.  Emerging  market  countries may
experience  extremely high rates of inflation,  which may adversely affect these
countries' economies and securities markets.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.  Changes in currency exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar values of securities  denominated in foreign  currencies.
Exchange  rates  between  the U.S.  dollar  and other  currencies  fluctuate  in
response to forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange  markets.  These
forces are affected by the international  balance of payments and other economic
and  financial  conditions,  government  intervention,  speculation,  and  other
factors, many of which may be difficult (if not impossible) to predict. The Fund
may  engage in  foreign  currency  exchanges  transactions  to  protect  against
uncertainty  in the level of future  exchange  rates.  Although  the strategy of
engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions could reduce the risk of loss
due to a decline  in the value of the hedged  currency,  it could also limit the
potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.

In particular, the Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions to
protect  against a change in exchange  ratios that may occur between the date on
which  the  Fund  contracts  to  trade  a  security  and  the  settlement   date
("transaction  hedging") or in  anticipation  of placing a trade  ("anticipatory
hedging");  to "lock in" the U.S.  dollar value of interest and  dividends to be
paid in a foreign  currency;  or to hedge against the possibility that a foreign
currency in which  portfolio  securities are  denominated or quoted may suffer a
decline against the U.S. dollar ("position hedging").

SCMI may seek to enhance the Fund's  investment  return through active  currency
management.  SCMI may buy or sell  currencies  of the Fund, on a spot or forward
basis,  in an attempt to profit  from  inefficiencies  in the pricing of various
currencies or of debt securities denominated in those currencies.

When investing in foreign securities, the Fund usually effects currency exchange
transactions  on a "spot" (I.E.,  cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign exchange market. The Fund incurs foreign exchange expenses in converting
assets from one  currency to another.  In  addition,  the Fund may, to a limited
extent,  purchase forward contracts to increase  exposure in foreign  currencies
that are expected to appreciate and thereby increase total return.

A forward  currency  contract  is an  obligation  to purchase or sell a specific
currency at a future  date (which may be any fixed  number of days from the date
of the  contract  agreed upon by the  parties) at a price set at the time of the
contract.  Forward  contracts do not eliminate  fluctuations  in the  underlying
prices of securities  and expose the Fund to the risk that the  counterparty  is
unable to perform.

Forward contracts are not exchange traded,  and there can be no assurance that a
liquid  market  will  exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a forward
contract.  Currently,  only a  limited  market,  if  any,  exists  for  exchange
transactions relating to currencies in certain emerging markets or to securities
of issuers  domiciled  or  principally  engaged in business in certain  emerging
markets.  This may limit the Fund's  ability to hedge its  investments  in those
markets.  These  contracts  involve  a risk of loss if  SCMI  fails  to  predict
accurately changes in relative currency values, the direction of stock prices or
interest rates, and other economic factors.

                                       7
<PAGE>

From time to time, the Fund's  currency  hedging  transactions  may call for the
delivery of one foreign  currency in exchange for another  foreign  currency and
may at times involve  currencies in which its portfolio  securities are not then
denominated  ("cross  hedging").  From time to time, the Fund may also engage in
"proxy"  hedging  whereby the Fund  \would seek to hedge the value of  portfolio
holdings  denominated in one currency by entering into an exchange contract on a
second currency, the valuation of which SCMI believes correlates to the value of
the first  currency.  Cross hedging and proxy hedging  transactions  involve the
risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to
which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other
asset or liability that are the subject of the hedge.

INVESTMENTS  IN SMALLER  COMPANIES.  The Fund may  invest  all or a  substantial
portion of its assets in securities  issued by small  companies.  Such companies
may offer greater  opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies,
but  investments  in such  companies may involve  certain  special  risks.  Such
companies may have limited product lines,  markets,  or financial  resources and
may be dependent on a limited  management group. While the markets in securities
of such companies have grown rapidly in recent years,  such securities may trade
less  frequently  and in smaller  volume than more widely held  securities.  The
values of these  securities  may  fluctuate  more  sharply  than  those of other
securities,  and the Fund may  experience  some  difficulty in  establishing  or
closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may
be less publicly available  information about the issuers of these securities or
less market interest in such  securities  than in the case of larger  companies,
and it may take a longer  period of time for the  prices of such  securities  to
reflect  the full  value of their  issuers'  underlying  earnings  potential  or
assets. See "Additional Information Regarding Investments -- Micro and Small Cap
Companies -- Unseasoned Issuers" in the SAI.

Some  securities  of  smaller  issuers  may be  restricted  as to  resale or may
otherwise  be  highly  illiquid.  The  ability  of the Fund to  dispose  of such
securities  may be greatly  limited,  and the Fund may have to  continue to hold
such  securities  during  periods  when  SCMI  would  otherwise  have  sold  the
securities.  It is  possible  that SCMI or its  affiliates  or clients  may hold
securities  issued by the same issuers,  and may in some cases have acquired the
securities at different  times,  on more favorable  terms,  or at more favorable
prices, than the Fund.

DEBT SECURITIES.  The Fund may invest in debt securities. The Fund may invest in
debt securities  either to earn investment  income or to benefit from changes in
the market values of such securities. Debt securities are subject to market risk
(the  fluctuation of market value in response to changes in interest  rates) and
to credit risks (the risk that the issuer may become unable or unwilling to make
timely payments of principal and interest).

The Fund also may invest in lower-quality,  high-yielding  debt securities rated
below investment  grade and in unrated debt securities  determined by SCMI to be
of  comparable  quality.  Lower-rated  debt  securities  (commonly  called "junk
bonds") are  considered  to be of poor standing and  predominantly  speculative.
Securities in the lowest rating  categories may have extremely poor prospects of
attaining any real investment  standing,  and some of those  securities in which
the Fund may invest may be in  default.  The rating  services'  descriptions  of
securities  in  the  lower  rating   categories,   including  their  speculative
characteristics, are set forth in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

In addition,  lower-rated  securities reflect a greater possibility that adverse
changes  in the  financial  condition  of the  issuer,  or in  general  economic
conditions,  or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of the issuer to make  payments of interest  and  principal.  Changes by
recognized rating services in their ratings of any fixed-income  security and in
the ability or perceived  ability of an issuer to make  payments of interest and
principal  may also affect the value of these  investments.  The  inability  (or
perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal
would likely make the values of  securities  held by the Fund more  volatile and
could limit the Fund's  ability to sell its  securities at prices  approximating
the values the Fund had placed on such  securities.  In the  absence of a liquid
trading  market  for  securities  held by it, the Fund may be unable at times to
establish the fair value of such  securities.  The rating assigned to a security
by a rating  agency  does not reflect an  assessment  of the  volatility  of the
security's market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security.

The  Fund  may  at  times  invest  in   so-called   "zero   coupon"   bonds  and
"payment-in-kind"  bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount
from face value and pay  interest  only at  maturity,  rather than at  intervals
during the life of the security.  Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its
option,  to make  current  interest  payments on 


                                       8
<PAGE>

the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. The values of zero-coupon bonds
and  payment-in-kind  bonds are  subject to greater  fluctuation  in response to
changes in market  interest rates than bonds which pay interest  currently,  and
may involve greater credit risk than such bonds. From time to time, the Fund may
invest a portion  of its assets in Brady  Bonds,  which are  securities  created
through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for
new  obligations in connection  with debt  restructuring.  Brady Bonds have been
issued only recently and, therefore, do not have a long payment history.

The Fund will not  necessarily  dispose  of a security  when its debt  rating is
reduced below its rating at the time of purchase, although SCMI will monitor the
investment to determine whether continues investment in the security will assist
in meeting the Fund's investment objective.

OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES  TRANSACTIONS.  The  Fund  may  engage  in  a  variety  of
transactions  involving the use of options and futures  contracts.  The Fund may
engage in such  transactions  for hedging  purposes or, to the text permitted by
applicable law, to increase its current return.

The Fund may seek to increase its current return by writing covered call options
and covered put options on its portfolio securities or other securities in which
it may invest.  The Fund  receives a premium  from writing a call or put option,
which increases the Fund's return if the option expires unexercised or is closed
out at a net profit. The Fund may also buy and sell put and call options on such
securities  for  hedging  purposes.  When the Fund  writes  a call  option  on a
portfolio  security,  it gives up the opportunity to profit from any increase in
the price of the security above the exercise price of the option; when it writes
a put  option,  the Fund takes the risk that it will be  required  to purchase a
security from the option holder at a price above the current market price of the
security.  The Fund may  terminate  an option that it has  written  prior to its
expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases
an option  having the same terms as the option  written.  The Fund may also from
time to time  buy and sell  combinations  of put and  call  options  on the same
underlying security to earn additional income.

The Fund may buy and sell  index  futures  contracts.  An  "index  future"  is a
contract  to buy or sell  units of a  particular  index at an agreed  price on a
specified future date. Depending on the change in value of the index between the
time when the Fund enters into and terminates an index future  transaction,  the
Fund may realize a gain or loss. The Fund may also purchase warrants,  issued by
banks or other financial institutions, whose values are based on the values from
time to time of one or more securities indices.

The Fund may buy and sell futures  contracts on U.S.  government  obligations or
other debt securities. A futures contract on a debt security is a contract to by
and sell a certain amount of the debt security at an agreed price on a specified
future date.  Depending on the change in the value of the security when the Fund
enters into and terminates a futures contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss.

The Fund may  purchase and sell  options on futures  contracts or on  securities
indices in addition to or as an alternative  to purchasing  and selling  futures
contracts.

The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts,  options on futures contracts,
and  options  on  securities  indices  for  hedging  purposes  or, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, to increase its current return.

The Fund may also purchase and sell put and call options on foreign  currencies,
futures contracts on foreign currencies, and options on foreign currency futures
contracts as an alternative,  or in addition to, the foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  described  above.  Such  transactions  are  similar to options and
futures contracts on securities, except that they typically contemplate that one
party to a transaction  will deliver one foreign currency to the other in return
for another currency (which may or may not be the U.S. dollar).

RISK  FACTORS  IN  OPTIONS  AND  FUTURES   TRANSACTIONS.   Options  and  futures
transactions  involve  costs and may  result in losses.  The use of options  and
futures involves certain special risks, including the risks that the Fund may be
unable at times to close out such positions,  that hedging  transactions may not
accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations,  or that SCMI
may not forecast market movements correctly.

                                       9
<PAGE>

The effective use of options and futures strategies is dependent on, among other
things,  the Fund's ability to terminate  options and futures positions at times
when SCMI  deems it  desirable  to do so.  Although  the Fund will enter into an
option  or  futures  contract  position  only if  SCMI  believes  that a  liquid
secondary  market  exists  for that  option  or  futures  contract,  there is no
assurance  that the Fund  will be able to  effect  closing  transactions  at any
particular time or at an acceptable price.

The Fund generally  expects that its options and futures  contract  transactions
will be conducted on recognized  exchanges.  In certain instances,  however, the
Fund may purchase and sell options in the  over-the-counter  markets. The Fund's
ability to terminate options in the over-the-counter markets may be more limited
than for  exchange-traded  options and may also involve the risk that securities
dealers  participating  in such  transactions  would  be  unable  to meet  their
obligations  to the Fund.  The Fund will,  however,  engage in  over-the-counter
transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded  transactions are unavailable
and when,  in the opinion of SCMI,  the pricing  mechanism  and liquidity of the
over-the-counter  markets are  satisfactory and the participants are responsible
parties  likely to meet  their  contractual  obligations.  The Fund  will  treat
over-the-counter  options  (and,  in the case of options  sold by the Fund,  the
underlying  securities held by the Fund) as illiquid  investments as required by
applicable law.

The use of options and futures  strategies  also  involves the risk of imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of options and futures contracts and
movements in the value of the underlying  securities or index,  or in the prices
of the securities  that are the subject of a hedge.  The successful use of these
strategies  further depends on the ability of SCMI to forecast market  movements
correctly.

Because the markets for certain options and futures  contracts in which the Fund
will invest (including  markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new
and still  developing  and may be subject to regulatory  restraints,  the Fund's
ability to engage in transactions  using such  investments  may be limited.  The
Fund's  ability  to engage in  hedging  transactions  may be  limited by certain
regulatory and tax  considerations.  The Fund's hedging  transactions may affect
the character or amount of its  distributions.  The tax  consequences of certain
hedging transactions have been modified by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

For more information about any of the options or futures portfolio  transactions
described above, see the SAI.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION    AND   GEOGRAPHIC    CONCENTRATION.    The   Fund   is   a
"non-diversified" series mutual fund, and it may invest in a more limited number
of issuers than may other investment companies.  Under the Internal Revenue Code
an investment company, including a non-diversified investment company, generally
may not  invest  more than 25% of its total  assets  in  obligations  of any one
issuer other than U.S.  government  obligations  and, with respect to 50% of its
total  assets,  the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total  assets in the
securities of any one issuer  (except U.S.  government  obligations).  Thus, the
Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the  securities  of each of any
two issuers. This practice involves an increased risk of loss to the Fund if the
market value of a security  should  decline or its issuer were  otherwise not to
meet its obligations.

SECURITIES LOANS,  REPURCHASE  AGREEMENTS AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  The Fund may
lend  portfolio  securities  amounting  to not more  than 25% of its  assets  to
brokers, dealers and financial institutions meeting specified credit conditions,
and may enter into  repurchase  agreements  without  limit such  activities  may
create  taxable  income in excess of the cash the generate.  These  transactions
must be fully  collateralized  at all times but involve some risk to the Fund if
the other  party  should  default on its  obligation  and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from  recovering its assets or realizing on the  collateral.  The Fund
may also purchase securities for future delivery, which may increase its overall
investment  exposure  and involve a risk of loss if the value of the  securities
declines prior to the settlement date.

                                       10
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT  IN OTHER  INVESTMENT  COMPANIES.  The Fund is permitted to invest in
other investment companies or pooled vehicles,  including closed-end funds, that
are advised by SCMI or its affiliates or by unaffiliated  parties.  The Fund may
invest in the shares of other investment  companies that invest in securities in
which the Fund is  permitted  to invest,  subject  to the limits and  conditions
required under the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
or  any  orders,  rules  or  regulations  thereunder.   When  investing  through
investment  companies,  the  Fund  may  pay  a  premium  above  such  investment
companies' net asset value per share. As a shareholder in an investment company,
the Fund would bear its  ratable  share of the  investment  company's  expenses,
including its advisory and administrative fees. At the same time, the Fund would
continue to pay its own fees and expenses.

LIQUIDITY.  The  Fund  will  not  invest  more  than  15% of its net  assets  in
securities  determined  by SCMI to be  illiquid.  Certain  securities  that  are
restricted as to resale may nonetheless be resold by the Fund in accordance with
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Such  securities may be
determined by SCMI to be liquid for purposes of compliance  with the  limitation
on the Fund's  investment  in illiquid  securities.  There can,  however,  be no
assurance  that the Fund will be able to sell such  securities  at any time when
SCMI  deems  it  advisable  to  do so or at  prices  prevailing  for  comparable
securities that are more widely held.

ALTERNATIVE  INVESTMENTS.  At times,  SCMI may judge that market conditions make
pursuing  the  Fund's  basic  investment  strategy  inconsistent  with  the best
interests  of  its  shareholders.  At  such  times,  SCMI  may  temporarily  use
alternative strategies,  primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the values
of the Fund's assets. In implementing these "defensive" strategies, the Fund may
invest without limit in U.S. government  obligations and other high-quality debt
instruments  and any other  investment SCMI considers to be consistent with such
defensive strategies, and may hold any portion of its assets in cash.

PORTFOLIO  TURNOVER.  The length of time the Fund has held a particular security
is not  generally  a  consideration  in  investment  decisions.  The  investment
policies  of the Fund may lead to  frequent  changes in the Fund's  investments,
particularly in periods of volatile market movements. A change in the securities
held by the Fund is known as "portfolio  turnover." Portfolio turnover generally
involves some expense to the Fund,  including  brokerage  commissions  or dealer
mark-ups and other  transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment
in other securities.  Such securities sales may result in realization of taxable
capital gain.

HOW TO BUY SHARES

Investors  may  purchase  Advisor  Shares of the Fund  directly  from the Trust.
Prospectuses,  sales material and account  applications can be obtained from the
Trust or through Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the Fund's transfer agent (the
"Transfer Agent"). Investments also may be made through broker-dealers and other
financial  institutions  ("Service  Organizations").  Service  Organizations may
charge their  customers a service fee for processing  orders to purchase or sell
shares. Investors wishing to purchase Shares through their accounts at a Service
Organization   should  contact  that   organization   directly  for  appropriate
instructions. A Service Organization is responsible for forwarding all necessary
documentation to the Trust, and may charge for its services.

The Fund's  Advisor  Shares are offered at the net asset  value  next-determined
after  receipt of a  completed  account  application  (at the  address set forth
below)and your purchase request in good order. The minimum initial investment is
$250,000.  There is no minimum subsequent investment. A Service Organization may
impose higher  minimums on an initial and  subsequent  investment.  All purchase
payments are invested in full and fractional  shares.  The Fund is authorized to
reject any purchase order.

Purchases of Fund shares are subject to a purchase charge of 0.50% of the amount
invested.  This charge is paid to the  Portfolio  and is designed to  compensate
shareholders for the transaction costs incurred in purchasing securities because
of an  investment  in the Fund,  including  brokerage  commissions  in acquiring
portfolio  securities;  currency transaction costs and transfer agent costs; and
to protect the  interests of  shareholders.  This  charge,  which is not a sales
charge,  is  assessed  by the Fund and paid to the  Portfolio,  not to  Schroder
Advisors  or any  other  entity.  The 

                                       11
<PAGE>

purchase   charge  is  not  assessed  on  the   reinvestment   of  dividends  or
distributions or shares purchased through a subscription in kind.

Purchases may be made by mailing a check (in U.S. dollars),  payable to the Fund
to:

                  Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio --
                      Advisor Shares
                  P.O. Box 446
                  Portland, Maine 04112

For initial  purchases,  the check must be  accompanied  by a completed  account
application in proper form. Further documentation, such as corporate resolutions
and   instruments   of   authority,   may  be   requested   from   corporations,
administrators, executors, personal representatives,  directors or custodians to
evidence the authority of the person or entity making the subscription request.

You may make subsequent purchases by mailing a check, by sending a bank wire, or
through your Service  Organization,  as indicated.  All payments  should clearly
indicate the shareholder's name and account number.

Investors and Service  Organizations (on behalf of their customers) may transmit
purchase payments by Federal Reserve Bank wire directly to the Fund as follows:

               The Chase Manhattan Bank
               New York, NY
               ABA No.: 021000021
               For Credit To: Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
               Account. No.: 910-2-718187
               Ref.: Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio --
                        Advisor Shares
               Account of: (shareholder name)
               Account No.: (shareholder account number)

The wire order must  specify  the name of the Fund,  the  shares'  class  (I.E.,
Advisor  Shares),  the account name and number,  address,  confirmation  number,
amount to be wired,  name of the wiring bank,  and name and telephone  number of
the  person  to be  contacted  in  connection  with the  order.  If the  initial
investment  is by wire,  an account  number  will be  assigned,  and a completed
account  application  must be mailed to the Fund before any transaction  will be
effected. Wire orders received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on a day when the  Exchange is open for trading are  processed  at the net asset
value next  determined as of that day. Wire orders  received  after the close of
the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  are  processed  at the  net  asset  value  next
determined.

The Fund's  Transfer Agent  establishes  for each  shareholder of record an open
account to which all shares  purchased  and all  reinvested  dividends and other
distributions  are  credited.  Although most  shareholders  elect not to receive
share  certificates,  certificates  for full  shares can be  obtained by written
request to the Fund's Transfer Agent. No certificates  are issued for fractional
shares.

The  Transfer  Agent will deem an account  lost if six months have passed  since
correspondence  to the shareholder's  address of record is returned,  unless the
Transfer Agent  determines  the  shareholder's  new address.  When an account is
deemed lost, dividends and other distributions are automatically  reinvested. In
addition,  the  amount  of  any  outstanding  checks  for  dividends  and  other
distributions that have been returned to the Transfer Agent are reinvested,  and
the checks are canceled.

DISTRIBUTOR AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN

Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. ("Schroder Advisors"), 787 Seventh Avenue, New York,
New York 10019,  serves as Distributor of the Funds' shares.  Schroder  Advisors
was organized in 1989 as a registered broker-dealer to serve as an administrator
and distributor of each Fund and other mutual funds.

                                       12
<PAGE>

The Fund has  adopted a  Distribution  Plan  pursuant  to which the Fund may pay
Schroder Advisors or others compensation in an amount limited in any fiscal year
to the annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets  attributable
to  its  Advisor  Shares.  The  Funds  presently  make  no  payments  under  the
Distribution Plans,  although the Trustees may at any time authorize payments at
any annual rate of up to 0.50% of a Fund's average daily net assets attributable
to its Advisor Shares.

Payment under a Fund's  Shareholder  Servicing  Plan for Advisor  Shares will be
considered  to have been made pursuant to the Fund's  Distribution  Plan, to the
extent such  payments  may be deemed to be  primarily  intended to result in the
sale of the Fund's Advisor Shares.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN

The Trust has adopted a shareholder  service plan (the  "Service  Plan") for the
Advisor  Shares of each Fund.  Under the  Service  Plan,  each Fund pays fees to
Schroder  Advisors  or others at an  annual  rate of up to 0.25% of the  average
daily net assets of the Fund  represented by Advisor Shares.  Schroder  Advisors
may  enter  into  shareholder  service  agreements  with  Service  Organizations
pursuant  to which the  Service  Organizations  provide  administrative  support
services to their customers who are Fund  shareholders.  In return for providing
these  support  services,  a Service  Organization  may  receive  payments  from
Schroder  Advisors at a rate not exceeding 0.25% of the average daily net assets
of the  Advisor  Shares of each Fund for which the Service  Organization  is the
Service Organization of record.  These administrative  services may include, but
are not  limited  to, the  following  functions:  establishing  and  maintaining
accounts and records relating to clients of the Service Organization;  answering
shareholder  inquiries regarding the manner in which purchases,  exchanges,  and
redemptions  of Advisor  Shares of the Trust may be effected  and other  matters
pertaining to the Trust's services; providing necessary personnel and facilities
to  establish  and  maintain   shareholder   accounts  and  records;   assisting
shareholders  in arranging for  processing  purchase,  exchange,  and redemption
transactions;  arranging  for the  wiring  of  funds;  guaranteeing  shareholder
signatures in  connection  with  redemption  orders and transfers and changes in
shareholder-designated  accounts;  integrating  periodic  statements  with other
customer  transactions;  and  providing  such  other  related  services  as  the
shareholder may request. Payments to a particular Service Organization under the
Service Plan are  calculated  by  reference  to the average  daily net assets of
Advisor Shares owned  beneficially by investors who have a service  relationship
with the Service Organization.  Some Service Organizations may impose additional
conditions  or fees,  such as requiring  clients to invest more than the minimum
amounts required by the Trust for initial or subsequent  investments or charging
a direct fee for  services.  Such fees would be in addition to any amounts which
might be paid to the Service  Organization by Schroder Advisors.  Please contact
your Service Organization for details.

RETIREMENT PLANS AND INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Advisor Shares are offered in connection  with  tax-deferred  retirement  plans,
including  traditional and Roth IRAs.  Application forms and further information
about these plans, including applicable fees, are available upon request. Before
investing in the Fund through one of these plans, investors should consult their
tax advisors.

The Fund may be used as an investment vehicle for an IRA including  SEP-IRA.  An
IRA naming  BankBoston as custodian is available  from the Trust or the Transfer
Agent.  The  minimum  initial  investment  for  an IRA is  $2,000;  the  minimum
subsequent investment is $250. Generally,  contributions and investment earnings
in  a  traditional  IRA  grow   tax-deferred   until  withdrawn.   In  contrast,
contributions  to a Roth IRA are not  tax-deductible,  but  investment  earnings
generally grow tax-free.  IRAs are available to individuals  (and their spouses)
who  receive  compensation  or  earned  income  whether  or not they are  active
participants in a tax-qualified or  government-approved  retirement plan. An IRA
contribution by an individual or spouse who  participates in a tax-qualified  or
government-approved  retirement  plan may not be deductible,  depending upon the
individual's  income.  Individuals  also  may  establish  an  IRA to  receive  a
"rollover"  contribution  of  distributions  from another IRA or qualified plan.
Consult your tax advisor.

                                       13
<PAGE>

EXCHANGES

You may  exchange  the  Fund's  Advisor  Shares for  Advisor  Shares of any fund
offered  by the  Schroder  family of funds so long as the  investment  meets the
initial  investment  minimum of the fund being  purchased,  and the  shareholder
maintains the applicable minimum account balance in the fund in which the Shares
are held. Exchanges between funds are made at net asset value.

For federal income tax purposes an exchange is considered to be a sale of shares
on which a shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. If a shareholder owns
Advisor  Shares through a Service  Organization,  the  shareholder  must make an
exchange through the Service Organization.  If a shareholder owns Advisor Shares
directly,  the shareholder may make an exchange by calling the Transfer Agent at
1-800-344-8332  (see "How to Sell Shares -- By Telephone") or by mailing written
instructions to Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), P.O. Box 446, Portland, Maine
04112. Exchange privileges may be exercised only in those states where shares of
the other funds of the  Schroder  family of funds may legally be sold.  Exchange
privileges  may be  amended  or  terminated  at any time upon  sixty  (60) days'
notice.

HOW TO SELL SHARES

A shareholder can sell his or her Advisor Shares in the Fund to the Fund any day
the New York Stock Exchange is open, either through the Service  Organization or
directly to the Fund. If Shares are held in the name of a Service  Organization,
a shareholder  may only sell the shares through that Service  Organization.  The
Trust will only redeem shares for which it has received payment.

Advisor  Shares are  redeemed  at their next  determined  net asset  value after
receipt by the Fund (see the address  set forth under "How to Buy  Shares") of a
redemption request in proper form.  Redemption  requests that are received prior
to the  close  of the  Exchange  on a day on  which  the  Exchange  is open  are
processed at the net asset value determined as of that day.  Redemption requests
that are received after the close of the Exchange are processed at the net asset
value next determined. See "Net Asset Value".

TELEPHONE REQUESTS

Redemption  requests may be made by a shareholder of record by  telephoning  the
Transfer Agent at the telephone number on the cover page of this  Prospectus.  A
shareholder must provide the Transfer Agent with the class of shares, the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed,  shareholder account number, and some
additional form of identification such as a password.  A redemption by telephone
may be made only if the telephone  redemption  privilege option has been elected
on the account  application  or  otherwise  in writing.  In an effort to prevent
unauthorized  or  fraudulent   redemption  requests  by  telephone,   reasonable
procedures  will be followed by the  Transfer  Agent to confirm  that  telephone
instructions are genuine. The Transfer Agent and the Trust generally will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests, but
either or both may be liable if they do not follow these procedures.  Shares for
which  certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.  In times
of drastic  economic or market change it may be difficult to make redemptions by
telephone.  If a  shareholder  cannot  reach the  Transfer  Agent by  telephone,
redemption requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.

WRITTEN REQUESTS

Redemptions  may be made by a  shareholder  of  record  by  letter  to the  Fund
specifying  the class of  Shares,  the  dollar  amount or number of Shares to be
redeemed,  and the shareholder account number. The letter must also be signed in
exactly the same way the account is registered  (if there is more than one owner
of the  Shares,  all must  sign)  and,  in  certain  cases,  signatures  must be
guaranteed by an  institution  that is acceptable  to the Transfer  Agent.  Such
institutions  include certain banks,  brokers,  dealers (including municipal and
government   securities   brokers  and  dealers),   credit  unions  and  savings
associations.  Notaries public are not acceptable.  Further documentation may be
requested  to  evidence  the  authority  of the  person  or  entity  making  the
redemption request.  Questions  concerning the need for signature  guarantees or
documentation  of authority  should be directed to the Fund at the above address
or by calling the 1-800-290-9826.

                                       14
<PAGE>

If Advisor Shares to be redeemed are held in certificate  form, the certificates
must be enclosed with the redemption  request,  and the  assignment  form on the
back of the  certificates  (or an assignment  separate from the certificates but
accompanied  by the  certificates)  must be signed by all owners in exactly  the
same  way the  owners'  names  are  written  on the  face  of the  certificates.
Requirements  for  signature  guarantees  and/or  documentation  of authority as
described above could also apply. For your  protection,  the Trust suggests that
certificates be sent by registered mail.

ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION  INFORMATION.  Checks for redemption proceeds normally are
mailed  within  seven days.  No  redemption  proceeds are mailed until checks in
payment for the purchase of the Advisor Shares to be redeemed have been cleared,
which may take up to 15  calendar  days from the  purchase  date.  Unless  other
instructions  are given in proper form, a check for the proceeds of a redemption
is sent to the shareholder's address of record.

The Fund may suspend the right of redemption during any period when: (1) trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or that the New York Stock Exchange
is  closed;  (2) the SEC  has by  order  permitted  such  suspension;  or (3) an
emergency (as defined by rules of the SEC) exists  making  disposal of portfolio
investments  or  determination  of the  Fund's  net asset  value not  reasonably
practicable.

If the Board of Trustees  determines  that it would be  detrimental  to the best
interest of the  remaining  shareholders  of the Fund to make payment  wholly or
partly  in cash,  the Fund may  redeem  Advisor  Shares in whole or in part by a
distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities  in lieu of cash.  The Fund will,
however, redeem Advisor Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1%
of net assets  during any 90-day  period for any one  shareholder.  In the event
that payment for redeemed  Advisor  Shares is made wholly or partly in portfolio
securities,  the  shareholder  may be subject to  additional  risks and costs in
converting the securities to cash.
See "Additional Purchase and Redemption Information" in the SAI.

The proceeds of a redemption  may be more or less than the amount  invested and,
therefore,  a  redemption  may result in a gain or loss for  federal  income tax
purposes.

Due to the  relatively  high  cost of  maintaining  smaller  accounts,  the Fund
reserves the right to redeem shares in any account (other than an IRA) if at any
time the account does not have a value of at least $100,000, unless the value of
the  account  falls  below that  amount  solely as a result of market  activity.
Shareholders  will be  notified  that the value of the  account is less than the
required  minimum  and will be  allowed  at least 30 days to make an  additional
investment  to increase  the account  balance to at least the  required  minimum
amount.

The Trust may also redeem shares if a shareholder  owns shares of any Fund above
a maximum  amount set by the  Trustees.  There is currently no maximum,  but the
Trustees may  establish  one at any time,  which could apply to both present and
future shareholders.

OTHER INFORMATION

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The Fund  calculates  the net asset value of its Advisor  Shares by dividing the
total  value  of  its  assets  attributable  to its  Advisor  Shares,  less  its
liabilities  attributable  to those shares,  by the number of its Advisor Shares
outstanding.  Shares are valued as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (
normally  4:00 p.m.  Eastern  time)  each day the  Exchange  is open.  Portfolio
securities  for which  market  quotations  are readily  available  are stated at
market  value.  Short-term  investments  that will mature in 60 days or less are
stated at amortized cost, which approximates  market value. All other securities
and assets are valued at their fair  values  determined  by SCMI.  The net asset
value of the Fund's Advisor Shares will generally  differ from that of its other
classes  of shares  due to the  variance  in daily net  income  realized  by and
dividends paid on each class of shares,  and  differences in the expenses of the
different classes. All assets and liabilities of the Fund denominated in foreign
currencies are valued in U.S.  dollars based on the exchange rate last quoted by
a major  bank  prior  to the  time  when  the net  asset  value  of the  Fund is
calculated.

                                       15
<PAGE>

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

The Fund distributes any net investment income and any net realized capital gain
at least annually.  Distributions  from net capital gain are made after applying
any available capital loss carryovers.

DISTRIBUTION  OPTIONS:  (1) reinvest all  distributions  in  additional  Advisor
Shares of the Fund; (2) receive distributions from net investment income in cash
while reinvesting  capital-gain  distributions in additional Advisor Shares; (3)
receive  distributions  from net investment income in additional  Advisor Shares
while  receiving  capital-gain   distributions  in  cash;  or  (4)  receive  all
distributions  in cash.  An  investor  can  change  the  distribution  option by
notifying  the Transfer  Agent in writing.  If the  investor  does not select an
option  when the  account  is  opened,  all  distributions  by the Fund  will be
reinvested  in Advisor  Shares of the Fund.  Investors  will receive a statement
confirming  reinvestment  of  distributions  in additional  Fund shares promptly
following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.

TAXES

The Fund  intends to qualify as a  "regulated  investment  company"  for federal
income tax purposes and to meet all other requirements that are necessary for it
to  be  relieved  of  federal  taxes  on  income  and  gain  it  distributes  to
shareholders.  The Fund will distribute  substantially all of its net investment
income and net capital gain income on a current basis.

All Fund  distributions  will be taxable to a  shareholder  as ordinary  income,
except that any  distributions  of net  long-term  capital gain will be taxed as
such,  regardless  of how long the  shareholder  has held the shares.  Long-term
capital gain will be subject to a maximum rate of 28% or 20%, depending upon the
holding period of the portfolio  investment  generating the gain.  Distributions
will be taxable as described above whether received in cash or in shares through
the reinvestment of distributions.

Early in each year the Trust will notify each  shareholder of the amount and tax
status of  distributions  paid to the  shareholder by the Fund for the preceding
year.

The  foregoing  is a summary  of certain  federal  income  tax  consequences  of
investing in the Fund.  Investors should consult their tax advisors to determine
the  precise  effect  of an  investment  in the  Fund on  their  particular  tax
situation.

CERTAIN  INFORMATION  REGARDING  FOREIGN TAXES.  Foreign  governments may impose
taxes on the Fund, the Portfolio,  and their investments,  which generally would
reduce the  income of the Fund or the  Portfolio.  However,  an  offsetting  tax
credit or deduction may be available to investors.

The Fund,  provided that it is eligible to do so, intends to elect to permit its
shareholders  to take a credit (or a deduction)  for the Fund's share of foreign
income  taxes  paid by the Fund.  If the Fund does  make such an  election,  its
shareholders  would include as gross income in their federal  income tax returns
both: (1) distributions  received from the Fund and (2) the amount that the Fund
advises is their pro rata  portion of foreign  income taxes paid with respect to
or  withheld  from  dividends  and  interest  paid to the Fund from its  foreign
investments. Shareholders then would be entitled, subject to certain limitations
(  including,   with  respect  to  a  foreign  tax  credit,   a  holding  period
requirement),  to take a foreign tax credit  against  their  federal  income tax
liability  for the amount of such  foreign  taxes or else to deduct such foreign
taxes as an itemized deduction from gross income.

THE PORTFOLIO

The Portfolio is not required to pay federal income tax because it is classified
as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. All interest,  dividends, gain
and losses of the Portfolio will be deemed to have been "passed  through" to the
Fund in proportion to the Fund's holdings in the Portfolio regardless of whether
such interest, dividends or gain have been distributed by the Portfolio.

                                       16
<PAGE>

The Portfolio  intends to conduct its operations so as to enable the Fund, if it
invests all of its assets in the Portfolio, to qualify as a regulated investment
company.

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

The Board of Trustees of the Trust is responsible  for generally  overseeing the
conduct of the Trust's  business.  The business and affairs of the Portfolio are
managed under the  direction of the Board of Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds
(the "Core").  Information  regarding the Trustees and executive officers of the
Trust, as well as the trustees and executive  officers of the Core, may be found
in the SAI under "Management --Trustees and Officers".

Schroder Capital Management  International Inc. is the investment adviser to the
Fund.  SCMI is a wholly owned U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc.,
which engages  through its  subsidiary  firms in the investment  banking,  asset
management and securities businesses. Affiliates of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc.
(or their  predecessors) have been investment  managers since 1927. SCMI and its
United Kingdom  affiliate,  Schroder  Capital  Management  International,  Ltd.,
served as investment  managers for approximately $28 billion in the aggregate as
of September 30, 1997. Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc. is an indirect, wholly owned
U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders  plc, a publicly owned holding  company  organized
under the laws of England.  Schroders plc and its affiliates  ("Schroder Group")
engage in international  merchant banking and investment management  businesses,
and as of September 30, 1997, had under management  assets of over $175 billion.
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.  ("Schroder  Advisors") is a wholly owned subsidiary
of SCMI.

SCMI also serves as investment  adviser to the Portfolio.  SCMI is entitled to a
monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's  average daily net assets.
The Fund, due to its investment in the Portfolio,  bears a proportionate part of
the  management  fees  paid by the  Portfolio  (based on the  percentage  of the
Portfolio's assets attributable to the Fund).

The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with SCMI pursuant to
which SCMI would  manage the Fund's  assets  directly in the event that the Fund
were to cease  investing  substantially  all of its assets in the  Portfolio (or
another investment company). SCMI is not entitled to receive any fees under that
agreement  so long as the Fund  continues  to  invest  substantially  all of its
assets in the Portfolio (or another investment company).  If SCMI were to manage
the Fund's assets  directly under the investment  advisory  agreement,  the Fund
would pay fees to SCMI monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets.

ADMINISTRATIVE  SERVICES.  The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into an
administration  agreement  with  Schroder  Advisors  pursuant to which  Schroder
Advisors provides certain management and  administrative  services necessary the
Fund.  The Trust,  on behalf of the Fund,  has entered into a  subadministration
agreement  with  Forum  Administrative   Services,  LLC,  Two  Portland  Square,
Portland,  Maine  04101  ("FAdS"),  pursuant  to  which  FAdS  provides  certain
management  and  administrative  services  necessary for the Fund's  operations.
Schroder  Advisors is entitled to compensation at an annual rate of 0.05% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.  FAdS is entitled to compensation at the annual
rate of 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

Schroder Advisors and FAdS also serve as administrator and  subadministrator  to
Schroder  Emerging  Markets Fund  Institutional  Portfolio  of Schroder  Capital
Funds.  The  Portfolio  pays   administration  fees  to  Schroder  Advisors  and
subadministration  fees to FAdS  monthly  at an  annual  rate of .10% and  .05%,
respectively,  of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Fund, due to its
investment in the Portfolio,  bears a proportionate  part of the  administration
and subadministration fees paid by the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the
Portfolio's assets attributable to the Fund).

In order  to  limit  the  Fund's  expenses,  SCMI  and  Schroder  Advisors  have
voluntarily  agreed to reduce their  compensation  (and,  if  necessary,  to pay
certain  expenses  of the Fund) with  respect to the Fund to the extent that the
Fund's  expenses  chargeable to Advisor  Shares exceed the annual rate of 1.70%.
FAdS may waive  voluntarily all or a portion of its subadvisory  fees, from time
to time. The Trust pays all expenses not assumed by SCMI and 

                                       17
<PAGE>

Schroder Advisors,  including Trustees' fees, auditing,  legal,  custodial,  and
investor servicing, and shareholder reporting expenses.

   
SCMI's investment  decisions for the Portfolio are made by an investment manager
or an investment  team, with the assistance of an investment  committee at SCMI.
Mr. John A.  Troiano,  a Vice  President  of the Trust and of  Schroder  Capital
Funds, and Chief Executive of SCMI, Ms. Heather Crighton, a First Vice President
of SCMI,  and Mr.  Mark  Bridgeman,  a Vice  President  of SCMI,  are  primarily
responsible for managing Schroder Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio,
in which the Fund invests.  Mr. Troiano managed the Fund's investment  portfolio
from its inception until it invested its assets in the Portfolio and has managed
the Portfolio's assets since its inception.
    

SCMI  places all  orders for  purchases  and sales of the Fund'  securities.  In
selecting  broker-dealers,  SCMI may consider  research and  brokerage  services
furnished to it and its affiliates.  Schroder & Co. Inc. and Schroder Securities
Limited,  affiliates of SCMI, may receive brokerage commissions from the Fund in
accordance  with  procedures  adopted by the  Trustees  under the 1940 Act which
require  periodic  review of these  transactions.  Subject to  seeking  the most
favorable  price and execution  available,  SCMI may consider sales of shares of
the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers.

YEAR 2000

The  Fund  receives  services  from  its  investment  adviser,   administrators,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian which rely on the smooth  functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform those services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the year 1999 because of the inability
of the software to distinguish  the year 2000 from the year 1900. SCMI is taking
steps that is believes are  reasonably  designed to address this  potential Year
2000 problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that  comparable  steps are
being taken by each of the Fund's other major service providers. There can be no
assurance,  however,  that these steps will be  sufficient  to avoid any adverse
impact on the Funds from this problem.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Total return data  relating to Advisor  Shares of the Fund may from time to time
be included  in  advertisements  about the Fund.  The Fund's  total  return with
respect to Advisor  Shares is calculated for the past year, the past five years,
and the past ten years (or if the Fund's  Advisor Shares have been offered for a
period shorter than five or ten years,  that period will be  substituted)  since
the  establishment of the Fund, as more fully described in the SAI. Total return
quotations assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid.

ALL  DATA  ARE  BASED  ON PAST  INVESTMENT  RESULTS  AND DO NOT  PREDICT  FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.  Investment  performance of the Fund's Advisor  Shares,  which will
vary, is based on many factors,  including market conditions, the composition of
the Fund's  portfolio,  and the Fund's  operating  expenses  attributable to its
Advisor Shares.  Investment performance also often reflects the risks associated
with the Fund's investment  objectives and policies.  Quotations of total return
for any period when an expense  limitation  is in effect will be greater than if
the limitation had not been in effect.  These factors should be considered  when
comparing  the  investment  results  of the  Fund's  Advisor  Shares to those of
various classes of other mutual Funds and other investment vehicles. Performance
for the Fund's  Advisor Shares may be compared to various  indices.  See the SAI
for a fuller discussion of performance information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

The Trust was organized as a Maryland corporation on July 30, 1969,  reorganized
on February  29, 1988 as Schroder  Capital  Funds,  Inc.  and  reorganized  as a
Delaware business trust on January 9, 1996. The Trust has an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided
into an  unlimited  number of  series of such  shares,  which,  in turn,  may be
divided into an unlimited  number of classes of such shares.  The Trust's shares
of beneficial  interest are presently  divided into nine different  series.  The
Fund's shares are presently divided into two classes,  Advisor Shares, which are
offered through this Prospectus,  and 

                                       18
<PAGE>

Investor Shares, which are offered through a separate prospectus. Unlike Advisor
Shares,  Investor Shares are not subject to shareholder service and distribution
fees, which will affect their performance relative to Investor Shares. To obtain
more  information   about  Investor  Shares,   contact  Schroder  Capital  Funds
(Delaware) at 1-800  290-9826.  The Trust's  principal  office is located at Two
Portland   Square,   Portland,   Maine  04101,   and  its  telephone  number  is
1-207-879-8903.

Each  share  has  one  vote,  with  fractional  shares  voting   proportionally.
Shareholders  of a class of shares  or series  generally  have  separate  voting
rights  with  respect  to matters  that  affect  only that class or series.  See
"Organization and Capitalization" in the SAI. Shares are freely transferable and
are entitled to dividends and other  distributions  as declared by the Trustees.
Dividends paid by the Fund on its two classes of shares will normally  differ in
amount due to the differing expenses borne by the two classes.  If the Fund were
liquidated,  each  class of  shares  would  receive  the net  assets of the Fund
attributable to that class.  The Trust may suspend the sale of the Fund's shares
at any time and may refuse any order to purchase  shares.  Although the Trust is
not required to hold annual meetings of its shareholders,  shareholders have the
right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees, or to take other actions as
provided in the Declaration of Trust.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO

The Fund seeks to achieve  its  investment  objective  by  investing  all of its
investable assets in the Portfolio,  which has the same investment objective and
similar  policies.  In that way, the Portfolio  acquires  investment  securities
directly,  and the Fund  acquires  an  indirect  interest  in those  securities.
Schroder Capital Funds is a business trust organized under the laws of the State
of Delaware in September 1995.  Schroder  Capital Funds is registered  under the
1940  Act as an  open-end  management  investment  company.  The  assets  of the
Portfolio  belong only to, and the liabilities of the Portfolio are borne solely
by, that Portfolio and no other portfolio of Schroder Capital Funds.

The Fund's  investment  in the  Portfolio  is in the form of a  non-transferable
beneficial  interest.  All other  investors in the Portfolio  invest on the same
terms  and  conditions  as  the  Fund  and  pay a  proportionate  share  of  the
Portfolio's expenses.

The Portfolio normally will not hold meetings of investors except as required by
the 1940 Act.  Each  investor in the Portfolio is entitled to vote in proportion
to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues subject to
a vote of investors,  in accordance  with  applicable  law the Board of Trustees
will either: (1) solicit voting  instructions from Fund shareholders with regard
to the  voting of all  proxies  with  respect  to a Fund's  shares and vote such
proxies in accordance with such instructions,  or (2) vote the interests held by
a Fund  in the  same  proportion  as  the  vote  of  all  other  holders  of the
Portfolio's interests.. If there are other investors in the Portfolio, there can
be no  assurance  that any issue that  receives a majority  of the votes cast by
Fund  shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast by all investors in the
Portfolio; indeed, if other investors hold a majority interest in the Portfolio,
they could have voting control of the Portfolio.

The  Portfolio  does not sell its shares  directly  to  members  of the  general
public.  Another investor in the Portfolio,  such as an investment company, that
might sell its shares to members of the general  public would not be required to
sell its  shares at the same  public  offering  price as the Fund and could have
different fees and expenses than the Fund. Therefore, Fund shareholders may have
different returns than shareholders in another  investment  company that invests
exclusively in the Portfolio.  Information regarding any such fund in the future
will be available by calling 1-800-730-2932.

Under  federal  securities  law, any person or entity that signs a  registration
statement may be liable for a misstatement of a material fact in, or omission of
a material fact from, the  registration  statement.  Schroder Capital Funds, its
Trustees,  and certain of its  officers  are  required to sign the  registration
statement of the Trust and may be required to sign the  registration  statements
of certain other investors in the Portfolio. In addition, Schroder Capital Funds
may be liable for  misstatements  or omissions  of a material  fact in any proxy
soliciting  material of an investor in the Portfolio,  including the Fund.  Each
investor  in the  Portfolio,  including  the Trust,  is  required  to  indemnify
Schroder Capital Funds and its Trustees and officers ("SCF Indemnitees") against
certain claims.

                                       19
<PAGE>

Indemnified  claims  are  those  brought  against  SCF  Indemnitees  based  on a
misstatement  of a material  fact in, or  omission  of a material  fact from,  a
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder  Capital  Funds and was  supplied to the  investor by Schroder  Capital
Funds. Similarly,  Schroder Capital Funds is required to indemnify each investor
in the  Portfolio,  including  the Fund,  for any  claims  brought  against  the
investor  with  respect  to  the  investor's  registration  statement  or  proxy
materials,  to the extent the claim is based on a misstatement  or omission of a
material  fact  relating to  information  about  Schroder  Capital Funds that is
supplied to the investor by Schroder Capital Funds.

The Fund's  investment  in the Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other
large  investors in the  Portfolio;  for example,  if the  Portfolio had a large
investor  other than the Fund that redeemed its interest in the  Portfolio,  the
Portfolio's  remaining  investors  (including  the  Fund)  might,  as a  result,
experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.

The Fund may withdraw its entire  investment  from the Portfolio at any time, if
the Trust Board  determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders to do so. The Fund might withdraw, for example, if there were other
investors in the Portfolio who, by a vote of the  shareholders  of all investors
(including  the Fund),  changed  the  investment  objective  or  policies of the
Portfolio  in a manner not  acceptable  to the Trust Board.  A withdrawal  could
result in a distribution  in kind of portfolio  securities (as opposed to a cash
distribution)  by  the  Portfolio.  That  distribution  could  result  in a less
diversified portfolio of investments for the Fund and could affect adversely the
liquidity  of the  Fund's  portfolio.  If the  Fund  decided  to  convert  those
securities to cash, it would likely incur  brokerage  fees or other  transaction
costs. If the Fund should withdraw its investment from the Portfolio,  the Trust
Board would consider appropriate  alternatives,  including the management of the
Fund's assets in accordance with its investment  objective and policies by SCMI,
or the  investment  of all of the Fund's  investable  assets in  another  pooled
investment  entity having  substantially  the same  investment  objective as the
Fund. The inability of the Fund to find a suitable  replacement  investment,  if
the Board decided not to permit SCMI to manage the Fund's  assets,  could have a
significant adverse impact on shareholders of the Fund.

Each  investor  in the  Portfolio,  including  the Fund,  may be liable  for all
obligations  of the  Portfolio.  The risk to an  investor  in the  Portfolio  of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence  of which  SCMI  considers  to be  remote.  Upon  liquidation  of the
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.

As of February 1, 1998, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation held in excess of 25%
of the shares of the Fund and,  accordingly,  may be deemed to control  the Fund
for purposes of the 1940 Act.

                                       20
<PAGE>





                                   APPENDIX A


                      RATINGS OF CORPORATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS



MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC. ("MOODY'S")

FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS

"Aaa" Fixed-income securities which are rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the best
quality.  They carry the smallest  degree of  investment  risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge".  Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally   stable  margin  and  principal  is  secure.  While  the  various
protective  elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

"Aa"  Fixed-income  securities  which  are rated  "Aa" are  judged to be of high
quality by all  standards.  Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade fixed-income securities. They are rated lower than
the best  fixed-income  securities  because  margins of protection may not be as
large as in "Aaa"  securities or  fluctuation  of protective  elements may be of
greater  amplitude  or  there  may be  other  elements  present  which  make the
long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa" securities.

"A"  Fixed-income   securities  which  are  rated  "A"  possess  many  favorable
investment   attributes   and  are  to  be  considered  as  upper  medium  grade
obligations.  Factors  giving  security to principal and interest are considered
adequate,  but  elements  may be  present  which  suggest  a  susceptibility  to
impairment sometime in the future.

"Baa"  Fixed-income  securities  which are rated "Baa" are  considered as medium
grade  obligations;  i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest  payments and principal  security  appear  adequate for the present but
certain  protective  elements  may  be  lacking  or  may  be  characteristically
unreliable  over any great length of time.  Such  fixed-income  securities  lack
outstanding   investment   characteristics   and  in   fact   have   speculative
characteristics as well.

         Fixed-income securities rated "Aaa", "Aa", "A" and "Baa" are considered
investment grade.

"Ba" Fixed-income securities which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative
elements;  their  future  cannot  be  considered  as  well  assured.  Often  the
protection  of  interest  and  principal  payments  may be  very  moderate,  and
therefore  not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times in the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

"B" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "B" generally lack  characteristics
of the desirable investment.  Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance  of other terms of the contract  over any long period of time may be
small.

"Caa" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing.  Such
issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect
to principal or interest.

"Ca" Fixed-income  securities which are rated "Ca" present obligations which are
speculative  in a high  degree.  Such  issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

"C"  Fixed-income  securities  which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of
fixed-income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely
poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

         Rating Refinements:  Moody's may apply numerical  modifiers,  "1", "2",
and "3" in each  generic  rating  classification  from "Aa"  through  "B" in its
municipal  fixed-income  security rating system. The modifier "1" indicates that
the  security  ranks in the  higher  end of its  generic  rating  category;  the
modifier "2" indicates a mid-range  ranking;  and a modifier "3" indicates  that
the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         Moody's  Commercial  Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay
punctually  promissory  obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal  Commercial Paper as well as taxable
Commercial Paper.  Moody's employs the following three designations,  all judged
to be investment  grade,  to indicate the relative  repayment  capacity of rated
issuers: "Prime-1", "Prime-2", "Prime-3".

         Issuers  rated  "Prime-1"  have a superior  capacity  for  repayment of
short-term  promissory  obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Prime-2"  have  a  strong
capacity for repayment of short-term promissory  obligations;  and Issuers rated
"Prime-3"  have an acceptable  capacity for  repayment of short-term  promissory
obligations.  Issuers  rated  "Not  Prime" do not fall  within  any of the Prime
rating categories.


STANDARD & POOR'S RATING GROUP("STANDARD & POOR'S")

FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS

         A  Standard  &  Poor's  fixed-income   security  rating  is  a  current
assessment  of the  creditworthiness  of an obligor  with  respect to a specific
obligation.  This  assessment  may  take  into  consideration  obligors  such as
guarantors, insurers, or lessees.

         The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by  Standard & Poor's from other  sources it  considers  reliable.  The
ratings are based,  in varying  degrees,  on the following  considerations:  (1)
likelihood of  default-capacity  and willingness of the obligor as to the timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal in  accordance  with the terms of
the  obligation;  (2)  nature  of and  provisions  of the  obligation;  and  (3)
protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.

         Standard  & Poor's  does not  perform an audit in  connection  with any
rating and may,  on  occasion,  rely on  unaudited  financial  information.  The
ratings may be changed,  suspended  or  withdrawn  as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or for other reasons.

"AAA"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by
Standard & Poor's.  Capacity to pay  interest  and repay  principal is extremely
strong.

"AA"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "AA" have a very  strong  capacity  to pay
interest and repay principal and differs from the  highest-rated  issues only in
small degree.

"A" Fixed-income securities rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay interest and
repay  principal  although  they are somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances  and economic  conditions than  fixed-income
securities in higher-rated categories.

"BBB"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "BBB" are  regarded as having an adequate
capacity to pay  interest  and repay  principal.  Whereas it  normally  exhibits
adequate  protection   parameters,   adverse  economic  conditions  or  changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay  principal  for   fixed-income   securities  in  this  category  than  for
fixed-income securities in higher-rated categories.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

         Fixed-income securities rated "AAA", "AA", "A" and "BBB" are considered
investment grade.

"BB"  Fixed-income  securities  rated "BB" have less near-term  vulnerability to
default than other speculative grade fixed-income securities.  However, it faces
major  ongoing  uncertainties  or exposure  to adverse  business,  financial  or
economic  conditions  which could lead to inadequate  capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.

"B" Fixed-income  securities  rated "B" have a greater  vulnerability to default
but  presently  have  the  capacity  to meet  interest  payments  and  principal
repayments.  Adverse  business,  financial or economic  conditions  would likely
impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.

"CCC"   Fixed-income   securities  rated  "CCC"  have  a  current   identifiable
vulnerability to default,  and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business,
financial  and  economic  conditions  to meet timely  payments  of interest  and
repayments of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic
conditions,  it is not likely to have the  capacity  to pay  interest  and repay
principal.

"CC"  The  rating  "CC"  is  typically   applied  to   fixed-income   securities
subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.

"C" The rating "C" is typically applied to fixed-income  securities subordinated
to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" rating.

"CI"  The  rating  "CI" is  reserved  for  fixed-income  securities  on which no
interest is being paid.

"NR" Indicates  that no rating has been  requested,  that there is  insufficient
information  on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

         Fixed-income  securities  rated  "BB",  "B",  "CCC",  "CC"  and "C" are
regarded as having  predominantly  speculative  characteristics  with respect to
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of
speculation and "C" the highest degree of speculation.  While such  fixed-income
securities will likely have some quality and protective  characteristics,  these
are  out-weighed  by large  uncertainties  or major  risk  exposures  to adverse
conditions.

         Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from "AA" TO "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show  relative  standing  with the major
ratings categories.

COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

         Standard & Poor's  commercial  paper rating is a current  assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original  maturity of no more
than 365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a  recommendation  to purchase
or sell a security.  The ratings are based upon current information furnished by
the issuer or  obtained by  Standard & Poor's  from other  sources it  considers
reliable.  The ratings may be changed,  suspended,  or  withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information.  Ratings are graded into group
categories,  ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.

         Issues  assigned  "A"  ratings  are  regarded  as having  the  greatest
capacity for timely  payment.  Issues in this category are further  refined with
the designation "1", "2", and "3" to indicate the relative degree of safety.

"A-1"  Indicates  that the  degree of safety  regarding  timely  payment is very
strong.

"A-2" Indicates  capacity for timely payment on issues with this  designation is
strong.  However,  the relative  degree of safety is not as  overwhelming as for
issues designated "A-1".

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

"A-3" Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying
this designation are,  however,  somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects
of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>





TABLE OF CONTENTS

FUND STRUCTURE................................. 2

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS........................... 4

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  AND POLICIES................................. 5

HOW TO BUY SHARES..............................11

HOW TO SELL SHARES.............................14

OTHER INFORMATION..............................15

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST........................17

APPEND IX A - Description of Securities
  Ratings Appendix..........................A-1



<PAGE>





                                     [Logo]





                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)



                         SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
                             INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO


                        Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
                                  P.O. Box 446
                              Portland, Maine 04112
                                 1-800-290-9826




                                 ADVISOR SHARES



                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                                   MARCH 1, 1998




<PAGE>



INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Schroder Capital Management International Inc.
787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, New York 10019

ADMINISTRATOR & DISTRIBUTOR
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
787 Seventh Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, New York 10019

SUBADMINISTRATOR
Forum Administrative Services, LLC
Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04101

CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank
Chase MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, New York 11245
and
Global Custody Division
125 London Wall
London EC2Y 5AJ, United Kingdom

TRANSFER & DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
PO Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112

COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109



<PAGE>


                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)

                           SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
                         SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
                  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
                        SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
                            SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
                      SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
                             SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND

                  COMBINED STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                  MARCH 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTMENT ADVISER
- ------------------
Schroder Capital Management International Inc. ("SCMI")

ADMINISTRATOR AND DISTRIBUTOR
- -----------------------------
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. ("Schroder Advisors")

SUBADMINISTRATOR
- ----------------
Forum Administrative Services, LLC ("FAdS")

TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
- --------------------------------------------
Forum Shareholder Services, LLC ("Forum")

GENERAL INFORMATION:                1-207-879-8903
ACCOUNT INFORMATION:                1-800-344-8332
FAX:                                1-207-879-6206

Investor Shares of SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL FUND, SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND,
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND,
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND,  SCHRODER U.S.  SMALLER  COMPANIES FUND, and SCHRODER
MICRO CAP FUND (each,  a "Fund" and  collectively,  the "Funds") are offered for
sale at net asset  value  with no sales  charge  as an  investment  vehicle  for
individuals,  institutions,  corporations  and  fiduciaries.  The Funds' Advisor
Shares also are offered for sale at net asset value to individual investors,  in
most cases through Service  Organizations  (as defined in the  prospectuses)  at
lower investment minimums but higher expenses than Investor Shares.

This Combined  Statement of Additional  Information  ("SAI") is not a prospectus
and is authorized  for  distribution  only when preceded or  accompanied  by the
Funds' current  combined  prospectus dated March 1, 1998, as may be amended from
time to time for each of the Investor  Shares and the Advisor  Shares  (each,  a
"Prospectus" and, together,  the  "Prospectuses").  This SAI contains additional
and more detailed  information than that set forth in each Prospectus and should
be read in conjunction  with the  applicable  Prospectus and retained for future
reference.  The Prospectuses and this SAI are available along with other related
materials for reference on the SEC's Internet Web Site (http://www.sec.gov). All
terms used in this SAI that are  defined in the  Prospectuses  have the  meaning
assigned  in  the  Prospectuses.  You  may  obtain  an  additional  copy  of the
applicable Prospectus(es) without charge by writing to the Trust at Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101 or calling the numbers listed above.

<PAGE>

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
  OF THE TRUST AND RISK
  CONSIDERATIONS....................................3
Options.............................................3
Futures Contracts...................................5
Special Risks of Transactions in Futures
  Contracts and Related Options.....................8
Forward Commitments.................................9
Repurchase Agreements...............................9
When-Issued Securities..............................9
Loans of Fund Securities...........................10
Foreign Securities.................................10
Foreign Currency Transactions......................11
Zero-Coupon Securities.............................13
Short Sales........................................14
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS............................15
MANAGEMENT.........................................23
Officers and Trustees..............................23
Control Persons and Principal Holders
  of Securities....................................26
Administrative Services............................27
Distribution of Fund Shares........................27
Shareholder Service Plan and
  Service Organization.............................28
Fund Accounting....................................29
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.............................30
Investment Decisions...............................30
Brokerage and Research Services....................30
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND
  REDEMPTION INFORMATION...........................32
Determination of Net Asset Value Per Share.........32
Redemption In-Kind.................................32
TAXATION...........................................32
OTHER INFORMATION..................................35
Fund Structure.....................................35
Organization of the Trust..........................37
Capitalization and Voting..........................38
Performance Information............................38
Principal Shareholders.............................39
Custodian..........................................39
Transfer Agent and Dividend
  Disbursing Agent.................................39
Legal Counsel......................................39
Independent Accountant.............................39
Year 2000 Disclosure...............................40
Registration Statement.............................40
Financial Statements...............................40
APPENDIX A - PERFORMANCE INFORMATION .............A-1
APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES.................B-1


                                       2
<PAGE>


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE TRUST
AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

         The Trust  offers  shares of  beneficial  interest of seven series (the
"Funds") with  separate  investment  objectives  and  policies.  The  investment
objectives  and policies of the Funds are  described in the  Prospectuses.  This
Statement  contains   additional   information   concerning  certain  investment
practices and investment restrictions of the Trust and the Funds.

         Except  as  described  below  under  "Investment   Restrictions",   the
investment  objectives  and  policies  described in the  Prospectus  and in this
Statement  are not  fundamental,  and the  Board  of  Trustees  may  change  the
non-fundamental  policies of a Fund without an affirmative  vote of shareholders
of a Fund.

         Except as otherwise noted below, the following  descriptions of certain
investment policies and techniques are applicable to all of the Funds.

OPTIONS

         Each Fund may  purchase  and sell  covered put and call  options on its
portfolio  securities to enhance  investment  performance and to protect against
changes in market prices.

         COVERED  CALL  OPTIONS.  A Fund may write  covered  call options on its
securities to realize a greater  current  return through the receipt of premiums
than it would realize on its securities alone. Such option transactions may also
be used  as a  limited  form of  hedging  against  a  decline  in the  price  of
securities owned by the Fund.

         A call option gives the holder the right to purchase, and obligates the
writer  to sell,  a  security  at the  exercise  price at any  time  before  the
expiration  date. A call option is  "covered" if the writer,  at all times while
obligated as a writer,  either owns the  underlying  securities  (or  comparable
securities  satisfying the cover requirements of the securities  exchanges),  or
has the  right to  acquire  such  securities  through  immediate  conversion  of
securities.

         In return  for the  premium  received  when it  writes a  covered  call
option,  the Fund  gives up some or all of the  opportunity  to  profit  from an
increase in the market price of the  securities  covering the call option during
the life of the  option.  The Fund  retains the risk of loss should the price of
such securities decline. If the option expires unexercised,  the Fund realizes a
gain  equal to the  premium,  which may be  offset by a decline  in price of the
underlying  security.  If the option is  exercised,  the Fund realizes a gain or
loss equal to the difference between the Fund's cost for the underlying security
and the proceeds of sale (exercise price minus  commissions)  plus the amount of
the premium.

         A Fund may  terminate  a call  option  that it has  written  before  it
expires by entering into a closing purchase  transaction.  A Fund may enter into
closing  purchase  transactions  in order to free itself to sell the  underlying
security  or to write  another  call on the  security,  realize  a  profit  on a
previously  written call option,  or protect a security  from being called in an
unexpected  market rise. Any profits from a closing purchase  transaction may be
offset by a decline in the value of the underlying security. Conversely, because
increases in the market price of a call option will generally  reflect increases
in the  market  price of the  underlying  security,  any loss  resulting  from a
closing  purchase  transaction  is  likely  to be  offset in whole or in part by
unrealized appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.

         COVERED PUT OPTIONS.  A Fund may write  covered put options in order to
enhance its current  return.  Such  options  transactions  may also be used as a
limited form of hedging  against an increase in the price of securities that the
Fund plans to  purchase.  A put option  gives the holder the right to sell,  and
obligates the writer to buy, a security at the exercise price at any time before
the expiration date. A put option is "covered" if the writer segregates cash 



                                       3
<PAGE>


and high-grade short-term debt obligations or other permissible collateral equal
to the price to be paid if the option is exercised.

         In addition to the receipt of  premiums  and the  potential  gains from
terminating  such  options  in  closing  purchase  transactions,  the Fund  also
receives  interest  on the cash  and debt  securities  maintained  to cover  the
exercise price of the option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk
that it may be required  to purchase  the  underlying  security  for an exercise
price  higher  than its then  current  market  value,  resulting  in a potential
capital loss unless the security later appreciates in value.

         A Fund may terminate a put option that it has written before it expires
by a  closing  purchase  transaction.  Any loss  from  this  transaction  may be
partially or entirely offset by the premium received on the terminated option.

         PURCHASING  PUT AND CALL OPTIONS.  A Fund may also purchase put options
to protect portfolio holdings against a decline in market value. This protection
lasts  for the life of the put  option  because  the  Fund,  as a holder  of the
option, may sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any
decline in its market  price.  In order for a put option to be  profitable,  the
market price of the  underlying  security  must decline  sufficiently  below the
exercise  price to cover the  premium and  transaction  costs that the Fund must
pay. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it sold
the underlying security instead of buying the put option.

         A Fund may purchase  call  options to hedge  against an increase in the
price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection
is provided  during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the
call  option,  is able to buy the  underlying  security  at the  exercise  price
regardless of any increase in the underlying  security's  market price. In order
for a call option to be profitable,  the market price of the underlying security
must  rise  sufficiently  above the  exercise  price to cover  the  premium  and
transaction  costs.  These  costs  will  reduce  any  profit the Fund might have
realized had it bought the underlying security.

         A Fund may purchase  call  options to hedge  against an increase in the
price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection
is provided  during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the
call  option,  is able to buy the  underlying  security  at the  exercise  price
regardless of any increase in the underlying  security's  market price. In order
for a call option to be profitable,  the market price of the underlying security
must  rise  sufficiently  above the  exercise  price to cover  the  premium  and
transaction  costs.  These  costs  will  reduce  any  profit the Fund might have
realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call
option.

         A Fund may also  purchase  put and call  options to enhance its current
return.

         OPTIONS ON FOREIGN SECURITIES.  A Fund may purchase and sell options on
foreign  securities if in SCMI's opinion the investment  characteristics of such
options,  including the risks of investing in such options,  are consistent with
the Fund's  investment  objectives.  It is expected  that risks  related to such
options  will not  differ  materially  from  risks  related  to  options on U.S.
securities.  However,  position limits and other rules of foreign  exchanges may
differ from those in the U.S. In addition,  options  markets in some  countries,
many of which are relatively new, may be less liquid than comparable  markets in
the U.S.

         RISKS  INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF OPTIONS.  Options  transactions  involve
certain risks,  including the risks that SCMI will not forecast interest rate or
market movements correctly, that a Fund may be unable at times to close out such
positions, or that hedging transactions may not accomplish their purpose because
of imperfect market correlations. The successful use of these strategies depends
on the ability of SCMI to forecast market and interest rate movements correctly.

                                       4
<PAGE>


         An  exchange-listed  option may be closed out only on an exchange which
provides  a  secondary  market  for an  option of the same  series.  There is no
assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market on an  exchange  will  exist for any
particular  option or at any  particular  time.  If no secondary  market were to
exist,  it would be impossible to enter into a closing  transaction to close out
an option position. As a result, a Fund may be forced to continue to hold, or to
purchase at a fixed  price,  a security on which it has sold an option at a time
when SCMI believes it is inadvisable to do so.

         Higher  than  anticipated  trading  activity  or  order  flow or  other
unforeseen events might cause The Options Clearing Corporation or an exchange to
institute  special trading  procedures or  restrictions  that might restrict the
Fund's use of options. The exchanges have established limitations on the maximum
number  of  calls  and puts of each  class  that  may be held or  written  by an
investor or group of investors  acting in concert.  It is possible that the Fund
and other clients of SCMI may be considered such a group.  These position limits
may  restrict  the Fund's  ability to  purchase  or sell  options on  particular
securities.

         Options  that are not traded on national  securities  exchanges  may be
closed out only with the other party to the option transaction. For that reason,
it may be more  difficult  to close out unlisted  options  than listed  options.
Furthermore,  unlisted  options  are  not  subject  to the  protection  afforded
purchasers of listed options by The Options Clearing Corporation.

         Government regulations, particularly the requirements for qualification
as a "regulated  investment  company" under the Internal  Revenue Code, may also
restrict the Trust's use of options.

FUTURES CONTRACTS

         In order to hedge against the effects of adverse market  changes,  each
Fund that may invest in debt  securities  may buy and sell futures  contracts on
debt  securities of the type in which the Fund may invest and on indexes of debt
securities.  In  addition,  each Fund that may invest in equity  securities  may
purchase and sell stock index futures to hedge  against  changes in stock market
prices.  Each Fund may also, to the extent  permitted by applicable law, buy and
sell futures  contracts and options on futures  contracts to increase the Fund's
current return. All such futures and related options will, as may be required by
applicable  law, be traded on exchanges  that are licensed and  regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC").

         FUTURES ON DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED OPTIONS. A futures contract on a
debt security is a binding  contractual  commitment  which, if held to maturity,
will result in an  obligation  to make or accept  delivery,  during a particular
month,  of securities  having a standardized  face value and rate of return.  By
purchasing  futures on debt  securities -- assuming a "long"  position -- a Fund
will legally  obligate  itself to accept the future  delivery of the  underlying
security  and pay the  agreed  price.  By  selling  futures  on debt  securities
- --assuming  a "short"  position -- it will legally  obligate  itself to make the
future  delivery  of the  security  against  payment of the agreed  price.  Open
futures  positions  on  debt  securities  will  be  valued  at the  most  recent
settlement price,  unless that price does not, in the judgment of persons acting
at the  direction  of the  Trustees as to the  valuation  of the Fund's  assets,
reflect  the fair value of the  contract,  in which case the  positions  will be
valued by the Trustees or such persons.

         Positions  taken  in the  futures  markets  are  not  normally  held to
maturity,  but are instead liquidated  through offsetting  transactions that may
result  in a profit  or a loss.  While  futures  positions  taken by a Fund will
usually be liquidated  in this manner,  a Fund may instead make or take delivery
of the underlying  securities whenever it appears  economically  advantageous to
the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation  associated with the exchange on which
futures are traded  assumes  responsibility  for such closing  transactions  and
guarantees  that  a  Fund's  sale  and  purchase  obligations  under  closed-out
positions will be performed at the termination of the contract.

                                       5
<PAGE>


         Hedging by use of futures on debt  securities  seeks to establish  more
certainly  than would  otherwise  be possible  the  effective  rate of return on
portfolio  securities.  A Fund may, for example,  take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling  contracts for the future  delivery of debt securities
held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics  similar to those held by
the Fund) in order to hedge against an  anticipated  rise in interest rates that
would  adversely  affect  the value of the  Fund's  portfolio  securities.  When
hedging  of this  character  is  successful,  any  depreciation  in the value of
portfolio securities may substantially be offset by appreciation in the value of
the futures position.

         On other  occasions,  a Fund may take a "long"  position by  purchasing
futures on debt  securities.  This  would be done,  for  example,  when the Fund
expects to purchase  particular  securities  when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the rate of return  available in the securities  markets at that time to
be less favorable than rates currently  available in the futures markets. If the
anticipated  rise  in the  price  of  the  securities  should  occur  (with  its
concomitant  reduction in yield),  the increased  cost to the Fund of purchasing
the securities may be offset,  at least to some extent, by the rise in the value
of the futures  position  taken in  anticipation  of the  subsequent  securities
purchase.

         Successful  use by a Fund of futures  contracts on debt  securities  is
subject to SCMI's  ability to predict  correctly  movements in the  direction of
interest  rates and other factors  affecting  markets for debt  securities.  For
example, if a Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest
rates which would adversely  affect the market prices of debt securities held by
it and the prices of such securities  increase instead,  the Fund will lose part
or all of the  benefit of the  increased  value of its  securities  which it has
hedged  because it will have  offsetting  losses in its  futures  positions.  In
addition, in such situations,  if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to
sell securities to meet daily maintenance margin requirements. The Fund may have
to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

         A Fund may  purchase  and write put and call  options on  certain  debt
futures contracts, as they become available. Such options are similar to options
on securities  except that options on futures  contracts  give the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract (a long  position  if the option is a call and a short  position if the
option is a put) at a specified  exercise price at any time during the period of
the option. As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may
terminate  his position by selling or  purchasing  an option of the same series.
There is no guarantee  that such closing  transactions  can be effected.  A Fund
will be required to deposit initial margin and  maintenance  margin with respect
to put and call options on futures  contracts written by it pursuant to brokers'
requirements, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as
initial margin deposits.  See "Margin Payments" below.  Compared to the purchase
or sale of futures  contracts,  the  purchase  of call or put options on futures
contracts  involves less  potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at
risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. However, there
may be  circumstances  when the  purchase  of call or put  options  on a futures
contract  would  result  in a loss to a Fund  when the  purchase  or sale of the
futures  contracts would not, such as when there is no movement in the prices of
debt  securities.  The  writing  of a put or call  option on a futures  contract
involves  risks  similar to those  risks  relating  to the  purchase  or sale of
futures contracts.

         INDEX FUTURES  CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS.  Certain Funds may invest in debt
index  futures  contracts  and stock  index  futures  contracts,  and in related
options.  A debt index futures  contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a
specified debt index at a specified  future date at a price agreed upon when the
contract is made. A unit is the current  value of the index.  Debt index futures
in which the Funds  are  presently  expected  to invest  are not now  available,
although such futures  contracts are expected to become available in the future.
A stock  index  futures  contract  is a contract to buy or sell units of a stock
index at a  specified  future date at a price  agreed upon when the  contract is
made. A unit is the current value of the stock index.

         The following example  illustrates  generally the manner in which index
futures contracts operate.  The Standard & Poor's 100 Stock Index is composed of
100  selected  common  stocks,  most of which are  listed on the New York  Stock
Exchange.  The S&P 100 Index  assigns  relative  weightings to the common stocks
included  in the  Index,  and the Index  fluctuates  with  changes in the market
values of those common stocks.  In the case of the S&P 100 Index,  contracts are
to buy or sell 100 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P 100 Index were $180, one
contract 


                                       6
<PAGE>


would be worth  $18,000  (100 units x $180).  The stock index  futures  contract
specifies  that no delivery of the actual  stocks  making up the index will take
place.  Instead,  settlement  in cash must  occur  upon the  termination  of the
contract,  with the settlement  being the difference  between the contract price
and the actual level of the stock index at the  expiration of the contract.  For
example,  if a Fund enters  into a futures  contract to buy 100 units of the S&P
100 Index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P 100
Index is at $184 on that future date,  the Fund will gain $400 (100 units x gain
of $4).  If the Fund  enters  into a futures  contract  to sell 100 units of the
stock index at a specified  future date at a contract  price of $180 and the S&P
100 Index is at $182 on that future  date,  the Fund will lose $200 (100 units x
loss of $2).

         A Fund may  purchase  or sell  futures  contracts  with  respect to any
securities  indexes.  Positions  in index  futures  may be closed out only on an
exchange or board of trade which provides a secondary market for such futures.

         In  order  to hedge a Fund's  investments  successfully  using  futures
contracts  and related  options,  a Fund must invest in futures  contracts  with
respect to indexes or sub-indexes  the movements of which will, in its judgment,
have a  significant  correlation  with  movements  in the  prices of the  Fund's
securities.

         Options on index futures contracts are similar to options on securities
except that options on index futures  contracts give the purchaser the right, in
return for the premium paid,  to assume a position in an index futures  contract
(a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a
put) at a specified  exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
Upon  exercise of the option,  the holder  would assume the  underlying  futures
position  and would  receive a variation  margin  payment of cash or  securities
approximating  the increase in the value of the holder's option position.  If an
option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration  date of the
option,  the  settlement  will be made entirely in cash based on the  difference
between the exercise  price of the option and the closing  level of the index on
which the  futures  contract  is based on the  expiration  date.  Purchasers  of
options who fail to exercise  their  options prior to the exercise date suffer a
loss of the premium paid.

         As an  alternative  to  purchasing  and selling call and put options on
index  futures  contracts,  each of the Funds that may  purchase  and sell index
futures  contracts may purchase and sell call and put options on the  underlying
indexes  themselves  to the extent  that such  options  are  traded on  national
securities  exchanges.  Index  options  are  similar to  options  on  individual
securities  in that the  purchaser of an index option  acquires the right to buy
(in the  case  of a  call)  or sell  (in  the  case  of a put),  and the  writer
undertakes the obligation to sell or buy (as the case may be), units of an index
at a stated exercise price during the term of the option.  Instead of giving the
right to take or make  actual  delivery  of  securities,  the holder of an index
option has the right to receive a cash "exercise settlement amount". This amount
is equal to the amount by which the fixed  exercise  price of the option exceeds
(in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value
of the  underlying  index on the  date of the  exercise,  multiplied  by a fixed
"index multiplier".

         A Fund may purchase or sell options on stock  indices in order to close
out  its  outstanding  positions  in  options  on  stock  indices  which  it has
purchased. A Fund may also allow such options to expire unexercised.

         Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts,  the purchase of
call or put options on an index  involves less  potential risk to a Fund because
the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions
costs. The writing of a put or call option on an index involves risks similar to
those risks relating to the purchase or sale of index futures contracts.

         MARGIN PAYMENTS.  When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it
is required  to deposit  with its  custodian  an amount of cash,  U.S.  Treasury
bills, or other permissible collateral equal to a small percentage of the amount
of the futures contract. This amount is known as "initial margin". The nature of
initial margin is different from that of margin in security transactions in that
it does not involve  borrowing money to finance  transactions.  Rather,  initial
margin is similar to a  performance  bond or good faith deposit that is returned
to a Fund upon  termination  of the  contract,  assuming  a Fund  satisfies  its
contractual obligations.

                                       7
<PAGE>


         Subsequent  payments to and from the broker occur on a daily basis in a
process  known as "marking  to market".  These  payments  are called  "variation
margin" and are made as the value of the underlying futures contract fluctuates.
For  example,  when a Fund  sells  a  futures  contract  and  the  price  of the
underlying  debt security rises above the delivery  price,  the Fund's  position
declines  in value.  The Fund then pays the broker a  variation  margin  payment
equal to the difference  between the delivery price of the futures  contract and
the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract.  Conversely,
if the price of the  underlying  security  falls below the delivery price of the
contract,  the Fund's futures position  increases in value. The broker then must
make a variation  margin  payment equal to the  difference  between the delivery
price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities  underlying
the futures contract.

         When a Fund  terminates  a  position  in a  futures  contract,  a final
determination of variation margin is made,  additional cash is paid by or to the
Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Such closing  transactions involve
additional commission costs.

SPECIAL RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS

         LIQUIDITY RISKS.  Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only
on an  exchange or board of trade  which  provides a  secondary  market for such
futures.  Although  each  Fund  intends  to  purchase  or sell  futures  only on
exchanges  or boards of trade  where  there  appears  to be an active  secondary
market,  there is no assurance that a liquid  secondary market on an exchange or
board of trade will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time.
If there is not a liquid  secondary  market at a particular  time, it may not be
possible  to close a futures  position at such time and, in the event of adverse
price  movements,  a Fund  would  continue  to be  required  to make  daily cash
payments of variation margin.  However,  in the event financial futures are used
to hedge portfolio securities,  such securities will not generally be sold until
the financial futures can be terminated.  In such circumstances,  an increase in
the price of the  portfolio  securities,  if any, may  partially  or  completely
offset losses on the financial futures.

         In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions,  there
are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts.  The ability
to  establish  and close out  positions  in such  options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that
such a market will develop.  Although a Fund  generally will purchase only those
options for which there appears to be an active  secondary  market,  there is no
assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market on an  exchange  will  exist for any
particular  option or at any particular time. In the event no such market exists
for particular options, it might not be possible to effect closing  transactions
in such  options  with the result that a Fund would have to exercise the options
in order to realize any profit.

         HEDGING RISKS.  There are several risks in connection with the use by a
Fund of futures  contracts  and related  options as a hedging  device.  One risk
arises because of the imperfect  correlation  between movements in the prices of
the futures contracts and options and movements in the underlying  securities or
index or movements in the prices of a Fund's securities which are the subject of
a hedge.  SCMI will,  however,  attempt to reduce  this risk by  purchasing  and
selling,  to the extent  possible,  futures  contracts  and  related  options on
securities  and indexes the movements of which will, in its judgment,  correlate
closely with movements in the prices of the underlying securities or index and a
Fund's portfolio securities sought to be hedged.

         Successful  use of futures  contracts and options by a Fund for hedging
purposes is also subject to SCMI's ability to predict correctly movements in the
direction of the market. It is possible that, where a Fund has purchased puts on
futures  contracts to hedge its portfolio  against a decline in the market,  the
securities  or index on which the puts are  purchased  may increase in value and
the value of securities held in the portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the
Fund would lose money on the puts and also  experience a decline in value in its
portfolio  securities.  In  addition,  the  prices of  futures,  for a number of
reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the underlying securities
or index due to certain  market  distortions.  First,  all  participants  in the
futures market are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may
cause investors to close futures contracts through offsetting transactions which
could distort the normal  relationship  between the underlying security or index
and futures markets.  Second, the margin requirements in the futures markets are
less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general,  and
as a result the futures markets may attract more speculators than the 


                                       8
<PAGE>


securities  markets do.  Increased  participation  by speculators in the futures
markets may also cause  temporary price  distortions.  Due to the possibility of
price  distortion,  even a correct forecast of general market trends by SCMI may
still not  result in a  successful  hedging  transaction  over a very short time
period.

         OTHER RISKS.  The Funds will incur  brokerage  fees in connection  with
their futures and options transactions. In addition, while futures contracts and
options on futures will be purchased  and sold to reduce  certain  risks,  those
transactions  themselves  entail  certain  other risks.  Thus,  while a Fund may
benefit from the use of futures and related  options,  unanticipated  changes in
interest  rates  or  stock  price  movements  may  result  in a  poorer  overall
performance  for the Fund than if it had not entered into any futures  contracts
or options  transactions.  Moreover,  in the event of an  imperfect  correlation
between the futures position and the portfolio  position which is intended to be
protected,  the  desired  protection  may not be  obtained  and the  Fund may be
exposed to risk of loss.

FORWARD COMMITMENTS

         Each Fund may enter into  contracts to purchase  securities for a fixed
price at a future date beyond customary settlement time ("forward  commitments")
if the Fund holds,  and  maintains  until the  settlement  date in a  segregated
account, cash or high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet the
purchase price, or if the Fund enters into offsetting  contracts for the forward
sale  of  other  securities  it  owns.  Forward  commitments  may be  considered
securities  in  themselves,  and  involve  a risk of loss  if the  value  of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in
addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Fund's other  assets.  Where
such  purchases  are made  through  dealers,  a Fund  relies  on the  dealer  to
consummate the sale. The dealer's failure to do so may result in the loss to the
Fund of an advantageous yield or price.

         Although a Fund will generally enter into forward  commitments with the
intention of acquiring  securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to
options  contracts it has entered into, a Fund may dispose of a commitment prior
to  settlement  if SCMI  deems  it  appropriate  to do so.  A Fund  may  realize
short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

         Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements.  A repurchase agreement
is a contract  under which the Fund  acquires a security for a relatively  short
period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation of the seller to
repurchase  and the Fund to  resell  such  security  at a fixed  time and  price
(representing  the  Fund's  cost  plus  interest).  It is  the  Trust's  present
intention  to enter into  repurchase  agreements  only with member  banks of the
Federal Reserve System and securities  dealers  meeting  certain  criteria as to
creditworthiness  and  financial  condition  established  by the Trustees of the
Trust  and only  with  respect  to  obligations  of the U.S.  government  or its
agencies or instrumentalities or other high quality short term debt obligations.
Repurchase  agreements  may also be  viewed  as loans  made by a Fund  which are
collateralized by the securities  subject to repurchase.  SCMI will monitor such
transactions  to ensure that the value of the underlying  securities  will be at
least  equal at all times to the  total  amount  of the  repurchase  obligation,
including the interest factor.  If the seller  defaults,  a Fund could realize a
loss on the sale of the  underlying  security to the extent that the proceeds of
sale including  accrued  interest are less than the resale price provided in the
agreement including interest.  In addition,  if the seller should be involved in
bankruptcy  or  insolvency  proceedings,  a Fund may  incur  delay  and costs in
selling the  underlying  security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest
if a Fund is  treated  as an  unsecured  creditor  and  required  to return  the
underlying collateral to the seller's estate.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

         Each Fund may from time to time purchase  securities on a "when-issued"
basis.  Debt  securities  are  often  issued  on this  basis.  The price of such
securities,  which  may be  expressed  in  yield  terms,  is fixed at the time a
commitment  to purchase is made,  but delivery  and payment for the  when-issued
securities  take place at a later date.  Normally,  the  settlement  date occurs
within  one month of the  purchase.  During  the  period  between  purchase  and
settlement, no payment is made by a Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund. To
the extent that assets of a Fund are held in cash  pending the  settlement  of a
purchase of  securities,  that Fund would earn no income.  While a Fund 


                                       9
<PAGE>


may sell its right to acquire  when-issued  securities  prior to the  settlement
date, a Fund intends actually to acquire such securities  unless a sale prior to
settlement  appears desirable for investment  reasons.  At the time a Fund makes
the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the
transaction  and  reflect  the  amount  due and the  value  of the  security  in
determining  the Fund's net asset  value.  The market  value of the  when-issued
securities may be more or less than the purchase price payable at the settlement
date.  Each Fund will  establish a segregated  account in which it will maintain
cash and U.S.  Government  Securities or other  high-grade  debt  obligations at
least equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities.  Such segregated
securities  either  will  mature  or, if  necessary,  be sold on or  before  the
settlement date.

LOANS OF FUND SECURITIES

         A Fund may lend its  portfolio  securities,  provided:  (1) the loan is
secured  continuously by collateral  consisting of U.S.  government  securities,
cash, or cash equivalents  adjusted daily to have market value at least equal to
the current market value of the securities  loaned; (2) the Fund may at any time
call the loan and regain the  securities  loaned;  (3) a Fund will  receive  any
interest  or  dividends  paid on the loaned  securities;  and (4) the  aggregate
market  value of  securities  of any  Fund  loaned  will not at any time  exceed
one-third of the total assets of the Fund. In addition,  it is anticipated  that
the  Fund may  share  with  the  borrower  some of the  income  received  on the
collateral for the loan or that it will be paid a premium for the loan. Before a
Fund enters into a loan,  SCMI  considers all relevant  facts and  circumstances
including the  creditworthiness of the borrower.  The risks in lending portfolio
securities,  as with other  extensions of credit,  consist of possible  delay in
recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the  collateral  should
the borrower fail financially.  Although voting rights or rights to consent with
respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower,  a Fund retains the right
to call the loans at any time on reasonable  notice,  and it will do so in order
that the securities may be voted by a Fund if the holders of such securities are
asked to vote upon or consent to matters materially affecting the investment.  A
Fund will not lend portfolio securities to borrowers affiliated with a Fund.

FOREIGN SECURITIES

         Each Fund may  invest in  foreign  securities  and in  certificates  of
deposit issued by United States  branches of foreign banks and foreign  branches
of United States banks.

         Investments in foreign securities may involve considerations  different
from  investments  in  domestic  securities  due to limited  publicly  available
information, non-uniform accounting standards, lower trading volume and possible
consequent illiquidity,  greater volatility in price, the possible imposition of
withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible adoption of foreign governmental
restrictions  affecting the payment of principal and interest,  expropriation of
assets,  nationalization,  or other adverse political or economic  developments.
Foreign  companies  may not be  subject  to  auditing  and  financial  reporting
standards and  requirements  comparable to those which apply to U.S.  companies.
Foreign  brokerage  commissions and other fees are generally  higher than in the
United States. It may be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against
a foreign issuer.

         In addition,  to the extent that any Fund's foreign investments are not
United  States  dollar-denominated,  the  Fund  may  be  affected  favorably  or
unfavorably  by  changes  in  currency   exchange  rates  or  exchange   control
regulations  and  may  incur  costs  in  connection   with  conversion   between
currencies.

         In determining whether to invest in securities of foreign issuers,  the
investment  adviser of a Fund seeking  current  income will  consider the likely
impact  of  foreign  taxes  on the  net  yield  available  to the  Fund  and its
shareholders.  Income  received by a Fund from sources within foreign  countries
may be reduced by  withholding  and other taxes imposed by such  countries.  Tax
conventions  between  certain  countries  and the  United  States  may reduce or
eliminate  such taxes.  It is  impossible  to determine  the  effective  rate of
foreign  tax in advance  since the amount of a Fund's  assets to be  invested in
various  countries  is not  known,  and tax laws and their  interpretations  may
change from time to time and may change without advance  notice.  Any such taxes
paid by a Fund  will  reduce  its  net  income  available  for  distribution  to
shareholders.

                                       10
<PAGE>


FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

         Each Fund may  engage in  currency  exchange  transactions  to  protect
against  uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency  exchange rates and
to increase current return. A Fund may engage in both "transaction  hedging" and
"position hedging."

         When it engages in  transaction  hedging,  a Fund enters  into  foreign
currency transactions with respect to specific receivables or payables of a Fund
generally  arising in  connection  with the  purchase  or sale of its  portfolio
securities.  A Fund will engage in transaction  hedging when it desires to "lock
in" the U.S.  dollar  price of a security it has agreed to purchase or sell,  or
the U.S.  dollar  equivalent  of a  dividend  or  interest  payment in a foreign
currency.  By  transaction  hedging a Fund will  attempt  to  protect  against a
possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the  relationship  between the
U.S.  dollar and the applicable  foreign  currency during the period between the
date on which the  security  is  purchased  or sold or on which the  dividend or
interest  payment is declared,  and the date on which such  payments are made or
received.

         A Fund may  purchase  or sell a  foreign  currency  on a spot (or cash)
basis at the prevailing spot rate in connection with transaction hedging. A Fund
may also enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future
date  ("forward  contracts")  and  purchase and sell  foreign  currency  futures
contracts.

         For   transaction   hedging   purposes   a  Fund  may   also   purchase
exchange-listed  and  over-the-counter  call and put options on foreign currency
futures contracts and on foreign currencies.  A put option on a futures contract
gives a Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures  contract until
expiration  of the option.  A put option on  currency  gives a Fund the right to
sell a currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option.  A call
option on a futures contract gives a Fund the right to assume a long position in
the  futures  contract  until the  expiration  of the  option.  A call option on
currency  gives a Fund the right to  purchase a currency at the  exercise  price
until the  expiration  of the  option.  A Fund will  engage in  over-the-counter
transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded  transactions are unavailable
and  when,  in  SCMI's  opinion,   the  pricing   mechanism  and  liquidity  are
satisfactory and the  participants are responsible  parties likely to meet their
contractual obligations.

         When it  engages  in  position  hedging,  a Fund  enters  into  foreign
currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the
foreign  currencies in which  securities  held by a Fund are  denominated or are
quoted  in their  principal  trading  markets  or an  increase  in the  value of
currency for  securities  which a Fund expects to purchase.  In connection  with
position  hedging,  a Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign  currency
and foreign  currency  futures  contracts and buy or sell forward  contracts and
foreign  currency  futures  contracts.  A Fund may also purchase or sell foreign
currency on a spot basis.

         The  precise  matching  of the  amounts  of foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  and the  value  of the  portfolio  securities  involved  will  not
generally  be  possible  since the future  value of such  securities  in foreign
currencies  will change as a  consequence  of market  movements in the values of
those  securities  between  the dates the  currency  exchange  transactions  are
entered into and the dates they mature.

         It is  impossible  to forecast  with  precision  the market  value of a
Fund's  portfolio  securities  at the  expiration  or  maturity  of a forward or
futures  contract.  Accordingly,  it may be  necessary  for a Fund  to  purchase
additional  foreign  currency  on the spot  market (and bear the expense of such
purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less
than the amount of  foreign  currency a Fund is  obligated  to deliver  and if a
decision is made to sell the  security or  securities  and make  delivery of the
foreign  currency.  Conversely,  it may be  necessary to sell on the spot market
some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or
securities of a Fund if the market value of such security or securities  exceeds
the amount of foreign currency a Fund is obligated to deliver.

         To offset some of the costs to a Fund of hedging  against  fluctuations
in currency  exchange  rates,  a Fund may write  covered  call  options on those
currencies.

                                       11
<PAGE>


         Transaction and position  hedging do not eliminate  fluctuations in the
underlying  prices of the securities which a Fund owns or intends to purchase or
sell.  They simply  establish  a rate of exchange  which one can achieve at some
future point in time.  Additionally,  although these techniques tend to minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend
to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in the value of
such currency.

     A Fund may also seek to increase its current  return by engaging in foreign
currency exchange transactions.

         CURRENCY  FORWARD AND FUTURES  CONTRACTS.  A forward  foreign  currency
exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
at a future  date,  which may be any  fixed  number of days from the date of the
contract as agreed by the parties,  at a price set at the time of the  contract.
In the case of a  cancelable  forward  contract,  the holder has the  unilateral
right to cancel  the  contract  at  maturity  by  paying a  specified  fee.  The
contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency
traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract
generally  has no deposit  requirement,  and no  commissions  are charged at any
stage for trades. A foreign currency futures contract is a standardized contract
for the future delivery of a specified  amount of a foreign currency at a future
date at a  price  set at the  time of the  contract.  Foreign  currency  futures
contracts  traded in the United  States are  designed by and traded on exchanges
regulated by the CFTC, such as the New York Mercantile Exchange.

         Forward  foreign  currency  exchange   contracts  differ  from  foreign
currency futures contracts in certain respects.  For example,  the maturity date
of a  forward  contract  may be any  fixed  number  of days from the date of the
contract agreed upon by the parties, rather than a predetermined date in a given
month. Forward contracts may be in any amounts agreed upon by the parties rather
than predetermined  amounts. Also, forward foreign exchange contracts are traded
directly between currency traders so that no intermediary is required. A forward
contract generally requires no margin or other deposit.

         At the  maturity  of a forward or futures  contract,  a Fund may either
accept or make  delivery of the  currency  specified in the  contract,  or at or
prior to maturity  enter into a closing  transaction  involving  the purchase or
sale of an offsetting  contract.  Closing  transactions  with respect to forward
contracts are usually  effected  with the currency  trader who is a party to the
original  forward  contract.   Closing  transactions  with  respect  to  futures
contracts  are  effected  on a  commodities  exchange;  a  clearing  corporation
associated  with  the  exchange  assumes  responsibility  for  closing  out such
contracts.

         Positions in foreign currency futures contracts and related options may
be closed out only on an exchange  or board of trade which  provides a secondary
market in such contracts or options.  Although a Fund will normally  purchase or
sell foreign currency futures contracts and related options only on exchanges or
boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary  market,  there is
no assurance that a secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist
for any particular  contract or option or at any particular time. In such event,
it may not be possible to close a futures or related option position and, in the
event of adverse price  movements,  a Fund would continue to be required to make
daily cash payments of variation margin on its futures positions.

         FOREIGN  CURRENCY  OPTIONS.   Options  on  foreign  currencies  operate
similarly  to  options  on   securities,   and  are  traded   primarily  in  the
over-the-counter  market,  although options on foreign  currencies have recently
been listed on several exchanges. Such options will be purchased or written only
when SCMI believes that a liquid secondary market exists for such options. There
can be no assurance that a liquid  secondary  market will exist for a particular
option at any specific time.  Options on foreign  currencies are affected by all
of those factors which influence exchange rates and investments generally.

         The value of a foreign  currency  option is dependent upon the value of
the foreign  currency and the U.S.  dollar,  and may have no relationship to the
investment merits of a foreign security.  Because foreign currency  transactions
occurring in the interbank  market  involve  substantially  larger  amounts than
those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may
be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market


                                       12
<PAGE>


(generally  consisting  of  transactions  of  less  than  $1  million)  for  the
underlying  foreign  currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round
lots.

         There is no systematic  reporting of last sale  information for foreign
currencies  and there is no regulatory  requirement  that  quotations  available
through  dealers or other market  sources be firm or revised on a timely  basis.
Available  quotation  information  is  generally  representative  of very  large
transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller
transactions  (less than $1  million)  where  rates may be less  favorable.  The
interbank market in foreign currencies is a global,  around-the-clock market. To
the extent that the U.S.  options  markets are closed  while the markets for the
underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take
place in the  underlying  markets that cannot be  reflected in the U.S.  options
markets.

         FOREIGN CURRENCY  CONVERSION.  Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for  currency  conversion,  they do  realize a profit  based on the
difference  (the  "spread")  between  prices at which they buy and sell  various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one
rate,  while  offering a lesser rate of exchange  should a Fund desire to resell
that currency to the dealer.

ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES

         Zero-coupon  securities in which a Fund may invest are debt obligations
which are  generally  issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity,  and
which do not  provide  for  current  payments  of  interest  prior to  maturity.
Zero-coupon  securities  usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par
value and are  subject  to  greater  market  value  fluctuations  from  changing
interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities which make current
distributions of interest.  As a result, the net asset value of shares of a Fund
investing in  zero-coupon  securities  may  fluctuate  over a greater range than
shares  of other  Funds  of the  Trust  and  other  mutual  funds  investing  in
securities   making  current   distributions  of  interest  and  having  similar
maturities.

         Zero-coupon  securities may include U.S. Treasury bills issued directly
by the U.S. Treasury or other short-term debt obligations, and longer-term bonds
or notes and their unmatured interest coupons which have been separated by their
holder,  typically a custodian  bank or investment  brokerage  firm. A number of
securities  firms  and  banks  have  stripped  the  interest  coupons  from  the
underlying  principal (the "corpus") of U.S. Treasury securities and resold them
in  custodial  receipt  programs  with a number of  different  names,  including
Treasury  Income  Growth  Receipts  ("TIGRS")  and  Certificates  of  Accrual on
Treasuries  ("CATS").   CATS  and  TIGRS  are  not  considered  U.S.  Government
Securities.  The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in
book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities
(I.E.,  unregistered  securities  which are owned  ostensibly  by the  bearer or
holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof.

         In addition,  the Treasury  has  facilitated  transfers of ownership of
zero-coupon  securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of
particular  interest coupons and corpus payments on Treasury  securities through
the Federal  Reserve  book-entry  record-keeping  system.  The  Federal  Reserve
program as  established  by the  Treasury  Department  is known as  "STRIPS"  or
"Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities." Under the
STRIPS  program,  a Fund will be able to have its  beneficial  ownership of U.S.
Treasury   zero-coupon   securities   recorded   directly   in  the   book-entry
record-keeping  system in lieu of having to hold certificates or other evidences
of ownership of the underlying U.S. Treasury securities.

         When debt  obligations  have been stripped of their unmatured  interest
coupons by the holder,  the stripped coupons are sold separately.  The principal
or corpus is sold at a deep discount  because the buyer  receives only the right
to receive a future  fixed  payment on the  security  and does not  receive  any
rights to periodic cash  interest  payments.  Once  stripped or  separated,  the
corpus and  coupons  may be sold  separately.  Typically,  the  coupons are sold
separately or grouped with other  coupons with like  maturity  dates and sold in
such  bundled  form.  Purchasers  of stripped  obligations  acquire,  in effect,
discount  obligations  that  are  economically   identical  to  the  zero-coupon
securities issued directly by the obligor.

                                       13
<PAGE>


SHORT SALES

     In a short sale, a Fund sells a borrowed  security and has a  corresponding
obligation  to the  lender to return  the  identical  security.  A Fund also may
engage in short  sales if,  at the time of the  short  sale,  it owns or has the
right to obtain,  at no additional  cost, an equal amount of the security  being
sold   short.   This   investment   technique   is   known   as  a  short   sale
"against-the-box."  In such a short sale, a seller does not immediately  deliver
the  securities  sold and is said to have a short  position in those  securities
until delivery occurs. If a Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral for the
short   position  is  maintained   by  the  Fund's   custodian  or  a  qualified
sub-custodian.  While the short sale is open, the Fund maintains in a segregated
account an amount of securities  equal in kind and amount to the securities sold
short  or  securities  convertible  into or  exchangeable  for  such  equivalent
securities.  These securities constitute the Fund's long position. The Fund does
not engage in short sales  against-the-box  for  speculative  purposes  but may,
however,  make a short sale as a hedge,  when SCMI  believes that the price of a
security may decline,  causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the
Fund (or a security  convertible or exchangeable  for such security).  There are
certain    additional    transaction   costs   associated   with   short   sales
against-the-box,  but SCMI  endeavors to offset these costs with the income from
the  investment of the cash proceeds of short sales.  Under the Taxpayer  Relief
Act of  1997,  activities  by the  Fund  which  lock-in  gain on an  appreciated
financial  instrument generally will be treated as a "constructive sale" of such
instrument  which  will  trigger  gain  (but not loss) for  federal  income  tax
purposes.  Such  activities may create taxable income in excess of the cash they
generate.  For more information  regarding the taxation of such activities,  see
"Taxation."

         ARBITRAGE.  International  Bond Fund may sell a security  in one market
and simultaneously purchase the same security in another market in order to take
advantage of differences in the price of the security in the different  markets.
The Fund does not actively engage in arbitrage. Such transactions may be entered
into only with  respect  to debt  securities  and will  occur only in a dealer's
market where the buying and selling dealers involved confirm their prices to the
Fund at the time of the transaction,  thus eliminating any risk to the assets of
the Fund.

         SWAP AGREEMENTS.  International Bond Fund may enter into interest-rate,
index and  currency-exchange  rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to
obtain a particular  desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund
had invested  directly in an instrument that yielded that desired  return.  Swap
agreements  are  two-party  contracts  entered into  primarily by  institutional
investors  for  periods  ranging  from a few weeks to more  than one year.  In a
standard  "swap"  transaction,  two parties  agree to  exchange  the returns (or
differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined
investments  or  instruments.  The gross  returns to be  exchanged  or "swapped"
between the parties are  calculated  with respect to a "notional  amount" (I.E.,
the return on or increase in value of a particular  dollar amount  invested at a
particular  interest rate, in a particular  foreign currency or in a "basket" of
securities  representing  a particular  index).  Commonly  used swap  agreements
include  interest-rate  caps,  under which,  in return for a premium,  one party
agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest  rates exceed a
specified  rate, or "cap";  interest-rate  floors,  under which, in return for a
premium,  one party  agrees to make  payments  to the other to the  extent  that
interest  rates fall below a  specified  level,  or "floor";  and  interest-rate
collars,  under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in
an attempt to protect itself against  interest rate  movements  exceeding  given
minimum or maximum levels.

         The "notional  amount" of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on
which to calculate the  obligations  that the parties to a swap  agreement  have
agreed  to  exchange.  Most  swap  agreements  entered  into by the  Fund  would
calculate  the  obligations  of the parties to the  agreement  on a "net" basis.
Consequently,  the Fund's  obligations  (or rights)  under a swap  agreement are
generally  equal  only  to the net  amount  to be paid  or  received  under  the
agreement  based on the relative  values of the positions  held by each party to
the agreement (the "net amount").  The Fund's obligations under a swap agreement
will be accrued  daily  (offset  against any amounts  owing to the Fund) and any
accrued but unpaid net amounts  owed to a swap  counterparty  will be covered by
maintaining a segregated  account  comprised of  Segregable  Assets to avoid any
potential leveraging of the Fund's investment portfolio. The Fund will not enter
into a swap  agreement  with any single  party if the net  amount  owed or to be
received under existing  contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Fund's
assets.

                                       14
<PAGE>


Certain  swap  agreements  are  exempt  from most  provisions  of the  Commodity
Exchange Act ("CEA") and,  therefore,  are not regulated as futures or commodity
option  transactions  under  the CEA.  To  qualify  for this  exemption,  a swap
agreement  must be entered into by "eligible  participants,"  which includes the
following,  provided the participants' total assets exceed established levels: a
bank or trust company,  savings association or credit union,  insurance company,
investment  company  subject to regulation  under the 1940 Act,  commodity pool,
corporation, partnership,  proprietorship,  organization, trust or other entity,
employee benefit plan,  governmental entity,  broker-dealer,  futures commission
merchant,  natural person, or regulated foreign person. To be eligible,  natural
persons and most other  entities  must have total assets  exceeding $10 million;
commodity  pools and  employee  benefit  plans  must have  assets  exceeding  $5
million.  In addition,  an eligible swap transaction must meet three conditions.
First, the swap agreement may not be part of a fungible class of agreements that
are   standardized   as  to  their  material   economic   terms.   Second,   the
creditworthiness of parties with actual or potential  obligations under the swap
agreement must be a material  consideration  in entering into or determining the
terms of the swap  agreement,  including  pricing,  cost or  credit  enhancement
terms. Third, swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a
multilateral transaction execution facility.

This  exemption  is not  exclusive,  and  participants  may  continue to rely on
existing  exclusions for swaps, such as the Policy Statement issued in July 1989
which recognized a safe harbor for swap  transactions from regulation as futures
or commodity option  transactions  under the CEA or its regulations.  The Policy
Statement  applies  to  swap  transactions   settled  in  cash  that:  (1)  have
individually  tailored  terms;  (2) lack exchange  style offset and the use of a
clearing organization or margin system; (3) are undertaken in conjunction with a
line of business; and (4) are not marketed to the public.

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. A Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"),  and other similar instruments  providing
for indirect investment in securities of foreign issuers.  Due to the absence of
established  securities markets in certain foreign countries and restrictions in
certain countries on direct investment by foreign entities, a Fund may invest in
certain issuers through the purchase of sponsored and unsponsored  ADRs or other
similar securities, such as American Depositary Shares, Global Depositary Shares
of International Depositary Receipts. ADRs are receipts typically issued by U.S.
banks  evidencing  ownership of the  underlying  securities  into which they are
convertible. These securities may or may not be denominated in the same currency
as the  underlying  securities.  Unsponsored  ADRs may be  created  without  the
participation of the foreign issuer.  Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear
all the  costs of the ADR  facility,  whereas  foreign  issuers  typically  bear
certain  costs in a sponsored  ADR. The bank or trust  company  depository of an
unsponsored   ADR  may  be  under  no  obligation   to  distribute   shareholder
communications  received  from the  foreign  issuer  or to pass  through  voting
rights.

         INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

         These  restrictions,  unless otherwise  indicated,  are all fundamental
policies of each Fund and cannot be changed  without the  affirmative  vote of a
majority of the  outstanding  shares of each Fund,  which is defined in the 1940
Act as the affirmative  vote of the holders of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of
the shares present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding  shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy;
or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. The fundamental restrictions are
set forth below for each of the Funds.

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND

         Under  the   additional   restrictions   set  forth   below,   Schroder
International Fund will not:

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

     1.   Invest  more than 5% of its  assets in the  securities  of any  single
          issuer.  This restriction  does not apply to securities  issued by the
          U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;

     2.   Purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any one issuer;

     3.   Invest  more  than  10%  of  its  assets  in   "illiquid   securities"
          (Securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days at their then
          current value). For purposes of this limitation, "illiquid securities"
          includes,   except  in  those   circumstances   described  below:  (1)
          "restricted securities", which are securities that cannot be resold to
          the public without  registration under federal securities law; and (2)
          securities of issuers (together with all predecessors) having a record
          of less than three years of continuous operation;

     4.   Invest  25% or  more  of the  value  of its  total  assets  in any one
          industry;

     5.   Borrow money, except from banks for temporary emergency purposes,  and
          then  only in an  amount  not  exceeding  5% of the value of the total
          assets of the Portfolio;

     6.   Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate  its assets to an extent greater than
          10% of the value of its total assets;

                                       15
<PAGE>


     7.   Purchase securities on margin or sell short;

     8.   Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management;

     9.   Purchase or sell real estate  (provided  that the Portfolio may invest
          in  securities  issued by  companies  that  invest  in real  estate or
          interests therein);

     10.  Make  loans to other  persons  (provided  that  for  purposes  of this
          restriction,  entering into repurchase agreements, acquiring corporate
          debt  securities  and  investing  in  U.S.   Government   obligations,
          short-term  commercial  paper,  certificates  of deposit and  bankers'
          acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan);

     11.  Invest in commodities; commodity contracts other than foreign currency
          forward contracts;  or oil, gas and other mineral resource,  lease, or
          arbitrage transactions.

     12.  Write, purchase or sell options, puts, calls,  straddles,  spreads, or
          combinations thereof.

     13.  Underwrite  securities  issued by other persons  (except to the extent
          that, in connection with the disposition of its portfolio investments,
          it may be deemed to be an underwriter under U.S. securities laws);

     14.  Invest in  warrants,  valued at the lower of cost or  market,  to more
          than 5% of the value of the  Portfolio's  net assets.  Included within
          that amount,  but not to exceed 2% of the value of the Portfolio's net
          assets,  may be  warrants  that  are not  listed  on the  New  York or
          American Stock Exchange.  Warrants  acquired by the Portfolio in units
          or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value;

     15.  Purchase more than 3% of the outstanding  securities of any closed-end
          investment  company.  Any such  purchase  of  securities  issued  by a
          closed-end   investment   company  will  otherwise  be  made  in  full
          compliance  with  Sections  12(d)(1)(a)(i),  (ii)  and  (iii)  of  the
          Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").

NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICY:

Schroder  International  Fund will not  invest in  restricted  securities.  This
policy does not include restricted  securities  eligible for resale to qualified
institutional  purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933
that are  determined to be liquid by SCMI pursuant to guidelines  adopted by the
Board of Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds.  Such guidelines take into account
trading  activity for such securities and the  availability of reliable  pricing
information,  among  other  factors.  If there is a lack of trading  interest in
particular Rule 144A securities, these securities may be illiquid.

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND

         Under the additional  restrictions set forth below,  Schroder  Emerging
Markets Fund will not:

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

1.                INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION

                  purchase  a  security  if, as a  result,  more than 25% of the
                  Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of issuers
                  conducting  their  principal  business  activities in the same
                  industry.  For purposes of this limitation,  there is no limit
                  on:  (1)  investments  in  U.S.  government   securities,   in
                  repurchase agreements covering U.S. government securities,  in
                  securities issued by the states, territories or possessions of
                  the  United  States  ("municipal  securities")  or in  foreign
                  government securities;  or (2) investment in issuers domiciled
                  in a  single  jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding  anything  to the

                                       16
<PAGE>


                  contrary,  to the extent  permitted  by the 1940 Act, the Fund
                  may invest in one or more investment companies; provided that,
                  except  to the  extent  the it  invests  in  other  investment
                  companies pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the
                  Fund treats the assets of the investment companies in which it
                  invests as its own for purposes of this policy.

2.       BORROWING

                  borrow  money if, as a result,  outstanding  borrowings  would
                  exceed  an  amount  equal  to one  third of the  Fund's  total
                  assets.

3.       REAL ESTATE

                  purchase  or sell real estate  unless  acquired as a result of
                  ownership of securities or other  instruments  (but this shall
                  not prevent the Fund from  investing  in  securities  or other
                  instruments  backed by real estate or  securities of companies
                  engaged in the real estate business).

4.       LENDING

                  make loans to other parties.  For purposes of this limitation,
                  entering into repurchase  agreements,  lending  securities and
                  acquiring any debt security are not deemed to be the making of
                  loans.

5.       COMMODITIES

                  purchase or sell  physical  commodities  unless  acquired as a
                  result of ownership of  securities or other  instruments  (but
                  this shall not  prevent  the Fund from  purchasing  or selling
                  options and futures  contracts or from investing in securities
                  or other instruments backed by physical commodities).

6.       UNDERWRITING

                  underwrite  (as that term is defined in the  Securities Act of
                  1933, as amended)  securities  issued by other persons except,
                  to the extent that in connection  with the  disposition of its
                  assets, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter.

7.       SENIOR SECURITIES

                  issue  any  class of senior  securities  except to the  extent
                  consistent with the 1940 Act.

NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

Schroder  Emerging  Markets  Fund  has  adopted  the  following   nonfundamental
investment limitations.  A nonfundamental policy does not override a fundamental
limitation.  The  policies  of the  Portfolio  may be  changed  by the  Board of
Trustees of Schroder  Capital Funds without approval of its  interestholders  or
Fund shareholders.

1.       DIVERSIFICATION

                  The Fund is  "non-diversified"  as that term is defined in the
                  1940 Act.  To the extent  required  to qualify as a  regulated
                  investment company under the Code, the Fund may not purchase a
                  security (other than a U.S.  government security or a security
                  of an investment company) if, as a result: (1) with respect to
                  50% of its  assets,  more than 5% of the Fund's  total  assets
                  would be invested in the securities of any single issuer;  (2)
                  with  respect  to 50% of its  assets,  the Fund would own more
                  than 10% of the  outstanding  securities of any single issuer;
                  or (3)  more  than 25% of the  Fund's  total  assets  would be
                  invested in the securities of any single issuer.

                                       17
<PAGE>


2.       BORROWING

                    for purposes of the  limitation on borrowing,  the following
                    are not treated as  borrowings  to the extent they are fully
                    collateralized:   (1)  the  delayed  delivery  of  purchased
                    securities (such as the purchase of when-issued securities);
                    (2)   reverse   repurchase   agreements;   (3)   dollar-roll
                    transactions;  and (5) the lending of securities  ("leverage
                    transactions").    (See   Fundamental   Limitation   No.   2
                    "Borrowing.")

3.       LIQUIDITY

                  invest more than 15% of its net assets in: (1) securities that
                  cannot be disposed of within seven days at their  then-current
                  value;  (2) repurchase  agreements not entitling the holder to
                  payment of  principal  within seven days;  and (3)  securities
                  subject to  restrictions  on the sale of the securities to the
                  public without  registration  under the 1933 Act  ("restricted
                  securities")  that are not  readily  marketable.  The Fund may
                  treat  certain  restricted  securities  as liquid  pursuant to
                  guidelines  adopted by the Board of  Trustees  of the Trust or
                  the Board of Schroder Capital Funds, as the case may be.

4.       EXERCISING CONTROL OF ISSUERS

                  make  investments for the purpose of exercising  control of an
                  issuer.  Investments by the Fund in entities created under the
                  laws of foreign  countries solely to facilitate  investment in
                  securities  in that  country  will not be deemed the making of
                  investments for the purpose of exercising control.

5.       OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

                  invest in securities of another investment company,  except to
                  the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

6.       SHORT SALES AND PURCHASING ON MARGIN

                  sell  securities  short,  unless  it owns or has the  right to
                  obtain  securities  equivalent  in  kind  and  amount  to  the
                  securities  sold short  (short sales  "against the box"),  and
                  provided that  transactions  in futures  contracts and options
                  are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.

                  purchase  securities  on margin,  except that the Fund may use
                  short-term   credit  for  the  clearance  of  its  portfolio's
                  transactions,  and provided that initial and variation  margin
                  payments in connection  with futures  contracts and options on
                  futures contracts shall not constitute  purchasing  securities
                  on margin.

7.       LENDING

                  lend  a  security  if,  as a  result,  the  amount  of  loaned
                  securities  would  exceed an amount  equal to one third of the
                  Fund's total assets.


SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

         Under  the   additional   restrictions   set  forth   below,   Schroder
International Smaller Companies Fund will not:

                                       18
<PAGE>


FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

         1.   The Fund may not,  with  respect to 75% of its assets,  purchase a
              security  other than a security  issued or  guaranteed by the U.S.
              Government,  its agencies or instrumentalities or a security of an
              investment  company  if, as a result,  more than 5% of the  Fund's
              total  assets  would be  invested  in the  securities  of a single
              issuer  or the Fund  would  own more  than 10% of the  outstanding
              voting securities of any single issuer.

         2.   The  Fund  may  not  concentrate  investments  in  any  particular
              industry;  therefore, the Fund will not purchase the securities of
              companies in any one industry if,  thereafter,  25% or more of the
              Fund's total assets would  consist of  securities  of companies in
              that  industry.  This  restriction  does not apply to  obligations
              issued or  guaranteed  by the U.S.  Government,  its  agencies  or
              instrumentalities.  An  investment  of more than 25% of the Fund's
              assets in the  securities  of issuers  located in one country does
              not contravene this policy.

         3.   The Fund may not  borrow  money in  excess  of 331/3% of its total
              assets taken at market value  (including the amount  borrowed) and
              then only from a bank as a temporary  measure for extraordinary or
              emergency  purposes,  including to meet  redemptions  or to settle
              securities   transactions  that  may  otherwise  require  untimely
              dispositions of portfolio securities.

         4.   The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate,  provided  that the
              Fund may invest in securities  issued by companies which invest in
              real estate or interests therein.

         5.   The Fund may not make loans to other  persons,  provided  that for
              purposes of this restriction,  entering into repurchase agreements
              or acquiring any otherwise permissible debt securities or engaging
              in  securities  loans  shall not be  deemed to be the  making of a
              loan.

         6.   The Fund may not  invest in  commodities  or  commodity  contracts
              other than forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

         7.   The Fund may not  underwrite  securities  issued by other  persons
              except to the extent that, in connection  with the  disposition of
              its portfolio  investments,  it may be deemed to be an underwriter
              under U.S. securities laws.

         8.   The  Fund  may  not issue  senior securities  except to the extent
              permitted by the 1940 Act.

Except for the policies on borrowing  and illiquid  securities,  the  percentage
restrictions described above apply only at the time of investment and require no
action by the Fund as a result of subsequent changes in value of the investments
or the size of the Fund.

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

         Under  the   additional   restrictions   set  forth   below,   Schroder
International Bond Fund will not:

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

         1.   The  Fund  may  not  concentrate  investments  in  any  particular
              industry;  therefore, the Fund will not purchase the securities of
              companies in any one industry if,  thereafter,  25% or more of the
              Fund's total assets would  consist of  securities  of companies in
              that  industry.  This  restriction  does not apply to  obligations
              issued or  guaranteed  by the U.S.  Government,  its  agencies  or
              instrumentalities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto).
              An  investment  of  more  than  25% of the  Fund's  assets  in the
              securities of issuers  located in one country does not  contravene
              this policy.

                                       19
<PAGE>


         2.   The Fund may not  borrow  money in excess of  33-1/3% of its total
              assets taken at market value  (including the amount  borrowed) and
              then only from a bank as a temporary  measure for extraordinary or
              emergency  purposes,  including to meet  redemptions  or to settle
              securities   transactions  that  may  otherwise  require  untimely
              dispositions of portfolio securities.

         3.   The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate,  provided  that the
              Fund may invest in securities  issued by companies  that invest in
              real estate or interests therein.

         4.   The Fund may not make loans to other  persons,  provided  that for
              purposes of this restriction,  entering into repurchase agreements
              or acquiring any otherwise  permissible debt securities  including
              engaging  in  securities  lending  shall  not be  deemed to be the
              making of a loan.

         5.   The Fund may not invest in  commodities  or  commodity  contracts,
              except  that,  subject  to  the  restrictions   described  in  the
              Prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI, the Fund may: (1) enter into
              futures contracts and options on futures contracts; (2) enter into
              foreign forward currency  exchange  contracts and foreign currency
              options;  (3)  purchase  or sell  currencies  on a spot or forward
              basis;  and (4) may enter into futures  contracts  on  securities,
              currencies or on indices of such securities or currencies,  or any
              other financial instruments,  and may purchase and sell options on
              such futures contracts.

         6.   The Fund may not  underwrite  securities  issued by other  persons
              except to the extent that, in connection  with the  disposition of
              its portfolio  investments,  it may be deemed to be an underwriter
              under U.S. securities laws.

         7.   The  Fund may  not issue  senior  securities  except to the extent
              permitted by the 1940 Act.

NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

          1.   The Fund may not  acquire  securities  or  invest  in  repurchase
               agreements  with respect to any securities if, as a result,  more
               than 15% of its net  assets  (taken at  current  value)  would be
               invested  in  illiquid  securities  (securities  that  cannot  be
               disposed  of  within  seven  days at their  then-current  value),
               including  repurchase  agreements  not  entitling  the  holder to
               payment of principal  within seven days and  securities  that are
               not readily  marketable by virtue of  restrictions on the sale of
               such  securities  to the public  without  registration  under the
               Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended  ("Restricted  Securities").
               Illiquid securities do not include securities that can be sold to
               the public in foreign  markets or that may be eligible for resale
               to qualified institutional purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A under
               the  Securities  Act of 1933 that are  determined to be liquid by
               the  investment  adviser  pursuant to  guidelines  adopted by the
               Trust's Board of Trustees.

         2.   The Fund may not make  investments  for the purpose of  exercising
              control  or  management,  except  in  connection  with  a  merger,
              consolidation,   acquisition,   or  reorganization   with  another
              investment company or series thereof.  (Investments by the Fund in
              wholly owned investment entities created under the laws of certain
              foreign countries will not be deemed the making of investments for
              the purpose of exercising control or management.)

         3.   The Fund may not invest in interests in oil, gas or other  mineral
              exploration,   resource,  or  lease  transactions  or  development
              programs  but  may  purchase  readily  marketable   securities  of
              companies that operate, invest in, or sponsor such programs.

         4.   The Fund  may  acquire  or  retain  the  securities  of any  other
              investment  company  to the  extent  permitted  by the  1940  Act,
              including in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition,
              or reorganization.

Except for the policies on borrowing  and illiquid  securities,  the  percentage
restrictions described above apply only at the time of investment and require no
action by the Fund as a result of subsequent changes in value of the investments
or the size of the Fund.

                                       20
<PAGE>


SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND

         Under the additional restrictions set forth below, Schroder U.S. Equity
Fund will not:

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

          1.   Will not issue senior  securities  except that: (1) it may borrow
               money from a bank on its promissory Fund's total assets after the
               borrowing;  (2)  if  at  any  time  it  exceeded  such  one-third
               limitation,  the Fund would  within  three days  thereafter  (not
               including  Sundays  or  holidays)  or such  longer  period as the
               Securities  and Exchange  Commission  may  prescribe by rules and
               regulations,  reduce its  borrowings to the  limitation;  and (3)
               might or might not be secured and, if secured, all or any part of
               the  Fund's  assets  could  be  pledged.   To  comply  with  such
               limitations,  the Fund  might be  required  to dispose of certain
               assets  when it  might  be  disadvantageous  to do so.  Any  such
               borrowings would be subject to Federal Reserve Board regulations.
               (As a  non-fundamental  policy,  the  Fund  does not  borrow  for
               investment purposes.)

          2.   Will not effect short  sales,  purchase any security on margin or
               write or purchase put and call options.

          3.   Will not acquire  more than 10% of the voting  securities  of any
               one issuer.

          4.   Will not invest  25% or more of the value of its total  assets in
               any one industry.

          5.   Will not engage in the purchase and sale of illiquid interests in
               real  estate,   including   illiquid  interests  in  real  estate
               investment trusts.

          6.   Will  not  engage  in the  purchase  and sale of  commodities  or
               commodity contracts.

          7.   Will not  invest  in  companies  for the  purpose  of  exercising
               control or management.

          8.   Will not underwrite securities of other issuers,  except that the
               Fund may acquire  portfolio  securities,  not in excess of 10% of
               the value of its total assets,  under circumstances where if sold
               it might be deemed to be an  underwriter  for the purposes of the
               Securities Act of 1933.

          9.   Will not make loans to other persons  except that it may purchase
               evidences  of  indebtedness  of a type  distributed  privately to
               financial  institutions  but not in excess of 10% of the value of
               its total assets.

          10.  Will not acquire  securities  described in 8 and 9 above which in
               the aggregate exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

          11.  Will not invest in other investment companies.

          NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

         Schroder  U.S.  Equity  Fund:  (1) will not invest more than 10% of its
total assets in illiquid  securities,  including securities described in items 8
and 9 above and  repurchase  agreements  maturing more than seven days;  and (2)
will not engage in writing, buying or selling of stock index futures, options on
stock index futures, financial futures contracts or options thereon.

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

     Under the additional  restrictions  set forth below,  Schroder U.S. Smaller
Companies Fund will not:

                                       21
<PAGE>


FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

     1.  Underwrite  securities of other  companies  (except insofar as the Fund
         might be deemed to be an  underwriter  in the resale of any  securities
         held in its portfolio);

     2.  Invest in  commodities  or  commodity  contracts  (other  than  Hedging
         Instruments,  which  it may  use  as  permitted  by  any  of its  other
         fundamental  policies,  whether or not any such Hedging  Instrument  is
         considered to be a commodity or a commodity contract);

     3.  Purchase  securities  on  margin;  however,  the Fund  may make  margin
         deposits in connection with any Hedging  Instruments,  which it may use
         as permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;

     4.  Purchase or write puts or calls except as permitted by any of its other
         fundamental policies;

     5.  Lend money except in connection with the acquisition of that portion of
         publicly-distributed   debt  securities  which  the  Fund's  investment
         policies  and  restrictions  permit  it to  purchase  (see  "Investment
         Objective" and "Investment  Policies" in the Prospectus);  the Fund may
         also make  loans of  portfolio  securities  (see  "Loans  of  Portfolio
         Securities")  and enter into  repurchase  agreements  (see  "Repurchase
         Agreements");

     6.  Pledge,  mortgage or  hypothecate  its assets to an extent greater than
         10% of the value of the total  assets of the Fund;  however,  this does
         not prohibit the escrow  arrangements  contemplated by the put and call
         activities of the Fund or other  collateral or margin  arrangements  in
         connection  with any of the  Hedging  Instruments,  which it may use as
         permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;

     7.  Invest in companies  for the purpose of acquiring control or management
         thereof;

     8.  Invest  in  interests  in oil,  gas or  other  mineral  exploration  or
         development programs (but may purchase readily marketable securities of
         companies which operate, invest in, or sponsor such programs); or

     9.  Invest in real estate or in interests in real estate,  but may purchase
         readily  marketable  securities  of  companies  holding  real estate or
         interests therein.

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND

FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES:

         Under the additional  restrictions set forth below,  Schroder Micro Cap
Fund will not:

     1.  Underwrite  securities of other  companies  (except insofar as the Fund
         might be deemed to be an  underwriter  in the resale of any  securities
         held in its portfolio);

     2.  Invest in  commodities  or  commodity  contracts  (other  than  Hedging
         Instruments,  which  it may  use  as  permitted  by  any  of its  other
         fundamental  policies,  whether or not any such Hedging  Instrument  is
         considered to be a commodity or a commodity contract);

     3.  Purchase  securities  on  margin;  however,  the Fund  may make  margin
         deposits in connection with any Hedging  Instruments,  which it may use
         as permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;

     4.  Purchase or write puts or calls except as permitted by any of its other
         fundamental policies;

                                       22
<PAGE>


     5.  Lend money except in connection with the acquisition of that portion of
         publicly-distributed   debt  securities  that  the  Fund's   investment
         policies  and  restrictions  permit  it to  purchase  (see  "Investment
         Objective" and "Investment  Policies" in the Prospectus);  the Fund may
         also make  loans of  portfolio  securities  (see  "Loans  of  Portfolio
         Securities")  and enter into  repurchase  agreements  (see  "Repurchase
         Agreements");

     6.  Pledge,  mortgage or  hypothecate  its assets to an extent greater than
         10% of the value of the total  assets of the Fund;  however,  this does
         not prohibit the escrow  arrangements  contemplated by the put and call
         activities of the Fund or other  collateral or margin  arrangements  in
         connection  with any of the  Hedging  Instruments,  which it may use as
         permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;

     7.  Invest in companies for the purpose of acquiring  control or management
         thereof,  except that the Fund may invest in other investment companies
         to the  extent  permitted  under  the 1940 Act or by rule or  exemption
         thereunder.

     8.  Invest  in  interests  in oil,  gas or  other  mineral  exploration  or
         development programs (but may purchase readily marketable securities of
         companies which operate, invest in, or sponsor such programs); or

     9.  Invest in real estate or in interests in real estate,  but may purchase
         readily  marketable  securities  of  companies  holding  real estate or
         interests therein.

MANAGEMENT

         OFFICERS  AND  TRUSTEES.  The  following  information  relates  to  the
principal  occupations  during the past five years of each Trustee and executive
officer of the Trust and shows the nature of any affiliation  with SCMI.  Except
as noted,  each of these  individuals  currently serves in the same capacity for
Schroder  Capital Funds,  Schroder  Capital Funds II and Schroder  Series Trust,
other registered investment companies in the Schroder family of funds.

PETER E. GUERNSEY,  75, c/o the Trust,  Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Trustee of the Trust;  Insurance  Consultant  since August 1986;  prior  thereto
Senior Vice President, Marsh & McLennan, Inc., insurance brokers.

JOHN I.  HOWELL,  80, c/o the Trust,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Trustee of the Trust; Private Consultant since February 1987; Honorary Director,
American  International  Group,  Inc.;  Director,  American  International  Life
Assurance Company of New York.

CLARENCE F. MICHALIS, 75, c/o the Trust, Two Portland Square,  Portland, Maine -
Trustee of the Trust;  Chairman  of the Board of  Directors,  Josiah  Macy,  Jr.
Foundation (charitable foundation).

HERMANN C. SCHWAB,  77, c/o the Trust,  Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Chairman and Trustee of the Trust;  retired since March,  1988;  prior  thereto,
consultant to SCMI since February 1, 1984.

HON. DAVID N. DINKINS, 69, c/o the Trust, Two Portland Square, Portland,  Maine,
Trustee of the Trust; Professor, Columbia University School of International and
Public Affairs; Director,  American Stock Exchange, Carver Federal Savings Bank,
Transderm  Laboratory  Corporation,  and The Cosmetic  Center,  Inc.;  formerly,
Mayor, The City of New York.

PETER S.  KNIGHT,  46, c/o the Trust,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine,
Trustee  of the  Trust;  Partner,  Wunder,  Knight,  Levine,  Thelen  &  Forcey;
Director,  Comsat Corp.,  Medicis  Pharmaceutical  Corp., and Whitman  Education
Group Inc., Formerly, Campaign Manager, Clinton/Gore `96.

SHARON L. HAUGH*,  51, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York,  Trustee of the
Trust;  Chairman,  Schroder  Capital  Management  Inc.  ("SCM"),  Executive Vice
President and Director, SCMI; Chairman and Director, Schroder Advisors.

                                       23
<PAGE>


MARK J. SMITH*, 35, 33 Gutter Lane,  London,  England - President and Trustee of
the Trust; Senior Vice President and Director of SCMI since April 1990; Director
and Senior Vice President, Schroder Advisors.

MARK ASTLEY,  33, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of the
Trust;  First  Vice  President  of SCMI,  prior  thereto,  employed  by  various
affiliates of SCMI in various positions in the investment research and portfolio
management areas since 1987.

ROBERT G. DAVY, 36, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Director of SCMI and Schroder Capital Management  International Ltd.
since 1994;  First Vice  President  of SCMI since  July,  1992;  prior  thereto,
employed by various  affiliates of SCMI in various  positions in the  investment
research and portfolio management areas since 1986.

MARGARET H. DOUGLAS-HAMILTON,  55, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice
President of the Trust;  Secretary of SCM since July 1995; Senior Vice President
(since April 1997) and General Counsel of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc. since May
1987; prior thereto, partner of Sullivan & Worcester, a law firm.

RICHARD R. FOULKES,  51, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust; Deputy Chairman of SCMI since October 1995; Director and Executive
Vice President of Schroder Capital Management International Ltd.
since 1989.

FERGAL CASSIDY,  28, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Treasurer of the
Trust.

JOHN Y. KEFFER, 54, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine - Vice President of the
Trust;  President of FFC, the Fund's transfer and dividend  disbursing agent and
other  affiliated  entities  including Forum  Financial  Services,  Inc.,  Forum
Administrative Services, LLC, and Forum Advisors, Inc.

JANE P. LUCAS,  35, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Director  and Senior  Vice  President  SCMI;  Director  of SCM since
September 1995;  Director of Schroder  Advisors since September 1996;  Assistant
Director Schroder Investment Management Ltd. since June 1991.

CATHERINE A. MAZZA, 37, 787 Seventh Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust; President of Schroder Advisors since 1997; First Vice President of
SCMI and SCM since 1996;  prior  thereto,  held various  marketing  positions at
Alliance Capital, an investment adviser, since July 1985.

MICHAEL PERELSTEIN,  41, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust;  Director  since May 1997 and Senior Vice  President of SCMI since
January 1997;  prior thereto,  Managing  Director of MacKay - Shields  Financial
Corp.

ALEXANDRA POE, 37, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Secretary and Vice
President of the Trust;  Vice President of SCMI since August 1996;  Fund Counsel
and Senior Vice President of Schroder  Advisors since August 1996;  Secretary of
Schroder Advisors;  prior thereto, an investment management attorney with Gordon
Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein since July 1994; prior thereto counsel and
Vice President of Citibank, N.A. since 1989.

THOMAS  G.  SHEEHAN,  42,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine -  Assistant
Treasurer  and  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Trust;  Relationship  Manager  and
Counsel,  Forum  Financial  Services,  Inc. since 1993;  prior thereto,  Special
Counsel,  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Division  of  Investment
Management, Washington, D.C.

FARIBA TALEBI,  36, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Group Vice  President of SCMI since April 1993,  employed in various
positions in the investment research and portfolio  management areas since 1987;
Director of SCM since April 1997.

                                       24
<PAGE>


JOHN A. TROIANO,  38, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust; Director of SCM since April 1997; Chief Executive Officer, since July
1, 1997, of SCMI and Managing  Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI since
October 1995; prior thereto,  employed by various  affiliates of SCMI in various
positions in the investment research and portfolio management areas since 1981.

IRA L. UNSCHULD,  31, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Vice President of SCMI since April, 1993 and an Associate from July,
1990 to April, 1993.

CATHERINE S.  WOOLEDGE,  55, Two Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine - Assistant
Treasurer  and  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Trust;  Counsel,  Forum  Financial
Services,  Inc.  since November  1996.  Prior  thereto,  associate at Morrison &
Foerster,  Washington,  D.C.  from  October  1994 to  November  1996,  associate
corporate counsel at Franklin  Resources,  Inc. from September 1993 to September
1994, and prior thereto associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath, Philadelphia, PA.

*        Interested Trustee of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

     Schroder  Advisors is a wholly owned  subsidiary of SCMI, which is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc., which in turn is an indirect,
wholly  owned U.S.  subsidiary  of  Schroders  plc.  SCM is also a wholly  owned
subsidiary of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc..

         Officers and Trustees who are  interested  persons of the Trust receive
no salary, fees or compensation from the Fund. Independent Trustees of the Trust
receive an annual  retainer of $11,000 and additional fees of $1,250 per meeting
attended in person or $500 per  meeting  attended  by  telephone.  Members of an
Audit  Committee  for  one  or  more  of the  investment  companies  receive  an
additional  $1,000 per year.  Payment of the annual  retainer is allocated among
the various investment companies based on their relative net assets.  Payment of
meeting fees is  allocated  only among those  investment  companies to which the
meeting relates. None of the registered investment companies in the Fund Complex
has any bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plans.

         The following table provides the fees paid to each independent  Trustee
of the Trust for certain funds' fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                   <C>
                                                          Pension or                                   Total
                                                          Retirement                             Compensation From
                                      Aggregate        Benefits Accrued      Estimated Annual      Trust And Fund
                                  Compensation From    As Part of Trust       Benefits Upon       Complex Paid To
Name of Trustee                         Trust              Expenses             Retirement            Trustees
- -------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------
Mr. Guernsey                           $1,365.30              $0                    $0             $  3,983.42
Mr. Howell                             $1,365.30              $0                    $0              $14,983.42
Mr. Michalis                           $  865.30              $0                    $0             $  2,483.42
Mr. Schwab                             $2,365.30              $0                    $0             $  7,983.42
Mr. Dinkins                            $    0.00              $0                    $0              $11,000.00
Mr. Knight                             $  365.30              $0                    $0              $11,983.42
</TABLE>


* In addition to the Trust,  the "Fund Complex"  includes three other registered
investment  companies (Schroder Capital Funds II, an open-end company;  Schroder
Capital  Funds,  an open-end  company;  and Schroder  Series Trust,  an open-end
company) for which SCMI serves as investment adviser for each series.

         As of January 30,  1998,  the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned,
in the  aggregate,  less than 1% of the  Trust's  outstanding  shares.  Mr.  Ira
Unschuld,  principal  advisor  with regard to Micro Cap Fund,  held 8.63% of the
Investor Shares of that Fund, as set forth in Table 4 of APPENDIX B.

                                       25
<PAGE>


               CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

         Table 5 in APPENDIX B to this SAI sets forth certain  information  with
regard to the holders of more than 5% of the beneficial  interests in each Fund,
together  with  information  regarding  the  holders  of  more  than  25% of the
beneficial interests in each Fund.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

         SCMI,  787  Seventh  Avenue,  New  York,  New  York  10019,  serves  as
investment  adviser to each  Portfolio  under an investment  advisory  agreement
between Schroder Core and SCMI (the "Core Advisory Agreement"). SCMI is a wholly
owned U.S.  subsidiary of Schroders  U.S.  Holdings  Inc., the wholly owned U.S.
holding  company  subsidiary  of  Schroders  plc.  Schroders  plc is the holding
company  parent  of a large  worldwide  group of  banks  and  financial  service
companies (referred to as the "Schroder Group"),  with associated  companies and
branch and  representative  offices in eighteen  countries.  The Schroder  Group
specializes  in  providing  investment  management  services,  with funds  under
management currently in excess of $175 billion as of September 30, 1997.

         Under the Advisory  Agreements,  SCMI is  responsible  for managing the
investment  program for each Fund or  Portfolio.  In this  regard,  it is SCMI's
responsibility  to make decisions  relating to the portfolio  investments and to
place  purchase  and sale orders  regarding  such  investments  with  brokers or
dealers it selects.  SCMI also furnishes Schroder Core Board and the Trust Board
with periodic  reports on the  investment  performance of the Portfolios and the
Funds.

         Under the terms of the Advisory Agreements,  SCMI is required to manage
the investment portfolios in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In
making its investment  decisions,  SCMI does not use material inside information
that may be in its possession or in the possession of its affiliates.

         Each Fund  (other than U.S.  Equity Fund and Micro Cap Fund)  currently
invests all of its assets in a Portfolio.  As long as a Fund remains  completely
invested in a Portfolio (or any other investment company),  SCMI is not entitled
to receive  an  investment  advisory  fee with  respect to the Fund.  A Fund may
withdraw  its  investment  from a  Portfolio  at any  time  if the  Trust  Board
determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its  shareholders to
do so.  Accordingly,  the Trust retains SCMI as  investment  adviser to manage a
Fund's assets in the event a Fund so withdraws its  investment.  The  investment
advisory  agreement  between the Trust and SCMI with respect to the Funds is the
same in all material respects as the Investment  Advisory Agreement with respect
to the  Portfolios  (except as to the  parties,  the fees and the  circumstances
under  which  fees will be paid,  and the  jurisdiction  whose  laws  govern the
agreement).  During a time  that a Fund did not  have  substantially  all of its
assets  invested in a Portfolio or another  investment  company,  for  providing
investment  advisory  services under the investment  advisory  agreement for the
Fund,  SCMI would be entitled to receive  advisory fees monthly at the following
annual  rates  (based on the  assets of each Fund  taken  separately):  SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  FUND -- 0.50% of the first $100  million  of the  Fund's  average
daily net assets, 0.40% of the next $150 million of average daily net assets and
0.35% of average daily net assets in excess of $250 million;  SCHRODER  EMERGING
MARKETS  FUND  --  1.00%  of the  Fund's  average  daily  net  assets;  SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL  SMALLER  COMPANIES  FUND -- 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets;  SCHRODER  INTERNATIONAL  BOND  PORTFOLIO -- 0.50% of the Fund's average
daily net assets; and SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND -- 0.50% of the first
$100  million of the Fund's  average  daily net  assets,  0.40% of the next $150
million of average net assets and 0.35% of average daily net assets in excess of
$250 million.

         Table 1 in  APPENDIX B shows the  dollar  amount of the  advisory  fees
payable had certain  waivers not been in place,  together with the dollar amount
of investment  advisory fees waived, and the dollar amount of net fees paid. The
percentage  amounts of the advisory fees are set forth in the  Prospectus.  This
information  is provided  for the past three years (or such  shorter  terms as a
Fund has been operational).

         Each  Fund  Advisory  Agreement   continues  in  effect  provided  such
continuance  is  approved  annually:  (1) by the  holders of a  majority  of the
outstanding voting securities of the Funds or by the Board; and, in either case,
(2) by a  majority  of the  Trustees  who are not  parties to the  Agreement  or
"interested  persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party.  Each Fund
Advisory  Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Trustees or
the Fund's shareholders on 60 days' written notice to the investment adviser, or
by the  investment  adviser  on 60 days'  written  notice to the  Trust,  and it
terminates  automatically  if  assigned.  Each Fund's  Advisory  Agreement  also
provides that,  with respect to the Funds,  neither SCMI nor its personnel shall
be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission
in the performance of duties to either Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross  negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless
disregard of any obligations and duties under the Agreement.


                                       26
<PAGE>

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

         On behalf of each Fund,  the Trust has entered  into an  Administration
Agreement  with  Schroder  Advisors,  under  which  Schroder  Advisors  provides
management and administrative services necessary for the operation of each Fund,
including:  (1)  preparation  of  shareholder  reports and  communications;  (2)
regulatory  compliance,  such as reports to and  filings  with the SEC and state
securities  commissions;  and (3) general  supervision  of the operation of each
Fund, including coordination of the services performed by each Fund's investment
adviser, transfer agent, custodian,  independent accountants,  legal counsel and
others.  Schroder  Advisors  is a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  SCMI  and is a
registered  broker-dealer  organized to act as administrator  and distributor of
mutual funds.

         For providing  administrative services Schroder Advisors is entitled to
receive from the Funds a fee, payable monthly, at the annual rate set out in the
Prospectus  as to each  Fund's  average  daily net  assets.  The  Administration
Agreement is terminable with respect to each Fund without penalty,  at any time,
by the Trust  Board,  upon 60 days'  written  notice to Schroder  Advisors or by
Schroder Advisors upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust.

         The Trust has entered  into a  Subadministration  Agreement  with FAdS.
Under  its  Agreement,  FAdS  assists  Schroder  Advisors  with  certain  of its
responsibilities  under  the  Administration  Agreement,  including  shareholder
reporting  and  regulatory  compliance.  For  providing  its  services,  FAdS is
entitled  to receive a monthly  fee from each Fund at the annual rate set out in
the Prospectus as to the Fund's average daily net assets. The  Subadministration
Agreement is terminable with respect to each Fund without penalty,  at any time,
by the  Trust  Board,  upon 60 days'  written  notice to FAdS or by FAdS upon 60
days' written notice to the Fund.

         Schroder  Advisors and FAdS provide similar  services to the Portfolios
pursuant to administration  and  subadministration  agreements  between Schroder
Core and each of these entities,  for which Schroder  Advisors and FAdS are each
compensated at the annual rate set out in the Prospectus as to each  Portfolio's
average daily net assets. The administration  and  subadministration  agreements
with  regard to the  Portfolios  are the same in all  material  respects  as the
Funds' respective  agreements (except as to the parties, the circumstances under
which the fees will be paid, and the fees payable thereunder).

         The fees paid by the Funds and Portfolios to SCMI and Schroder Advisors
may equal up the totals set forth in the  Prospectus  as to each Fund's  average
daily net assets.  Such fees as a whole are higher than advisory and  management
fees charged to mutual funds which invest  primarily in U.S.  securities but not
necessarily  higher  than  those  charged to funds  with  investment  objectives
similar to that of the Funds.

         Table   2  in   APPENDIX   B  shows   the   Administration   Fees   and
Subadministration  Fees  payable by each Fund had  certain  waivers  not been in
place, together with the dollar amount of such fees waived and the dollar amount
of net fees paid by each Fund.  This  information is provided for the past three
years (or such shorter time as a Fund has been operational).

DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES

         Schroder Advisors, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves
as Distributor of Fund shares under a Distribution Agreement.  Schroder Advisors
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc., the parent company
of SCMI,  and is a registered  broker-dealer  organized to act as  administrator
and/or distributor of mutual funds.

         Under the Distribution  Agreement,  Schroder Advisors has agreed to use
its best efforts to secure  purchases of Fund shares in  jurisdictions  in which
such shares may be legally offered for sale.  Schroder Advisors is not obligated
to sell any  specific  amount of Fund  shares.  Further,  Schroder  Advisors has
agreed in the  Distribution  Agreement to serve without  compensation and to pay
from  its own  resources  all  costs  and  expenses  incident  to the  sale  and
distribution  of Fund shares  including  expenses for printing and  distributing
prospectuses  and other sales 


                                       27
<PAGE>


materials to prospective  investors,  advertising expenses, and the salaries and
expenses of its employees or agents in connection with the  distribution of Fund
shares.

         Under a  Distribution  Plan (the  "Plan")  adopted  by the  Trust  with
respect to Advisor  Shares only, the Trust may pay directly or may reimburse the
investment adviser or a broker-dealer  registered under the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934  (the  "1934  Act")  (the  investment  adviser  or  such  registered
broker-dealer,  if so designated,  being a  "Distributor"  of the Fund's shares)
monthly  (subject to a limit of 0.50% per annum of that Fund's average daily net
assets)  for:  (1)  advertising   expenses   including   advertising  by  radio,
television,  newspapers,  magazines, brochures, sales literature or direct mail;
(2) costs of printing  prospectuses  and other  materials to be given or sent to
prospective  investors;  (3)  expenses  of  sales  employees  or  agents  of the
Distributor,  including  salary,  commissions,  travel,  and related expenses in
connection  with  the   distribution  of  Fund  shares;   and  (4)  payments  to
broker-dealers  (other than the Distributor) or other organizations for services
rendered in the distribution of the Fund's shares, including payments in amounts
based on the average daily value of Fund shares owned by shareholders in respect
of which the broker-dealer or organization has a distributing relationship.  The
maximum annual amount currently payable under the Plan is 0.25%, but no payments
may be made under the Plan until the Trust Board so authorizes. Any payment made
pursuant to the Plan is contingent upon the Trust Board's approval.  The Fund is
not liable for distribution expenditures of the Distributor in any given year in
excess of the maximum  amount  (0.50% per annum of the Fund's  average daily net
assets)  payable  under the Plan in that year.  Salary  expenses  of sales staff
responsible  for  marketing  shares of the Fund may be allocated  among  various
series of the Trust that have  adopted a Plan similar to that of the Fund on the
basis of average net assets;  travel  expenses are allocated among the series of
the Trust.  The Trust Board has concluded that there is a reasonable  likelihood
that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.

     Each Fund has adopted a Distribution  Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act. Without shareholder approval,  the Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the costs that any Fund may bear.  Other  material  amendments to the
Plan must be approved by the Trust , and by the Trustees who are not "interested
persons"  (as  defined  in the 1940  Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect  financial  interest  in the  operation  of the Plan or in any  related
agreement (the  "disinterested  Trustees"),  by vote cast in person at a meeting
called  for the  purpose of  considering  such  amendments.  The  selection  and
nomination of the Trustees of the Trust has been  committed to the discretion of
the disinterested Trustees. The Plan has been approved, and is subject to annual
approval, by the Trust Board and by the disinterested  Trustees, by vote cast in
person at a meeting  called for the  purpose of voting on the Plan.  The Plan is
terminable  with  respect to a Fund at any time by a vote of a  majority  of the
disinterested  Trustees or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
the Fund. During the periods ended October 31, 1997, neither Fund had any shares
outstanding and, therefore, neither accrued nor paid any dollars under the Plan.

SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

         Under the Shareholder Service Plan approved by the Trust for the Funds'
Advisor  Shares,  the Trust  may also  contract  with  banks,  trust  companies,
broker-dealers or other financial  organizations  ("Service  Organizations")  to
provide certain  administrative  services for shareholders of the Funds' Advisor
Shares.  The Funds may pay fees  (which  may vary  depending  upon the  services
provided) to Service  Organizations  in amounts up to an annual rate of 0.25% of
the daily net asset value of the Funds'  Advisor  Shares  owned by  shareholders
with  whom the  Service  Organization  has a  servicing  relationship.  Services
provided by Service  Organizations  may include:  (1)  providing  personnel  and
facilities  necessary to establish and maintain certain shareholder accounts and
records;  (2)  assisting  in  processing   purchase,   exchange  and  redemption
transactions;  (3)  arranging  for the  wiring  of  funds  or  transmitting  and
receiving  funds in connection  with client orders to purchase or redeem shares;
(4) verifying and guaranteeing  client  signatures in connection with redemption
orders,  transfers  among,  and  changes  in  client-designated   accounts;  (5)
providing periodic  statements of a client's account balances and, to the extent
practicable,  integrating such information with other client  transactions;  (6)
furnishing periodic and annual statements and confirmations of all purchases and
redemptions of shares in a client's account;  (7) transmitting proxy statements,
annual reports, and updating prospectuses and other communications from the Fund
to clients;  and (8) such other services as the Fund or a client  reasonably may
request,  to the extent  permitted by applicable  statute,  rule or  regulation.
Neither SCMI nor Schroder  Advisors  will be a Service  Organization  or receive
fees for  servicing.  The Funds have no intention o


                                       28
<PAGE>


making any such  payments to Service  Organizations  with respect to accounts of
institutional investors and, in any event, would make no such payments until the
Trust Board specifically so authorizes.

        Some Service Organizations may impose additional or different conditions
on their  clients,  such as  requiring  them to  invest  more  than the  minimum
investments  specified by the Funds or charging a direct fee for  servicing.  If
imposed,  these fees would be in addition  to any amounts  that might be paid to
the Service  Organization  by the Funds.  Each  Service  Organization  agrees to
transmit to its clients a schedule of any such fees.  Shareholders using Service
Organizations are urged to consult them regarding any such fees or conditions.

FUND ACCOUNTING

         Forum Accounting Services,  LLC ("Forum  Accounting"),  an affiliate of
Forum,  performs fund accounting services for each Fund pursuant to an agreement
with the Trust. The Accounting Agreement is terminable with respect to each Fund
without penalty, at any time, by the Trust Board upon 60 days' written notice to
Forum  Accounting or by Forum  Accounting  upon 60 days'  written  notice to the
Trust.

         Under its agreement,  Forum Accounting prepares and maintains the books
and records of each Fund that are required to be maintained  under the 1940 Act,
calculates the net asset value per share of each Fund,  calculates dividends and
capital-gain  distributions,  and prepares  periodic reports to shareholders and
the SEC. For its services to each Fund,  Forum Accounting is entitled to receive
from the Trust a fee of $36,000 per year plus $12,000 per year for each class of
each Fund above one. Forum  Accounting is entitled to an additional  $24,000 per
year  with  respect  to global  and  international  funds.  In  addition,  Forum
Accounting  also is entitled to an  additional  $12,000 per year with respect to
tax-free  money  market  funds,  funds with more than 25% of their total  assets
invested  in  asset-backed  securities,  funds that have more than 100  security
positions,  or funds  that  have a  monthly  portfolio  turnover  rate of 10% or
greater.

         Forum  Accounting  is required to use its best  judgment and efforts in
rendering fund accounting services and is not liable to the Trust for any action
or inaction in the absence of bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
Forum  Accounting  is not  responsible  or liable  for any  failure  or delay in
performance  of its  fund  accounting  obligations  arising  out  of or  caused,
directly or indirectly,  by  circumstances  beyond its reasonable  control.  The
Trust  has  agreed to  indemnify  and hold  harmless  Forum  Accounting  and its
employees,  agents,  officers and directors against and from any and all claims,
demands,  actions,  suits,  judgments,   liabilities,  losses,  damages,  costs,
charges,  counsel  fees  and all  other  expenses  arising  out of or in any way
related to Forum Accounting's actions taken or failures to act with respect to a
Fund or based, if applicable,  upon  information,  instructions or requests with
respect to a Fund given or made to Forum  Accounting  by an officer of the Trust
duly  authorized.  This  indemnification  does not  apply to Forum  Accounting's
actions taken or failures to act in cases of Forum  Accounting's  own bad faith,
willful misconduct or gross negligence.

         Table 3 in  APPENDIX  B shows  the  dollar  amount  of  fees  paid  for
accounting  services  by the  Funds  and the  Portfolios.  This  information  is
provided  for the  past  three  years  (or  such  shorter  time a Fund  has been
operational).

                                       29
<PAGE>


PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

INVESTMENT DECISIONS

         Investment  decisions  for the Funds or the  Portfolios  and for SCMI's
other  investment  advisory  clients  are made  with a view to  achieving  their
respective investment  objectives.  Investment decisions are the product of many
factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved, and
a particular  security may be bought or sold for other clients at the same time.
Likewise,  a particular  security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security.  In some  instances,  one client
may sell a particular security to another client. It also sometimes happens that
two or more clients simultaneously  purchase or sell the same security, in which
event each day's  transactions  in such  security  are,  insofar as is possible,
averaged as to price and  allocated  between such  clients in a manner that,  in
SCMI's  opinion,  is equitable to each and in  accordance  with the amount being
purchased or sold by each. There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of
portfolio  securities  for one or more  clients  will have an adverse  effect on
other clients.  Each Portfolio's  portfolio transaction costs are borne pro rata
by its investors, including the Fund that invests in it.

BROKERAGE AND RESEARCH SERVICES

         Transactions  on U.S.  stock  exchanges  and other agency  transactions
involve the payment of negotiated brokerage  commissions.  Such commissions vary
among  brokers.  Also,  a  particular  broker may charge  different  commissions
according  to  the  difficulty  and  size  of  the  transaction;   for  example,
transactions  in  foreign  securities  generally  involve  the  payment of fixed
brokerage  commissions,  which are generally higher than those in the U.S. Since
most brokerage  transactions for a Fund are placed with foreign  broker-dealers,
certain  portfolio  transaction  costs  for a Fund may be  higher  than fees for
similar transactions executed on U.S. securities exchanges.  However, SCMI seeks
to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio  transactions.  There
is generally  less  governmental  supervision  and  regulation  of foreign stock
exchanges and brokers than in the U.S.  There is generally no stated  commission
in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter  markets, but the price
paid  usually  includes  an  undisclosed   dealer  commission  or  mark-up.   In
underwritten offerings, the price paid includes a disclosed, fixed commission or
discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.

         Each  Fund's  Advisory  Agreement  and  the  Core  Advisory  Agreements
authorize  and direct SCMI to place orders for the purchase and sale of a Fund's
or a  Portfolio's  investments  with  brokers or dealers it selects  and to seek
"best execution" of such portfolio transactions. SCMI places all such orders for
the  purchase  and sale of portfolio  securities  and buys and sells  securities
through a substantial number of brokers and dealers.  In so doing, SCMI uses its
best efforts to obtain the most favorable price and execution available.  A Fund
or a Portfolio may,  however,  pay higher than the lowest  available  commission
rates when SCMI  believes it is reasonable to do so in light of the value of the
brokerage  and  research   services   provided  by  the  broker   effecting  the
transaction.  In seeking the most favorable price and execution,  SCMI considers
all factors it deems relevant (including price,  transaction size, the nature of
the  market  for  the  security,  the  commission  amount,  the  timing  of  the
transaction  (taking into account  market  prices and trends),  the  reputation,
experience  and  financial  stability of the  broker-dealers  involved,  and the
quality of service rendered by the broker-dealers in other transactions).

         Historically,  investment  advisers,  including  advisers of investment
companies and other  institutional  investors,  have received  research services
from  broker-dealers  that  execute  portfolio  transactions  for the  advisers'
clients.  Consistent with this practice, SCMI may receive research services from
broker-dealers  with which it places  portfolio  transactions.  These  services,
which in some  cases may also be  purchased  for  cash,  include  such  items as
general  economic and security  market  reviews,  industry and company  reviews,
evaluations  of securities  and  recommendations  as to the purchase and sale of
securities.  Some of these services are of value to SCMI in advising  various of
its  clients  (including  a Fund or a  Portfolio),  although  not  all of  these
services are necessarily  useful and of value in managing a Fund or a Portfolio.
The investment advisory fee paid by a Fund or a Portfolio is not reduced because
SCMI and its affiliates receive such services.

                                       30
<PAGE>


         As permitted by Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, SCMI may cause a Fund or
a Portfolio  to pay a  broker-dealer  that  provides  SCMI with  "brokerage  and
research  services"  (as  defined  in the  1934  Act)  an  amount  of  disclosed
commission  for effecting a securities  transaction  in excess of the commission
which another  broker-dealer  would have charged for effecting that transaction.
In addition,  although it does not do so currently  SCMI may allocate  brokerage
transactions to broker-dealers  who have entered into  arrangements  under which
the  broker-dealer  allocates a portion of the  commissions  paid by a Fund or a
Portfolio toward payment of Fund or Portfolio expenses, such as custodian fees.

         Subject to the  general  policies  of a Fund or a  Portfolio  regarding
allocation  of  portfolio  brokerage  as set  forth  above,  the Core  Board has
authorized  SCMI to employ:  (1) Schroder & Co. Inc.,  an affiliate of SCMI,  to
effect  securities  transactions  of a Fund or a Portfolio on the New York Stock
Exchange  only;  and  (2)  Schroder   Securities   Limited  and  its  affiliates
(collectively,  "Schroder Securities"), affiliates of SCMI, to effect securities
transactions of a Fund or a Portfolio on various foreign securities exchanges on
which  Schroder  Securities  has  trading  privileges,  provided  certain  other
conditions are satisfied as described below.

         Payment of  brokerage  commissions  to  Schroder & Co. Inc. or Schroder
Securities  for effecting such  transactions  is subject to Section 17(e) of the
1940 Act, which requires,  among other things, that commissions for transactions
on a securities  exchange  paid by a registered  investment  company to a broker
that is an affiliated person of such investment company (or an affiliated person
of another  person so  affiliated)  not exceed the usual and customary  broker's
commissions  for such  transactions.  It is the  policy of each Fund and of each
Portfolio that  commissions  paid to Schroder & Co. Inc. or Schroder  Securities
will,  in  SCMI's  opinion,  be:  (1)  at  least  as  favorable  as  commissions
contemporaneously  charged by Schroder & Co. Inc. or Schroder Securities, as the
case may be, on  comparable  transactions  for their most  favored  unaffiliated
customers;  and (2) at least as  favorable  as those  which  would be charged on
comparable  transactions by other qualified brokers having comparable  execution
capability.  The  Trust  Board  and Core  Board,  including  a  majority  of the
respective  non-interested  Trustees,  have each adopted procedures  pursuant to
Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that  commissions paid to Schroder & Co.
Inc.  or Schroder  Securities  by a Fund or a  Portfolio  satisfy the  foregoing
standards.  Such procedures are reviewed  periodically by the applicable  Board,
including a majority of the non-interested Trustees. Each Board also reviews all
transactions at least quarterly for compliance with such procedures.

     It is  further  a policy  of the  Funds  and the  Portfolios  that all such
transactions  effected by Schroder & Co. Inc. on the New York Stock  Exchange be
in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T) promulgated under the 1934 Act, which requires
in substance that a member of such exchange not  associated  with Schroder & Co.
Inc.  actually  execute the  transaction  on the  exchange  floor or through the
exchange  facilities.  Thus, while Schroder & Co. Inc. will bear  responsibility
for determining  important  elements of execution such as timing and order size,
another firm will actually execute the transaction.

     Schroder & Co. Inc. pays a portion of the brokerage commissions it receives
from a Fund or a Portfolio to the brokers  executing the transactions on the New
York Stock  Exchange.  In  accordance  with Rule  11a2-2(T),  Schroder  Core has
entered into an agreement  with  Schroder & Co. Inc.  permitting  it to retain a
portion of the brokerage  commissions paid to it by a Fund or a Portfolio.  Each
Board,  including a majority of the non-interested  Trustees,  has approved this
agreement.

     None of the Funds or the Portfolios has any understanding or arrangement to
direct any specific  portion of its brokerage to Schroder & Co. Inc. or Schroder
Securities,  and none will direct  brokerage  to Schroder & Co. Inc. or Schroder
Securities in recognition of research services.

         From time to time, a Fund or a Portfolio  may purchase  securities of a
broker or dealer through which it regularly engages in securities transactions.

         See Table 5 in  APPENDIX B to this SAI for  information  regarding  the
payment of brokerage commissions.

                                       31
<PAGE>


ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is  determined as
of the  close  of  trading  on the New  York  Stock  Exchange  each day that the
Exchange is open.  Any assets or  liabilities  initially  expressed  in terms of
non-U.S.  dollar  currencies are translated into U.S.  dollars at the prevailing
market  rates as quoted by one or more  banks or  dealers  on the  afternoon  of
valuation.  The  Exchange's  most recent holiday  schedule  (which is subject to
change)  states that it will close on 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 Board has  established  procedures  for the  valuation  of a Fund's
securities:  (1) equity  securities listed or traded on the New York or American
Stock  Exchange or other  domestic or foreign stock exchange are valued at their
latest sale prices on such  exchange  that day prior to the time when assets are
valued;  in the  absence of sales that day,  such  securities  are valued at the
mid-market  prices  (in  cases  where  securities  are  traded  on more than one
exchange,  the securities  are valued on the exchange  designated as the primary
market by the Portfolio's  investment  adviser);  (2) unlisted equity securities
for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at
the latest  available  mid-market  prices  prior to the time of  valuation;  (3)
securities (including restricted securities) not having readily-available market
quotations  are  valued at fair value  under the  Board's  procedures;  (4) debt
securities  having a maturity in excess of 60 days are valued at the  mid-market
prices  determined by a portfolio pricing service or obtained from active market
makers on the basis of reasonable  inquiry;  and (5) short-term  debt securities
(having a remaining  maturity  of 60 days or less) are valued at cost,  adjusted
for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount.

         When an option is written,  an amount equal to the premium  received is
recorded in the books as an asset, and an equivalent deferred credit is recorded
as a liability. The deferred credit is adjusted  ("marked-to-market") to reflect
the current market value of the option.  Options are valued at their  mid-market
prices in the case of exchange-traded  options or, in the case of options traded
in the  over-the-counter  market,  the average of the last bid price as obtained
from two or more  dealers  unless  there is only one dealer,  in which case that
dealer's  price is used.  Futures  contracts  and related  options are stated at
market value.

REDEMPTIONS IN-KIND

         In the event that payment for redeemed  shares is made wholly or partly
in portfolio  securities,  shareholders  may incur brokerage costs in converting
the  securities  to cash.  An in-kind  distribution  of portfolio  securities is
generally less liquid than cash. The shareholder  may have difficulty  finding a
buyer  for  portfolio  securities  received  in  payment  for  redeemed  shares.
Portfolio  securities  may  decline in value  between the time of receipt by the
shareholder and conversion to cash. A redemption in-kind of portfolio securities
could result in a less diversified portfolio of investments for a Fund and could
affect adversely the liquidity of its investment portfolio.

TAXATION

         Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),  each
Fund and each other series  established  from time to time by the Trust Board is
treated as a separate  taxpayer for federal  income tax purposes with the result
that:  (1) each such series  must meet  separately  the income and  distribution
requirements for qualification as a regulated  investment  company;  and (2) the
amounts of  investment  income and  capital  gain  earned  are  determined  on a
series-by-series (rather than on a Trust-wide) basis.

         Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated  investment  company  under
Subchapter M of the Code each year so long as such  qualification is in the best
interests  of its  shareholders.  To do so, each Fund intends to  distribute  to
shareholders at least 90% of its "investment  company taxable income" as defined
in the Code (which  includes,  among other  items,  dividends,  interest and the
excess of any net short-term  capital gain over net long-term capital loss), and
to  meet  certain  diversification  of  assets,  source  of  income,  and  other
requirements of the Code. By so doing,  each Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax on its investment  company taxable income and "net 


                                       32
<PAGE>


capital  gain" (the excess of net  long-term  capital  gain over net  short-term
capital loss) distributed to shareholders.  If a Fund does not meet all of these
Code  requirements,  it  will  be  taxed  as an  ordinary  corporation,  and its
distributions will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

         Amounts  not  distributed  on a  timely  basis  (in  accordance  with a
calendar year distribution requirement) are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise
tax. To prevent this, each Fund must distribute for each calendar year an amount
equal to the sum of:  (1) at least 98% of its  ordinary  income  (excluding  any
capital gain or loss) for the calendar  year;  (2) at least 98% of the excess of
its capital gain over capital loss  realized  during the one-year  period ending
October 31 of such year;  and (3) all such ordinary  income and capital gain for
previous years that were not distributed  during such years. A distribution will
be  treated as paid  during the  calendar  year if it is  declared  by a Fund in
October,  November  or December of the year with a record date in such month and
paid by the Fund during January of the following year. Such  distributions  will
be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the  distributions  are
declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

         Distributions  of investment  company  taxable  income  (including  net
realized  short-term  capital  gain) are  taxable to  shareholders  as  ordinary
income.  Generally,  it is not expected that such distributions will be eligible
for the dividends received deduction available to corporations.

         Distributions of net long-term capital gain are taxable to shareholders
as long-term  capital  gain,  regardless  of the length of time Fund shares have
been held by a  shareholder  and are not  eligible  for the  dividends  received
deduction. Such distributions will qualify for the new reduced rates for capital
gains on assets held for more than 18 months to the extent they represent  gains
on the sale of such assets. A loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund
shares  held  for  six  months  or  less  with  respect  to  which  capital-gain
distributions   have  been  paid  will,  to  the  extent  of  such  capital-gain
distributions, be treated as long-term capital loss. Further, a loss realized on
a  disposition  will be  disallowed  to the extent the  shares  disposed  of are
replaced  (whether by reinvestment or distribution or otherwise) within a period
of 61 days  beginning  30 days  before  and  ending 30 days after the shares are
disposed of. In such a case,  the basis of the shares  acquired will be adjusted
to reflect the disallowed loss.

         All  distributions  to shareholders  are taxable whether  reinvested in
additional shares or received in cash.  Shareholders that reinvest distributions
will have for federal  income tax  purposes a cost basis in each share  received
equal to the net  asset  value of a share  of a Fund on the  reinvestment  date.
Shareholders  will  be  notified  annually  as to  the  federal  tax  status  of
distributions.

         Distributions  by a Fund  reduce  the net  asset  value of that  Fund's
shares. If a distribution reduces the net asset value below a shareholder's cost
basis,  such  distribution  nevertheless  would be taxable to the shareholder as
ordinary  income or  capital  gain as  described  above,  even  though,  from an
investment  standpoint,  it may  constitute  a  partial  return of  capital.  In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming  distribution,  which will be returned to the investor
in the form of a taxable distribution.

         Upon redemption or sale of shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable
gain or loss,  which will be  treated as capital  gain or loss if the shares are
capital assets in the  shareholder's  hands. Such gain or loss generally will be
long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder's  holding period for the
shares,  and generally  will qualify for the new reduced rates for capital gains
if the shares have been held for more than 18 months.

         Ordinary income dividends paid to Fund shareholders who are nonresident
aliens are subject to a 30% U.S.  withholding  tax under existing  provisions of
the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities unless a reduced rate of
withholding or a withholding  exemption is provided under applicable treaty law.
Nonresident  shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning
the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax.

         Dividends  and  interest  received  (and,  in  certain   circumstances,
realized  capital gain) by a Fund may give rise to  withholding  and other taxes
imposed by foreign countries.  Tax conventions between certain countries and the
U.S. may reduce or eliminate  such taxes.  If more than 50% in value of a Fund's
total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stock or securities of
foreign  corporations,  that Fund will be eligible,  and ordinarily  expects, 


                                       33
<PAGE>


to file an election with the Internal  Revenue Service ("IRS") pursuant to which
shareholders of the Fund will be required to include their  proportionate  share
of such  withholding  taxes in their U.S.  income tax  returns as gross  income;
treat such  proportionate  share as taxes paid by them; and,  subject to certain
limitations,  deduct such proportionate share in computing their taxable incomes
or,  alternatively  use them as foreign tax credits  against  their U.S.  income
taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes,  however, may be claimed by noncorporate
shareholders  who do not itemize  deductions.  Each Fund will report annually to
its shareholders the amount per share of such withholding taxes.

         Due to investment  laws in certain  emerging  market  countries,  it is
anticipated  that a Fund's  investments  in equity  securities in such countries
will consist primarily of shares of investment  companies (or similar investment
entities)  organized  under  foreign law or of  ownership  interests  in special
accounts,  trusts or  partnerships.  If a Fund purchases shares of an investment
company (or similar  investment  entity)  organized under foreign law, that Fund
will be  treated  as  owning  shares  in a passive  foreign  investment  company
("PFIC") for U.S.  federal  income tax  purposes.  A Fund may be subject to U.S.
federal  income  tax,  and an  additional  tax in the nature of  interest,  on a
portion of  distributions  from such company and on gain from the disposition of
such shares (collectively referred to as "excess  distributions"),  even if such
excess distributions are paid by that Fund as a dividend to its shareholders.

         Each Fund may make an election  with respect to a PFIC in which it owns
shares to mark  such  shares to the  market  annually  or to treat the PFIC as a
"qualified  electing  fund"  that  will  allow it to avoid  the  taxes on excess
distributions.  However, such election may cause a Fund to recognize income in a
particular year in excess of the distributions received from such PFICs.

         If  a  Fund  engages  in  hedging   transactions,   including   hedging
transactions  in options,  futures  contracts,  and straddles,  or other similar
transactions,  it will be subject to special tax rules  (including  constructive
sale, mark-to-market,  straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules), the effect of
which may be to accelerate  income to the Fund,  defer losses to the Fund, cause
adjustments  in  the  holding  periods  of the  Fund's  securities,  or  convert
short-term  capital  losses into  long-term  capital  losses.  These rules could
therefore   affect  the  amount,   timing  and  character  of  distributions  to
shareholders. Each Fund will endeavor to make any available elections pertaining
to such  transactions  in a manner  believed to be in the best  interests of the
Fund.

         Certain of a Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions,  if
any, in foreign  currencies  or foreign  currency-denominated  instruments)  are
likely to produce a difference  between its book income and its taxable  income.
If a Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of
such  excess  will be treated  as:  (1) a  dividend  to the extent of the Fund's
remaining  earnings and profits  (including  earnings  and profits  arising from
tax-exempt  income);  (2) thereafter as a return of capital to the extent of the
recipient's  basis in the shares;  and (3)  thereafter  as gain from the sale or
exchange  of a capital  asset.  If a Fund's book income is less than its taxable
income, the Fund could be required to make  distributions  exceeding book income
to qualify as a  regulated  investment  company  that is  accorded  special  tax
treatment.

         In general,  gain from "foreign  currencies" and from foreign  currency
options,  foreign  currency  futures  contracts  and  forward  foreign  exchange
contracts  relating to  investments in stock,  securities or foreign  currencies
will be qualifying  income for purposes of determining  whether a Fund qualifies
as a regulated investment company. It is currently unclear, however, who will be
treated as the issuer of a foreign  currency  instrument or how foreign currency
options,  futures contracts or forward foreign currency contracts will be valued
for purposes of the regulated  investment company  diversification  requirements
applicable to each Fund.

         A    Fund's    transactions    in    foreign    currencies,     foreign
currency-denominated  debt  securities  and certain  foreign  currency  options,
futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar  instruments) may give rise
to  ordinary  income or loss to the  extent  such  income or loss  results  from
fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

         Certain a Fund's  investments,  including assets "marked to the market"
for federal  income tax purposes and debt  obligations  issued or purchased at a
discount,  will create taxable  income in excess of the cash they  generate.  In
such cases,  a Fund may be required  to sell  assets  (including  when it is not
advantageous to do so) to generate the 


                                       34
<PAGE>


cash necessary to distribute as dividends to its  shareholders all of its income
and gains and therefore to eliminate any tax liability at the Fund level.

         Pursuant to the 1997 Act, new  "constructive  sale" provisions apply to
activities by a Fund which lock-in gain on an "appreciated  financial position."
Generally,  a "position"  is defined to include  stock,  a debt  instrument,  or
partnership interest, or an interest in any of the foregoing,  including through
a short sale, a swap contract,  or a future or forward contract.  Under the 1997
Act,  the entry  into a short  sale,  a swap  contract  or a future  or  forward
contract  relating  to an  appreciated  direct  position  in any  stock  or debt
instrument, or the acquisition of stock or debt instrument at a time when a Fund
occupies  an  offsetting  (short)  appreciated  position  in the  stock  or debt
instrument, is treated as a "constructive sale" that gives rise to the immediate
recognition of gain (but not loss).  The application of these new provisions may
cause a Fund to recognize  taxable income from these offsetting  transactions in
excess of the cash generated by such activities.

         The Trust is required to report to the IRS all  distributions and gross
proceeds  from the  redemption  of Fund  shares  (except  in the case of certain
exempt  shareholders).  All such  distributions  and proceeds  generally will be
subject  to the  withholding  of federal  income  tax at a rate of 31%  ("backup
withholding")  in the case of non-exempt  shareholders  if: (1) the  shareholder
fails to  furnish  the  Trust  with and to  certify  the  shareholder's  correct
taxpayer  identification  number or social security number; (2) the IRS notifies
the Trust that the shareholder has failed to report  properly  certain  interest
and dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect;  or (3)
when required to do so, the shareholder  fails to certify that it is not subject
to backup withholding.  If the withholding  provisions are applicable,  any such
distributions or proceeds,  whether  reinvested in additional shares or taken in
cash,  will be  reduced by the  amount  required  to be  withheld.  Any  amounts
withheld may be credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability.
Investors may wish to consult their tax advisors about the  applicability of the
"backup withholding" provisions.

         The IRS recently  revised its regulations  affecting the application to
foreign  investors  of the  "back-up  withholding"  and  withholding  tax  rules
described  above.  The new regulations  will generally be effective for payments
made on or after January 1, 1999 (although transition rules will apply). In some
circumstances,  the  new  rules  will  increase  the  certification  and  filing
requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from
the 31%  back-up  withholding  tax and for reduced  withholding  tax rates under
income tax  treaties.  Foreign  investors in each Fund should  consult their tax
advisors with respect to the potential application of these new regulations.

     The  income  tax and estate  tax  consequences  to a  non-U.S.  shareholder
entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from
those  described  herein.  Non-U.S.  shareholders  may be  required  to  provide
appropriate documentation to establish their entitlement to the benefits of such
a treaty.

     Non-U.S.  shareholders  are advised to consult  their own tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in shares of
a Fund.

         The  foregoing  discussion  relates  only to federal  income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (I.E.,  U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations,  partnerships,  trusts and estates).  Distributions by a Fund also
may be subject to foreign,  state and local  taxes,  and their  treatment  under
foreign,  state and local income tax laws may differ from the federal income tax
treatment.  Shareholders  should  consult  their tax  advisors  with  respect to
particular questions of federal, foreign, state and local taxation.

OTHER INFORMATION

FUND STRUCTURE

         CLASSES OF SHARES.  Each Fund except  Micro Cap Fund has two classes of
shares,  Investor  Shares and Advisor  Shares.  Advisor  Shares are offered by a
separate  prospectus to  individual  investors,  in most cases  through  service
organizations.  Advisor  Shares incur more  expenses  but have lower  investment
minimums than Investor Shares. Except for certain class differences,  each share
of each class represents an undivided,  proportionate interest 



                                       35
<PAGE>


in the Fund.  Each  share of the Fund is  entitled  to  participate  equally  in
dividends and other  distributions  and the proceeds of any  liquidation  of the
Fund except that, due to the differing  expenses  borne by the two classes,  the
amount of  dividends  and  other  distributions  differs  between  the  classes.
Information  about the other  class of  shares  is  available  from the Trust by
calling Schroder Advisors at 1-800-730-2932.

         THE  PORTFOLIOS.  Each of the Funds (except U.S.  Equity Fund and Micro
Cap Fund) seeks to achieve its  investment  objective  by  investing  all of its
investable  assets in a Portfolio  that has the same  investment  objective  and
substantially similar policies as those of the Fund. Accordingly,  the Portfolio
directly acquires its own securities, and the Fund acquires an indirect interest
in those securities.  Schroder International Bond Portfolio is a separate series
of Schroder  Capital Funds II, a business trust  organized under the laws of the
state of Delaware in December,  1996  ("Schroder Core II"). Each other Portfolio
in which a Fund invests is a separate  series of Schroder Core, a business trust
organized  under the laws of the State of Delaware in September  1995.  Schroder
Core is  registered  under the 1940 Act as an  open-end,  management  investment
company and currently has eleven separate series.  Schroder Core II is similarly
registered  and currently has one series.  The assets of each  Portfolio  belong
only to,  and the  liabilities  of each  Portfolio  are borne  solely  by,  that
Portfolio and no other portfolio of Schroder Core or Schroder Core II.

         Each  Fund's   investment   in  a  Portfolio   is  in  the  form  of  a
non-transferable  beneficial interest. The Portfolio may permit other investment
companies or other  qualified  investors to invest in it. All other investors in
the Portfolio  will invest on the same terms and conditions as the Fund and will
pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses.

         A Portfolio  normally  will not hold  meetings of  investors  except as
required by the 1940 Act.  Each  investor in a Portfolio  is entitled to vote in
proportion to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues
subject  to a vote of  investors,  as  permitted  under  the 1940 Act and  other
applicable law, the Board may solicit proxies from the Fund's  shareholders  and
vote the Fund's interest in a Portfolio based upon the vote of its  shareholders
or the Board may  determine  to vote the Fund's  interests in a Portfolio in the
same proportion as the vote of all other  interestholders  in the Portfolio.  If
there are other  investors in the Portfolio,  there can be no assurance that any
issue  that  receives a majority  of the votes cast by Fund  shareholders  would
receive a majority of votes cast by all investors in the Portfolio;  indeed,  if
other  investors  hold a majority  interest  in the  Portfolio,  they could have
voting control of the Portfolio.

         The  Portfolios  do not sell their  shares  directly  to members of the
general public. Another investor in a Portfolio,  such as an investment company,
that  might  sell its  shares to  members  of the  general  public  would not be
required to sell its shares at the same offering  price as a Fund and could have
different fees and expenses than the Fund. Therefore, Fund shareholders may have
different returns than shareholders in another  investment  company that invests
exclusively in a Portfolio.  There is currently no such other investment company
that offers its shares to members of the general public.  Information  regarding
any such funds in the  future is  available  from  Schroder  Capital  Funds (the
"Core")  or  Schroder  Core II by calling  Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC at
1-800-730-2932.

         Under  federal  securities  law,  any  person  or entity  that  signs a
registration  statement  may be  liable  for a  misstatement  or  omission  of a
material fact in the registration  statement.  Schroder Core,  Schroder Core II,
their  trustees  and  certain  of  their  officers  are  required  to  sign  the
registration  statement and amendments  thereto of the Trust and may be required
to sign the  registration  statements of certain other investors in a Portfolio.
In addition, under federal securities law, Schroder Core or Schroder Core II may
be  liable  for  misstatements  or  omissions  of a  material  fact in any proxy
soliciting  material of a publicly offered investor in Schroder Core or Schroder
Core II,  including a Fund.  Each investor in a Portfolio,  including the Trust,
has agreed to indemnify  Schroder  Core or Schroder Core II and its Trustees and
officers ("Schroder Core Indemnitees") against certain claims.

         Indemnified  claims are those brought against Schroder Core Indemnitees
based  on a  misstatement  or  omission  of a  material  fact in the  investor's
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder Core and was supplied to the investor by Schroder Core or Schroder Core
II. Similarly, Schroder Core or Schroder Core II will indemnify each investor in
a Portfolio,  including the Fund,  for any claims  brought  against the investor
with respect 



                                       36
<PAGE>


to the investor's  registration statement or proxy materials,  to the extent the
claim is based on a  misstatement  or  omission of a material  fact  relating to
information  about  Schroder  Core or  Schroder  Core II that is supplied to the
investor by Schroder  Core or Schroder  Core II. In  addition,  each  registered
investment  company  investor in the Portfolio will indemnify each Schroder Core
Indemnitee  against any claim based on a misstatement  or omission of a material
fact relating to information about a series of the registered investment company
that did not invest in the  Schroder  Core or  Schroder  Core II. The purpose of
these  cross-indemnity  provisions  is  principally  to limit the  liability  of
Schroder  Core or Schroder Core II to  information  that it knows or should know
and can control. With respect to other prospectuses and other offering documents
and proxy  materials  of  investors  in Schroder  Core or Schroder  Core II, its
liability is similarly limited to information about and supplied by it.

         CERTAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIOS.  A Fund's investment in a
Portfolio  may be  affected  by the  actions  of other  large  investors  in the
Portfolio,  if any. For example,  if a Portfolio had a large investor other than
the Fund that redeemed its interest in the Portfolio,  the Portfolio's remaining
investors  (including the Fund) might, as a result,  experience  higher pro rata
operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.

         A Fund may withdraw its entire investment from a Portfolio at any time,
if the Trust Board  determines  that it is in the best interests of the Fund and
its  shareholders  to do so. A Fund might withdraw,  for example,  if there were
other  investors  in the  Portfolio  with power to, and who did by a vote of the
shareholders  of all  investors  (including  the Fund),  change  the  investment
objective or policies of the  Portfolio in a manner not  acceptable to the Trust
Board.  A  withdrawal  could  result  in a  distribution  in kind  of  portfolio
securities  (as  opposed  to  a  cash  distribution)  by  the  Portfolio.   That
distribution could result in a less diversified portfolio of investments for the
Fund and could affect  adversely the liquidity of the Fund's  portfolio.  If the
Fund  decided  to  convert  those  securities  to cash,  it would  likely  incur
brokerage fees or other  transaction  costs. If the Fund withdrew its investment
from the  Portfolio,  the Trust Board would consider  appropriate  alternatives,
including the management of the Fund's assets in accordance  with its investment
objective and policies by SCMI or the investment of all of the Fund's investable
assets  in  another  pooled  investment  entity  having  substantially  the same
investment  objective as the Fund.  The inability of the Fund to find a suitable
replacement  investment,  if the Board  decided not to permit SCMI to manage the
Fund's assets, could have a significant impact on shareholders of the Fund.

        Each investor in the  Portfolio,  including the Fund,  may be liable for
all  obligations of the  Portfolio.  The risk to an investor in the Portfolio of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence of which SCMI considers to be quite remote.  Upon  liquidation of the
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TRUST

         The Trust was  organized  as a Maryland  corporation  on July 30, 1969;
reorganized  on  February  29,  1988  as  Schroder  Capital  Funds,   Inc.;  and
reorganized  on January 9, 1996,  as a  Delaware  business  trust.  The Trust is
registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act.

         Delaware law provides that  shareholders  shall be entitled to the same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations for profit.  Securities  regulators of some states,  however,  have
indicated  that they and the courts in their state may decline to apply Delaware
law on this point. To guard against this risk, the Trust Instrument  contains an
express  disclaimer  of  shareholder  liability  for  the  debts,   liabilities,
obligations,  and  expenses  of the Trust.  The Trust  Instrument  provides  for
indemnification  out of each  series'  property  of any  shareholder  or  former
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the series.  The Trust
Instrument  also  provides  that each series  shall,  upon  request,  assume the
defense of any claim made against any  shareholder  for any act or obligation of
the series and satisfy any judgment  thereon.  Thus,  the risk of a  shareholder
incurring  financial  loss on account  of  shareholder  liability  is limited to
circumstances in which Delaware law does not apply (or no contractual limitation
of  liability  was in effect) and the series is unable to meet its  obligations.
Schroder  believes  that,  in view of the  above,  there is no risk of  personal
liability to shareholders.


                                       37
<PAGE>


CAPITALIZATION AND VOTING

         The Trust has  authorized  an unlimited  number of shares of beneficial
interest.  The  Trust  Board  may,  without  shareholder  approval,  divide  the
authorized  shares  into an  unlimited  number of separate  series  (such as the
Funds) and may divide  series into classes of shares,  and the costs of doing so
may be borne by a series  or a class or the Trust in  accordance  with the Trust
Instrument.  The Trust currently consists of nine series. Each series offers two
classes of shares,  Investor Shares and Advisor Shares except for Schroder Micro
Cap Fund, which has authorized only Investor Shares..

         When issued for the consideration  described in the relevant Prospectus
or under the dividend  reinvestment plan, shares are fully paid,  nonassessable,
and have no  preferences as to conversion,  exchange,  dividends,  retirement or
other features.  Shares have no preemptive rights and have non-cumulative voting
rights,  which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares  voting for
the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so.
Each shareholder of record is entitled to one vote for each full share held (and
a fractional vote for each fractional share held).

         The Trust does not hold annual  meetings of  shareholders.  The matters
considered at an annual  meeting  typically  include the reelection of Trustees,
approval  of an  investment  advisory  agreement,  and the  ratification  of the
selection  of  independent  accountants.  These  matters  are not  submitted  to
shareholders  unless a meeting of  shareholders  is held for some other  reason,
such as those indicated below.  Each Trustee serves until death,  resignation or
removal.  Vacancies  are  filled  by  the  remaining  Trustees,  subject  to the
provisions of the 1940 Act requiring a meeting of  shareholders  for election of
Trustees to fill vacancies.  Similarly, the selection of independent accountants
and renewal of  investment  advisory  agreements  for future  years is performed
annually by the Trust Board.  Future shareholder  meetings will be held to elect
Trustees if required by the 1940 Act, to obtain shareholder  approval of changes
in fundamental  investment policies,  to obtain shareholder approval of material
changes in investment advisory agreements, to select new independent accountants
if the employment of the Trust's  independent  accountants has been  terminated,
and to seek any other  shareholder  approval  required  under the 1940 Act.  The
Trust Board has the power to call a meeting of  shareholders at any time when it
believes it is necessary or appropriate.

         In addition to the foregoing rights, the Trust Instrument provides that
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove
any person serving as a Trustee at any meeting of the shareholders.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

         Performance   quotations  of  the  average   annual  total  return  and
cumulative  total return of a Fund is provided in  advertisements  or reports to
shareholders or prospective investors.

         Quotations of average annual total return are expressed in terms of the
average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical  investment in a fund
or class over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years (or since  commencement of operations
if any of these periods are not available), calculated pursuant to the following
formula:

                                           P (1+T)n = ERV

         (where P = a hypothetical  initial  payment of $1,000,  T = the average
annual total return,  n = the number of years,  and ERV = the ending  redeemable
value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All
total return  figures  reflect the deduction of fund and any class expenses (net
of any  reimbursed  expenses) on an annual basis and  generally  assume that all
dividends and  distributions,  when paid,  are  reinvested in shares of the same
class.


                                       38
<PAGE>


         Quotations of cumulative total return reflect only the performance of a
hypothetical  investment in a fund or a class during the particular  time period
shown.  Cumulative total returns vary based on changes in market  conditions and
the level of a fund's  and any  applicable  class's  expenses,  and no  reported
performance  figure should be considered an indication of performance  which may
be expected in the future.

         In communications to current or prospective  shareholders,  performance
figures  such  as  cumulative  total  return,  also  may be  compared  with  the
performance  of other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating  services or to
unmanaged indexes that may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not
reflect deductions for administrative and management costs.

         Investors  who purchase and redeem  shares  through a customer  account
maintained at a financial  institution or a Service  Organization may be charged
one or more of the  following  types  of fees as  agreed  upon by the  financial
institution  or  Service  Organization  and the  investor,  with  respect to the
customer  services  provided:  (1) account fees (a fixed amount per month or per
year);  (2)  transaction  fees (a fixed amount per transaction  processed);  (3)
compensating  balance  requirements  (a minimum  dollar  amount a customer  must
maintain in order to obtain the services  offered);  or (4) account  maintenance
fees (a periodic  charge based upon a percentage of the assets in the account or
of the dividends  paid on these  assets).  Such fees have the effect of reducing
the average annual or cumulative total returns for those investors.

         For information  regarding  performance data as for the relevant period
for each of the Funds, see APPENDIX A.

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

         For  information  regarding  Principal  Shareholders  of each Fund, see
Table 4 in APPENDIX B.

CUSTODIAN

         The Chase Manhattan Bank,  through its Global Custody  Division located
in London,  England,  acts as custodian of the Funds' and the Portfolios' assets
but plays no role in making  decisions  as to the  purchase or sale of portfolio
securities for the Funds or the Portfolios.  Pursuant to rules adopted under the
1940 Act, a  Portfolio  may  maintain  its  foreign  securities  and cash in the
custody of certain eligible foreign banks and securities depositories. Selection
of these  foreign  custodial  institutions  is made  currently by the Core Trust
Board  following  a  consideration  of a number of factors,  including  (but not
limited to) the  reliability  and financial  stability of the  institution;  the
ability  of the  institution  to  perform  capably  custodial  services  for the
Portfolio;  the  reputation  of the  institution  in its  national  market;  the
political  and  economic  stability of the country in which the  institution  is
located;  and further risks of potential  nationalization  or  expropriation  of
Portfolio assets.

TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

        Forum Shareholder Services,  LLC, Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101, acts as the Funds' transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent.


LEGAL COUNSEL

        Ropes & Gray, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624,
serves as counsel to the Trust.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT

     Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.  serves as independent  accountants for the Trust.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.  provides audit services and consultation in connection
with  review of U.S.  SEC  filings.  Their  address is One Post  Office  Square,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.


                                       39
<PAGE>


YEAR 2000 DISCLOSURE

        The Funds receive services from the investment advisor,  administrators,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian which rely on the smooth  functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform those services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the Year 1999 because of the inability
of the  software  to  distinguish  the year  2000 from the year  1900.  Schroder
Advisors is taking  steps that it believes  are  reasonably  designed to address
this potential  "Year 2000" problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that
comparable  steps are being  taken by each of the  Funds'  other  major  service
providers.  There  can be no  assurance,  however,  that  these  steps  will  be
sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Funds from this problem.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

         This  SAI and  each  Prospectus  do not  contain  all  the  information
included  in the  Trust's  registration  statement  filed with the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities  offered  hereby,  certain
portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
SEC. The registration statement,  including the exhibits filed therewith, may be
examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

         Statements  contained  herein and in each Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other  documents  referred to are not  necessarily  complete,
and, in each  instance,  reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The fiscal year end of Schroder  International Fund, Schroder International
Smaller  Companies Fund, and Schroder U.S. Equity Fund is October 31. The fiscal
year end of Schroder International Bond Fund is December 31. The fiscal year end
of Schroder  Emerging Markets Fund,  Schroder U.S.  Smaller  Companies Fund, and
Schroder Micro Cap Fund is May 31.

         Financial statements for each Fund's semi-annual period and fiscal year
will be  distributed  to  shareholders  of  record.  The Board in the future may
change the fiscal year end of a Fund.

     The following  financial  statements are incoporated by reference into this
SAI:

         Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997
         including Schedule of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
         Statement of Operations,  Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial
         Highlights,  Notes to Financial  Statements  and Report of  Independent
         Accountants for Schroder  International  Fund,  Schroder  International
         Smaller Companies Fund, Schroder U.S. Equity Fund and Schroder Emerging
         Markets Fund Institutional Portfolio (Annual Reports filed via EDGAR on
         January   6,   1998   and   January   9,   1998,    accession   numbers
         0000889812-98-000006,   000889812-98-000005,   000889812-98-000004  and
         0001004402-98-000018, respectively).

         Unaudited  financial  statements for the period ended November 30, 1997
         including  Schedule  of  Investments  (Schroder  Micro Cap Fund  only),
         Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Statement of Operations, Statement
         of Changes in Net  Assets,  Financial  Highlights,  Notes to  Financial
         Statements  (unaudited) and  Supplemental  Information  (unaudited) for
         Schroder  U.S.  Smaller  Companies  Fund and  Schroder  Micro  Cap Fund
         (Semi-Annual  Reports  filed via EDGAR on January 29, 1998 and February
         5,     1998,     accession     numbers     0001004402-98-000066     and
         0000889812-98-000163 respectively).




                                       40
<PAGE>







                                   APPENDIX A

                             PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

         The average annual return of each of International Fund,  International
Smaller  Companies  Fund, and U.S.  Equity Fund for the period ended October 31,
1997 is shown below.  The average  annual  return for  International  bond Fund,
based on the performance of International  Bond Portfolio,  for the period ended
December 31, 1997, is shown below.  The average  annual return for U.S.  Smaller
Companies  Fund for the period  ended May 31, 1997 is shown  below.  The average
return for Micro Cap Fund for the period ended November 30, 1997 is shown below.

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                       CALENDAR                                                    SINCE
                                 ONE      THREE         YEAR        ONE        THREE       FIVE        TEN       INCEPTION
                                MONTHS    MONTHS       TO DATE      YEAR       YEARS       YEARS      YEARS      ANNUALIZED
                                ------    ------       -------      ----       -----       -----      -----      ----------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
FUND
  Investor Shares             (6.80%)     (10.43%)    4.55%      8.33%       6.58%       13.36%     9.83%       11.89%

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS
FUND
  Investor Shares                N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A          N/A

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
  Investor Shares             (3.56)%     (7.24%)     (7.73%)    0.00%       0.00%       0.00%      0.00%

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
BOND FUND
  Investor Shares             N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A         N/A         N/A        N/A         N/A

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
  Investor Shares             (2.49%)     (4.29%)     17.34%     26.49%      21.14%      15.79%     14.95%      11.28%

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER
COMPANIES FUND
  Investor Shares             11.71%      8.09%       10.04%     21.39%      27.40%      0.00%      0.00%       24.91%
  Advisor Shares              11.73%      7.99%       36.38%     0.00%       0.00%       0.00%      0.00%       27.23%

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
  Investor Shares             1.07%       0.00%       0.00%      0.00%       0.00%       0.00%      0.00%       0.00%
</TABLE>

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

As of February 1, 1998,  there were no  outstanding  Advisor  Shares of any Fund
other than U.S. Smaller Companies Fund.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>







                                   APPENDIX B

                              MISCELLANEOUS TABLES

                       TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES


Fees are paid at the Portfolio  level where the Fund invests in a Portfolio.  If
the Fund invests in other than in a Portfolio, the expense is paid by the Fund.

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                  <C>
                                               GROSS FEE           FEE WAIVED          NET FEE PAID
                                               ---------           ----------          ------------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
    Year Ended October 31, 1997                 $891,659             $47,444             $844,215
    Year Ended October 31, 1996                 $978,697             $51,971             $926,726
    Year Ended October 31, 1995                 $893,082               $ 0               $893,082

  SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER
  COMPANIES FUND
    Year Ended October 31, 1997                 $60,033              $60,033               $ 0

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
    Year Ended October 31, 1997                 $118,887             $28,422             $ 90,465
    Year Ended October 31, 1996                 $139,483             $ 4,355             $135,128
    Year Ended October 31, 1995                 $140,988               $ 0               $140,988

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND(1)
    Period Ended December 31, 1997              $53,529              $53,529               $ 0

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND(2)                 $ 0                  $ 0                 $ 0

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
    Period Ended May 31, 1997                   $59,916              $10,038             $49,878
    Year Ended October  31, 1996                $76,373              $16,090             $60,283
    Year Ended October 31, 1995                 $71,188                $ 0               $71,188

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
    Period Ended November 30, 1997               $3,733              $3,733                $ 0
</TABLE>

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

(1) For the first full year  International Bond Portfolio has been in operation.
(2) Not yet in operation.


                                      B-1
<PAGE>



                          TABLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION FEES

  (Includes the Fund's Proportion of the Portfolio's Expenses where Applicable)

A. ADMINISTRATION FEES PAID TO SCHRODER FUND ADVISORS, INC.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>         <C>
                                                                                    NET FEE 
                                                       GROSS FEE     FEE WAIVED       PAID
                                                       ---------     ----------       ----
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $463,353      $ 97,253      $366,100
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                       $761,036      $61,259       $699,777
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                       $446,541         $          $446,541
                                                                         0

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $ 18,234      $ 17,657       $ 577

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                         $ 0            $             $
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                          $             0             0
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                          0             $             $
                                                           $             0             0
                                                           0             $             $
                                                                         0             0

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
      Period Ended December 31, 1997                    $ 10,706      $10,706         $ 0

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND(1)                          $             $            $ 0
                                                           0             0

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Period Ended May 31, 1997                         $ 25,060      $ 25,060        $ 0
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                       $ 41,063      $ 26,850      $ 14,213
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                       $ 35,594         $          $ 35,594
                                                                         0

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
      Period Ended November 30, 1997                     $ 747         $ 747           $
                                                                                       0

</TABLE>


B. SUBADMINSTRATION FEES PAID TO FORUM ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, LLC

<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>           <C>
                                                                                     NET FEE 
                                                       GROSS FEE     FEE WAIVED       PAID
                                                       ---------     ----------       ----
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $229,792        $ 0         $229,792
      Year Ended October 31, 1996
      Year Ended October 31, 1995

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $ 10,018        $ 0         $ 10,018

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $ 15,853        $ 0         $ 15,853
      Year Ended October 31, 1996
      Year Ended October 31, 1995

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
      Period Ended December 31, 1997                    $ 25,000      $ 25,000        $ 0
</TABLE>
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>              <C>
                                                                                     NET FEE 
                                                       GROSS FEE     FEE WAIVED       PAID
                                                       ---------     ----------       ----

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND(1)                         N/A           N/A           N/A

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Period Ended May 31, 1997                         $ 15,007        $ 0         $ 15,007
      Year Ended October 31, 1996
      Year Ended October 31, 1995

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
      Period Ended November 30, 1997                     $ 299          $ 0          $ 299
</TABLE>

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

(1) Not yet in operation.








                                      B-3

<PAGE>




                         TABLE 3 - FUND ACCOUNTING FEES

(Includes the Fund's Share of the Portfolio's Expense, were applicable)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>
                                                         GROSS FEE        FEE WAIVED       NET FEE PAID
                                                         ---------        ----------       ------------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                         $83,959            $ 0             $83,959
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                         $86,000            $ 0             $86,000
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                         $72,000            $ 0             $72,000

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                         $71,200            $ 0             $71,200

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                         $36,000            $ 0             $36,000
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                         $36,000            $ 0             $36,000
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                         $38,000            $ 0             $38,000

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND(1)
      Period Ended December 31, 1997                      $62,000          $24,000           $38,000

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND(2)                           $ 0              $ 0               $ 0

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Period Ended May 31, 1997                           $12,955            $ 0             $12,955
      Year Ended October  31, 1996                        $37,972            $ 0             $37,972
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                         $36,000            $ 0             $36,000

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
      Period Ended November 30, 1997                      $ 4,645            $ 0             $ 4,645
</TABLE>

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

(1) For the first full year  International Bond Portfolio has been in operation.
(2) Not yet in operation.

                                      B-4

<PAGE>



              TABLE 4 - HOLDERS OF 5% OR MORE OF OUTSTANDING SHARES

As of February 1, 1998,  the  shareholders  listed below owned more than 5% of a
Fund as noted. Shareholders owning 25% or more of the shares of a Fund or of the
Trust as a whole  may be deemed to be  controlling  persons.  By reason of their
substantial  holdings of shares,  these persons may be able to require the Trust
to hold a  shareholder  meeting  to vote on  certain  issues  and may be able to
determine  the  outcome  of any  shareholder  vote.  As noted,  certain of these
shareholders are known to the Trust to hold their shares of record only and have
no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>               <C>
                                                            NUMBER OF         NUMBER OF       % OF SHARES
                                                             INVESTOR          ADVISOR          OF FUND
                                                              SHARES           SHARES         CLASS OWNED
                                                              ------           ------         -----------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND

Mac & Co.
Mellon Bank NA
PO Box 3198
Pittsburgh  PA  15230-3198                                1,528,397.118                          15.16

Mac & Co.
Mellon Bank NA
PO Box 3198
Pittsburgh  PA  15230-3198                                 969,017.668                            9.61

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Foundation
600 W 11th Street
Amarillo  TX  79101                                        928,314.855                            9.21

Union College Pooled Endowment Funds
PO Box 3199 Church Street Station
New York  NY  10008                                        828,387.036                            8.22

Norwest Bank Minnesota NA, Trustee
PO Box 1450 NW 8477
Minneapolis  MN  55480-8477                                548,281.576                            5.44

Lutheran Church
Missouri Synod Foundation
1333 5 Kirkwood Road
St. Louis  MO  63122                                       544,127.021                            5.40

Miter & Co
c/o Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company
PO Box 2977
Milwaukee  WI  53202-2977                                  523,228.836                            5.19

Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation
PO Box 2052
Mutual Funds Dept./5th Floor
Jersey City  NJ  07303                                                         152.905           100.00
</TABLE>

                                      B-5

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>             <C>
                                                            NUMBER OF         NUMBER OF       % OF SHARES
                                                             INVESTOR          ADVISOR          OF FUND
                                                              SHARES           SHARES         CLASS OWNED
                                                              ------           ------         -----------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
                                                               N/A               N/A              N/A
SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND

Wendel & Co.
c/o The Bank of New York
PO Box 1066
Wall Street Station
New York  NY  10268                                        152,163.424                            8.53

Schroder Nominee Limited
120 Cheapside
London EC2V 6DS England, United Kingdom                    131,062.172                            7.35

Security Nominees Incorporated
1 State Street
New York  NY  10017                                        113,383.988                            6.36

Citibank F.S.B. as Trustee
for Natwest Crawley
1410 N. Westshore Blvd.
Tampa  FL  33607                                           106,505.585                            5.97

Fox & Co.
PO Box 976
New York  NY  10268                                         99,971.674                            5.60


SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND

Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco  CA  94104                                    5,739.347                            100.00

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND

                                                               N/A               N/A              N/A

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

Gooss & Co.
c/o Chase Manhattan Bank
1211-6th Avenue 35th Floor
New York  NY  10036                                        641,387.856                           19.14

Schroder Nominees Limited
120 Cheapside
London EC2V 6DS England, United Kingdom                    522,518.912                           15.59

</TABLE>

                                      B-7
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>              <C>
                                                            NUMBER OF         NUMBER OF       % OF SHARES
                                                             INVESTOR          ADVISOR          OF FUND
                                                              SHARES           SHARES         CLASS OWNED
                                                              ------           ------         -----------
SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND (CONT.)

FTC & Co.
PO Box 173736
Denver  CO  80217-3736                                     408,154.845                           12.18

Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation
PO Box 2052
Jersey City  NJ  07303                                     193,080.089                            5.76

Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco  CA  94104                                   180,870.816                            5.40

Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation
Jersey City  NJ  07303                                                       52,111.264          17.97

National Investor Services Corp.
55 Water Street
New York  NY  10041                                                          18,797.430           6.48

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND

Schroders Incorporated
787 Seventh Avenue
New York  NY  10019                                        203,942.455                           86.32

IRA Unschuld
150 East 56th Street
New York  NY  10022                                         20,394.245                            8.63

</TABLE>
                                      B-8

<PAGE>




                         TABLE 5- BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
each Fund that incurred  brokerage  costs. The data is for the past three fiscal
years or shorter period if the Fund has been in operation for a shorter period.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
                                                                                                      PERCENTAGE
                                                                                                     OF COMMISSION
                                                                                     PERCENTAGE OF   TRANSACTIONS
                                                                      COMMISSIONS     COMMISSIONS      EXECUTED
                                                       AGGREGATE        PAID TO         PAID TO         THROUGH
                                                      COMMISSIONS      SCHRODER &      SCHRODER &     SCHRODER &
                                                          PAID          CO. INC.        CO. INC.       CO. INC.
                                                          ----          --------        --------       --------
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $421,129         $4,716          0.99%           1.11%
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                       $756,181
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                       $584,429

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $ 37,223

SCHRODER U.S. EQUITY FUND
      Year Ended October 31, 1997                       $ 20,510
      Year Ended October 31, 1996
      Year Ended October 31, 1995

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND(1)
      Period Ended December 31, 1997                     $ 297

SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND(2)                         $ 0

SCHRODER U.S. SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
      Period Ended May 31, 1997                         $167,043
      Year Ended October 31, 1996                       $ 37,589
      Year Ended October 31, 1995                       $ 34,391

SCHRODER MICRO CAP FUND
      Period Ended November 30, 1997                    $ 2,966

</TABLE>

During the last three fiscal years certain Funds paid  brokerage  commissions to
Schroder & Co. Inc., an affiliate of SCMI.  The tables above  indicate the Funds
that  paid  commissions  to  Schroder  & Co.  Inc.,  the  aggregate  amounts  of
commissions  paid, the  percentage of aggregate  brokerage  commissions  paid to
Schroder  & Co.  Inc.  and the  percentage  of the  aggregate  dollar  amount of
transactions  involving  payment  of  commissions  that  were  effected  through
Schroder & Co. Inc. ----------------------------------------------------

(1)  Based solely on the first full year of the Portfolio.
(2)  Not yet in operation.

                                      B-9


<PAGE>


                        SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)

             SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND INSTITUTIONAL PORTFOLIO

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                  MARCH 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
- ------------------
Schroder Capital Management International Inc. ("SCMI")

ADMINISTRATOR AND DISTRIBUTOR
- -----------------------------
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. ("Schroder Advisors")

SUBADMINISTRATOR
- ----------------
Forum Administrative Services, LLC ("FAdS")

TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
- --------------------------------------------
Forum Shareholder Services, LLC ("Forum")

GENERAL INFORMATION:                (207) 879-8903
ACCOUNT INFORMATION:                (800) 344-8332
FAX:                                (207) 879-6206

Investor Shares of SCHRODER EMERGING MARKETS FUND  INSTITUTIONAL  PORTFOLIO (the
"Fund")  are  offered for sale at net asset  value,  with no sales  charge but a
transaction  charge of 0.50% on  purchases  and  redemptions,  as an  investment
vehicle for individuals, institutions,  corporations and fiduciaries. The Fund's
Advisor  Shares  also are  offered  for sale at net asset  value,  with no sales
charge  but a  transaction  charge of 0.50% on  purchases  and  redemptions,  to
individual investors, in most cases through Service Organizations (as defined in
the prospectuses) at lower investment minimums but higher expenses than Investor
Shares.

This  Statement of  Additional  Information  ("SAI") is not a prospectus  and is
authorized  for  distribution  only when preceded or  accompanied  by the Fund's
current  prospectus dated March 1, 1998, as may be amended from time to time for
each of the Investor  Shares and the Advisor Shares ( each, a "Prospectus"  and,
collectively,  the  "Prospectuses").  This  SAI  contains  additional  and  more
detailed  information  than that set forth in each Prospectus and should be read
in conjunction with the applicable Prospectus and retained for future reference.
The Prospectuses  and this SAI are available along with other related  materials
for  reference on the SEC's  Internet Web Site  (http://www.sec.gov).  All terms
used in this SAI that are defined in the Prospectuses  have the meaning assigned
in the  Prospectuses.  You may  obtain  an  additional  copy  of the  applicable
Prospectus(es)  without  charge by writing to the Trust at Two Portland  Square,
Portland, Maine 04101 or calling the numbers listed above.


<PAGE>





TABLE OF CONTENTS

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
  OF THE TRUST AND RISK
  CONSIDERATIONS....................................3
Options.............................................3
Futures Contracts...................................5
Special Risks of Transactions in Futures
  Contracts and Related Options.....................8
Forward Commitments.................................9
Repurchase Agreements...............................9
When-Issued Securities..............................9
Loans of Fund Securities...........................10
Foreign Securities.................................10
Foreign Currency Transactions......................11
Zero-Coupon Securities.............................13
Warrants and Stock Rights..........................16
Convertible Securities.............................16
Debt-to-Equity Conversions.........................16
Brady Bonds........................................17
Indexed Securities.................................17
Investment in Other Investment
  Companies........................................17
Temporary Investments..............................18
Short-Term Debt Securities.........................18
Restricted Securities..............................19
Rule 144A Securities...............................20
U.S. Government Securities.........................20
Bank Obligations...................................20
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS............................21
MANAGEMENT.........................................22
Officers and Trustees..............................18
Investment Adviser.................................25
Administrative Services............................26
Distribution of Fund Shares........................28
Glass-Steagall Act.................................29
Fund Accounting....................................29
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS.............................30
Investment Decisions...............................30
Brokerage and Research Services....................30
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND
     REDEMPTION INFORMATION........................32
Determination of Net Asset Value Per Share.........32
Redemptions In-Kind................................33
TAXATION...........................................33
OTHER INFORMATION..................................38
Fund Structure.....................................38
Classes of Shares..................................38
The Portfolio......................................38
Certain Risks of Investing in the Portfolio........39
Organization of the Trust..........................40
Capitalization and Voting..........................40
Performance Information............................42
Principal Shareholders.............................42
Custodian..........................................42
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent.......42
Legal Counsel......................................42
Independent Accountant.............................42
Year 2000 Issues...................................42
Registration Statement.............................42
Financial Statements...............................42






                                       2
<PAGE>



INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE FUND AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS


This  Statement  of  Additional   Information  contains  additional  information
concerning certain investment practices and investment restrictions of the Trust
and the Fund.

         Except  as  described  below  under  "Investment   Restrictions",   the
investment  policies  described  in the  Prospectuses  and in  this  SAI are not
fundamental,  and the  Trustees may change the  non-fundamental  policies of the
Fund without an affirmative vote of shareholders of the Fund.

OPTIONS

         The Fund may  purchase  and sell  covered  put and call  options on its
portfolio  securities to enhance  investment  performance and to protect against
changes in market prices.

         COVERED CALL  OPTIONS.  The Fund may write  covered call options on its
securities to realize a greater  current  return through the receipt of premiums
than it would realize on its securities alone. Such option transactions may also
be used  as a  limited  form of  hedging  against  a  decline  in the  price  of
securities owned by the Fund.

         A call option gives the holder the right to purchase, and obligates the
writer  to sell,  a  security  at the  exercise  price at any  time  before  the
expiration  date. A call option is  "covered" if the writer,  at all times while
obligated as a writer,  either owns the  underlying  securities  (or  comparable
securities  satisfying the cover requirements of the securities  exchanges),  or
has the  right to  acquire  such  securities  through  immediate  conversion  of
securities.

         In return  for the  premium  received  when it  writes a  covered  call
option,  the Fund  gives up some or all of the  opportunity  to  profit  from an
increase in the market price of the  securities  covering the call option during
the life of the  option.  The Fund  retains the risk of loss should the price of
such securities decline. If the option expires unexercised,  the Fund realizes a
gain  equal to the  premium,  which may be  offset by a decline  in price of the
underlying  security.  If the option is  exercised,  the Fund realizes a gain or
loss equal to the difference between the Fund's cost for the underlying security
and the proceeds of sale (exercise price minus  commissions)  plus the amount of
the premium.

         The Fund may  terminate a call  option  that it has  written  before it
expires by entering into a closing purchase transaction. The Fund may enter into
closing  purchase  transactions  in order to free itself to sell the  underlying
security  or to write  another  call on the  security,  realize  a  profit  on a
previously  written call option,  or protect a security  from being called in an
unexpected  market rise. Any profits from a closing purchase  transaction may be
offset by a decline in the value of the underlying security. Conversely, because
increases in the market price of a call option will generally  reflect increases
in the  market  price of the  underlying  security,  any loss  resulting  from a
closing  purchase  transaction  is  likely  to be  offset in whole or in part by
unrealized appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.

         COVERED PUT OPTIONS. The Fund may write covered put options in order to
enhance its current  return.  Such  options  transactions  may also be used as a
limited form of hedging  against an increase in the price of securities that the
Fund plans to  purchase.  A put option  gives the holder the right to sell,  and
obligates the writer to buy, a security at the exercise price at any time before
the expiration date. A put option is "covered" if the writer segregates cash and
high-grade short-term debt obligations or other permissible  collateral equal to
the price to be paid if the option is exercised.

         In addition to the receipt of  premiums  and the  potential  gains from
terminating  such  options  in  closing  purchase  transactions,  the Fund  also
receives  interest  on the cash  and debt  securities  maintained  to cover  the
exercise price of the option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk
that it may be required  to purchase  the  underlying  security  for an exercise
price  higher  than its then  current  market  value,  resulting  in a potential
capital loss unless the security later appreciates in value.


                                       3
<PAGE>

         The Fund may  terminate  a put  option  that it has  written  before it
expires by a closing purchase transaction. Any loss from this transaction may be
partially or entirely offset by the premium received on the terminated option.

         PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS. The Fund may also purchase put options
to protect portfolio holdings against a decline in market value. This protection
lasts  for the life of the put  option  because  the  Fund,  as a holder  of the
option, may sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any
decline in its market  price.  In order for a put option to be  profitable,  the
market price of the  underlying  security  must decline  sufficiently  below the
exercise  price to cover the  premium and  transaction  costs that the Fund must
pay. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it sold
the underlying security instead of buying the put option.

         The Fund may purchase  call options to hedge against an increase in the
price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection
is provided  during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the
call  option,  is able to buy the  underlying  security  at the  exercise  price
regardless of any increase in the underlying  security's  market price. In order
for a call option to be profitable,  the market price of the underlying security
must  rise  sufficiently  above the  exercise  price to cover  the  premium  and
transaction  costs.  These  costs  will  reduce  any  profit the Fund might have
realized had it bought the underlying security.

         The Fund may purchase  call options to hedge against an increase in the
price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection
is provided  during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the
call  option,  is able to buy the  underlying  security  at the  exercise  price
regardless of any increase in the underlying  security's  market price. In order
for a call option to be profitable,  the market price of the underlying security
must  rise  sufficiently  above the  exercise  price to cover  the  premium  and
transaction  costs.  These  costs  will  reduce  any  profit the Fund might have
realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call
option.

         The Fund may also  purchase put and call options to enhance its current
return.

         OPTIONS ON FOREIGN  SECURITIES.  The Fund may purchase and sell options
on foreign  securities if in SCMI's  opinion the investment  characteristics  of
such options,  including the risks of investing in such options,  are consistent
with the Fund's investment objectives. It is expected that risks related to such
options  will not  differ  materially  from  risks  related  to  options on U.S.
securities.  However,  position limits and other rules of foreign  exchanges may
differ from those in the U.S. In addition,  options  markets in some  countries,
many of which are relatively new, may be less liquid than comparable  markets in
the U.S.

         RISKS  INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF OPTIONS.  Options  transactions  involve
certain risks,  including the risks that SCMI will not forecast interest rate or
market  movements  correctly,  that The Fund may be unable at times to close out
such positions,  or that hedging  transactions  may not accomplish their purpose
because of imperfect market correlations. The successful use of these strategies
depends on the ability of SCMI to forecast  market and interest  rate  movements
correctly.

         An  exchange-listed  option may be closed out only on an exchange which
provides  a  secondary  market  for an  option of the same  series.  There is no
assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market on an  exchange  will  exist for any
particular  option or at any  particular  time.  If no secondary  market were to
exist,  it would be impossible to enter into a closing  transaction to close out
an option position.  As a result, The Fund may be forced to continue to hold, or
to  purchase  at a fixed  price,  a security on which it has sold an option at a
time when SCMI believes it is inadvisable to do so.

         Higher  than  anticipated  trading  activity  or  order  flow or  other
unforeseen events might cause The Options Clearing Corporation or an exchange to
institute  special trading  procedures or  restrictions  that might restrict the
Fund's use of options. The exchanges have established limitations on the maximum
number  of  calls  and puts of each  class  that  may be held or  written  by an
investor or group of investors  acting in concert.  It is possible that the Fund
and other clients of SCMI may be considered such a group.  These position limits
may  restrict  the Fund's  ability to  purchase  or sell  options on  particular
securities.


                                       4
<PAGE>

         Options  that are not traded on national  securities  exchanges  may be
closed out only with the other party to the option transaction. For that reason,
it may be more  difficult  to close out unlisted  options  than listed  options.
Furthermore,  unlisted  options  are  not  subject  to the  protection  afforded
purchasers of listed options by The Options Clearing Corporation.

         Government regulations, particularly the requirements for qualification
as a "regulated  investment  company" under the Internal  Revenue Code, may also
restrict the Trust's use of options.

FUTURES CONTRACTS

         In order to hedge against the effects of adverse  market  changes,  the
Fund that may invest in debt  securities  may buy and sell futures  contracts on
debt  securities of the type in which the Fund may invest and on indexes of debt
securities.  In  addition,  the Fund that may  invest in equity  securities  may
purchase and sell stock index futures to hedge  against  changes in stock market
prices.  The Fund may also, to the extent  permitted by applicable  law, buy and
sell futures  contracts and options on futures  contracts to increase the Fund's
current return. All such futures and related options will, as may be required by
applicable  law, be traded on exchanges  that are licensed and  regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC").

         FUTURES ON DEBT SECURITIES AND RELATED OPTIONS. A futures contract on a
debt security is a binding  contractual  commitment  which, if held to maturity,
will result in an  obligation  to make or accept  delivery,  during a particular
month,  of securities  having a standardized  face value and rate of return.  By
purchasing  futures on debt securities -- assuming a "long" position -- The Fund
will legally  obligate  itself to accept the future  delivery of the  underlying
security  and pay the  agreed  price.  By  selling  futures  on debt  securities
- --assuming  a "short"  position -- it will legally  obligate  itself to make the
future  delivery  of the  security  against  payment of the agreed  price.  Open
futures  positions  on  debt  securities  will  be  valued  at the  most  recent
settlement price,  unless that price does not, in the judgment of persons acting
at the  direction  of the  Trustees as to the  valuation  of the Fund's  assets,
reflect  the fair value of the  contract,  in which case the  positions  will be
valued by the Trustees or such persons.

         Positions  taken  in the  futures  markets  are  not  normally  held to
maturity,  but are instead liquidated  through offsetting  transactions that may
result in a profit or a loss.  While  futures  positions  taken by The Fund will
usually be liquidated in this manner, The Fund may instead make or take delivery
of the underlying  securities whenever it appears  economically  advantageous to
the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation  associated with the exchange on which
futures are traded  assumes  responsibility  for such closing  transactions  and
guarantees  that the  Fund's  sale and  purchase  obligations  under  closed-out
positions will be performed at the termination of the contract.

         Hedging by use of futures on debt  securities  seeks to establish  more
certainly  than would  otherwise  be possible  the  effective  rate of return on
portfolio securities.  The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling  contracts for the future  delivery of debt securities
held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics  similar to those held by
the Fund) in order to hedge against an  anticipated  rise in interest rates that
would  adversely  affect  the value of the  Fund's  portfolio  securities.  When
hedging  of this  character  is  successful,  any  depreciation  in the value of
portfolio securities may substantially be offset by appreciation in the value of
the futures position.

         On other  occasions,  the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures on debt  securities.  This  would be done,  for  example,  when the Fund
expects to purchase  particular  securities  when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the rate of return  available in the securities  markets at that time to
be less favorable than rates currently  available in the futures markets. If the
anticipated  rise  in the  price  of  the  securities  should  occur  (with  its
concomitant  reduction in yield),  the increased  cost to the Fund of purchasing
the securities may be offset,  at least to some extent, by the rise in the value
of the futures  position  taken in  anticipation  of the  subsequent  securities
purchase.

         Successful use by the Fund of futures  contracts on debt  securities is
subject to SCMI's  ability to predict  correctly  movements in the  direction of
interest  rates and other factors  affecting  markets for debt  securities.  For



                                       5
<PAGE>

example,  if the Fund has hedged  against  the  possibility  of an  increase  in
interest rates which would adversely affect the market prices of debt securities
held by it and the prices of such  securities  increase  instead,  the Fund will
lose part or all of the benefit of the increased  value of its securities  which
it has hedged because it will have offsetting  losses in its futures  positions.
In addition, in such situations,  if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have
to sell securities to meet daily maintenance margin  requirements.  The Fund may
have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

         The Fund may  purchase  and write put and call  options on certain debt
futures contracts, as they become available. Such options are similar to options
on securities  except that options on futures  contracts  give the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract (a long  position  if the option is a call and a short  position if the
option is a put) at a specified  exercise price at any time during the period of
the option. As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may
terminate  his position by selling or  purchasing  an option of the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing  transactions can be effected.  The Fund
will be required to deposit initial margin and  maintenance  margin with respect
to put and call options on futures  contracts written by it pursuant to brokers'
requirements, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as
initial margin deposits.  See "Margin Payments" below.  Compared to the purchase
or sale of futures  contracts,  the  purchase  of call or put options on futures
contracts involves less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at
risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. However, there
may be  circumstances  when the  purchase  of call or put  options  on a futures
contract  would  result in a loss to the Fund when the  purchase  or sale of the
futures  contracts would not, such as when there is no movement in the prices of
debt  securities.  The  writing  of a put or call  option on a futures  contract
involves  risks  similar to those  risks  relating  to the  purchase  or sale of
futures contracts.

         INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS.  The Fund may invest in debt index
futures contracts and stock index futures  contracts,  and in related options. A
debt index  futures  contract  is a contract to buy or sell units of a specified
debt index at a specified  future date at a price  agreed upon when the contract
is made. A unit is the current  value of the index.  Debt index futures in which
the Fund is presently  expected to invest are not now  available,  although such
futures  contracts are expected to become available in the future. A stock index
futures  contract  is a  contract  to buy or sell  units  of a stock  index at a
specified  future date at a price  agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit
is the current value of the stock index.

         The following example  illustrates  generally the manner in which index
futures contracts operate.  The Standard & Poor's 100 Stock Index is composed of
100  selected  common  stocks,  most of which are  listed on the New York  Stock
Exchange.  The S&P 100 Index  assigns  relative  weightings to the common stocks
included  in the  Index,  and the Index  fluctuates  with  changes in the market
values of those common stocks.  In the case of the S&P 100 Index,  contracts are
to buy or sell 100 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P 100 Index were $180, one
contract  would be worth  $18,000  (100 units x $180).  The stock index  futures
contract  specifies  that no delivery of the actual  stocks  making up the index
will take place. Instead,  settlement in cash must occur upon the termination of
the contract,  with the  settlement  being the  difference  between the contract
price and the actual level of the stock index at the expiration of the contract.
For example,  if the Fund enters into a futures contract to buy 100 units of the
S&P 100 Index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P
100 Index is at $184 on that future  date,  the Fund will gain $400 (100 units x
gain of $4). If the Fund enters into a futures contract to sell 100 units of the
stock index at a specified  future date at a contract  price of $180 and the S&P
100 Index is at $182 on that future  date,  the Fund will lose $200 (100 units x
loss of $2).

         The Fund may  purchase or sell  futures  contracts  with respect to any
securities  indexes.  Positions  in index  futures  may be closed out only on an
exchange or board of trade which provides a secondary market for such futures.

         In order to hedge the Fund's  investments  successfully  using  futures
contracts and related  options,  the Fund must invest in futures  contracts with
respect to indexes or sub-indexes  the movements of which will, in its judgment,
have a  significant  correlation  with  movements  in the  prices of the  Fund's
securities.


                                       6
<PAGE>

         Options on index futures contracts are similar to options on securities
except that options on index futures  contracts give the purchaser the right, in
return for the premium paid,  to assume a position in an index futures  contract
(a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a
put) at a specified  exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
Upon  exercise of the option,  the holder  would assume the  underlying  futures
position  and would  receive a variation  margin  payment of cash or  securities
approximating  the increase in the value of the holder's option position.  If an
option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration  date of the
option,  the  settlement  will be made entirely in cash based on the  difference
between the exercise  price of the option and the closing  level of the index on
which the  futures  contract  is based on the  expiration  date.  Purchasers  of
options who fail to exercise  their  options prior to the exercise date suffer a
loss of the premium paid.

         As an  alternative  to  purchasing  and selling call and put options on
index futures contracts,  the Fund may purchase and sell index futures contracts
may purchase and sell call and put options on the underlying  indexes themselves
to the extent that such  options are traded on  national  securities  exchanges.
Index  options  are  similar  to options on  individual  securities  in that the
purchaser of an index  option  acquires the right to buy (in the case of a call)
or sell (in the case of a put), and the writer undertakes the obligation to sell
or buy (as the case may be), units of an index at a stated exercise price during
the term of the  option.  Instead  of giving  the  right to take or make  actual
delivery of securities, the holder of an index option has the right to receive a
cash "exercise  settlement amount".  This amount is equal to the amount by which
the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less
than (in the case of a call) the closing  value of the  underlying  index on the
date of the exercise, multiplied by a fixed "index multiplier".

         The Fund may  purchase  or sell  options  on stock  indices in order to
close out its  outstanding  positions in options on stock  indices  which it has
purchased. The Fund may also allow such options to expire unexercised.

         Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts,  the purchase of
call or put options on an index involves less potential risk to the Fund because
the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions
costs. The writing of a put or call option on an index involves risks similar to
those risks relating to the purchase or sale of index futures contracts.

         MARGIN PAYMENTS.  When the Fund purchases or sells a futures  contract,
it is required to deposit with its  custodian an amount of cash,  U.S.  Treasury
bills, or other permissible collateral equal to a small percentage of the amount
of the futures contract. This amount is known as "initial margin". The nature of
initial margin is different from that of margin in security transactions in that
it does not involve  borrowing money to finance  transactions.  Rather,  initial
margin is similar to a  performance  bond or good faith deposit that is returned
to the Fund upon  termination  of the contract,  assuming the Fund satisfies its
contractual obligations.

         Subsequent  payments to and from the broker occur on a daily basis in a
process  known as "marking  to market".  These  payments  are called  "variation
margin" and are made as the value of the underlying futures contract fluctuates.
For  example,  when the  Fund  sells a  futures  contract  and the  price of the
underlying  debt security rises above the delivery  price,  the Fund's  position
declines  in value.  The Fund then pays the broker a  variation  margin  payment
equal to the difference  between the delivery price of the futures  contract and
the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract.  Conversely,
if the price of the  underlying  security  falls below the delivery price of the
contract,  the Fund's futures position  increases in value. The broker then must
make a variation  margin  payment equal to the  difference  between the delivery
price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities  underlying
the futures contract.

         When the Fund  terminates  a position  in a futures  contract,  a final
determination of variation margin is made,  additional cash is paid by or to the
Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Such closing  transactions involve
additional commission costs.

SPECIAL RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS

         LIQUIDITY RISKS.  Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only
on an  exchange or board of trade  which  provides a  secondary  market for such
futures. Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures only on 



                                       7
<PAGE>

exchanges  or boards of trade  where  there  appears  to be an active  secondary
market,  there is no assurance that a liquid  secondary market on an exchange or
board of trade will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time.
If there is not a liquid  secondary  market at a particular  time, it may not be
possible  to close a futures  position at such time and, in the event of adverse
price  movements,  the Fund would  continue  to be  required  to make daily cash
payments of variation margin.  However,  in the event financial futures are used
to hedge portfolio securities,  such securities will not generally be sold until
the financial futures can be terminated.  In such circumstances,  an increase in
the price of the  portfolio  securities,  if any, may  partially  or  completely
offset losses on the financial futures.

         In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions,  there
are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts.  The ability
to  establish  and close out  positions  in such  options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that
such a market will develop. Although the Fund generally will purchase only those
options for which there appears to be an active  secondary  market,  there is no
assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market on an  exchange  will  exist for any
particular  option or at any particular time. In the event no such market exists
for particular options, it might not be possible to effect closing  transactions
in such options with the result that the Fund would have to exercise the options
in order to realize any profit.

         HEDGING  RISKS.  There are several risks in connection  with the use by
the Fund of futures contracts and related options as a hedging device.  One risk
arises because of the imperfect  correlation  between movements in the prices of
the futures contracts and options and movements in the underlying  securities or
index or movements in the prices of the Fund's  securities which are the subject
of a hedge.  SCMI will,  however,  attempt to reduce this risk by purchasing and
selling,  to the extent  possible,  futures  contracts  and  related  options on
securities  and indexes the movements of which will, in its judgment,  correlate
closely with movements in the prices of the  underlying  securities or index and
the Fund's portfolio securities sought to be hedged.

         Successful use of futures contracts and options by the Fund for hedging
purposes is also subject to SCMI's ability to predict correctly movements in the
direction of the market.  It is possible that, where the Fund has purchased puts
on futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the
securities  or index on which the puts are  purchased  may increase in value and
the value of securities held in the portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the
Fund would lose money on the puts and also  experience a decline in value in its
portfolio  securities.  In  addition,  the  prices of  futures,  for a number of
reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the underlying securities
or index due to certain  market  distortions.  First,  all  participants  in the
futures market are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may
cause investors to close futures contracts through offsetting transactions which
could distort the normal  relationship  between the underlying security or index
and futures markets.  Second, the margin requirements in the futures markets are
less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general,  and
as a result the futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities
markets do.  Increased  participation  by speculators in the futures markets may
also  cause  temporary  price  distortions.  Due to  the  possibility  of  price
distortion,  even a correct  forecast of general market trends by SCMI may still
not result in a successful hedging transaction over a very short time period.

         OTHER RISKS.  The Fund will incur  brokerage  fees in  connection  with
their futures and options transactions. In addition, while futures contracts and
options on futures will be purchased  and sold to reduce  certain  risks,  those
transactions  themselves  entail certain other risks.  Thus,  while the Fund may
benefit from the use of futures and related  options,  unanticipated  changes in
interest  rates  or  stock  price  movements  may  result  in a  poorer  overall
performance  for the Fund than if it had not entered into any futures  contracts
or options  transactions.  Moreover,  in the event of an  imperfect  correlation
between the futures position and the portfolio  position which is intended to be
protected,  the  desired  protection  may not be  obtained  and the  Fund may be
exposed to risk of loss.

FORWARD COMMITMENTS

         The Fund may enter into  contracts to purchase  securities  for a fixed
price at a future date beyond customary settlement time ("forward  commitments")
if the Fund holds,  and  maintains  until the  settlement  date in a  segregated
account, cash or high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet the
purchase price, or if the



                                       8
<PAGE>

Fund enters into offsetting  contracts for the forward sale of other  securities
it owns.  Forward  commitments may be considered  securities in themselves,  and
involve a risk of loss if the value of the  security  to be  purchased  declines
prior to the settlement  date,  which risk is in addition to the risk of decline
in the value of the Fund's other assets.  Where such  purchases are made through
dealers,  the Fund relies on the dealer to  consummate  the sale.  The  dealer's
failure to do so may result in the loss to the Fund of an advantageous  yield or
price.

         Although the Fund will generally  enter into forward  commitments  with
the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant
to options  contracts it has entered into,  the Fund may dispose of a commitment
prior to settlement if SCMI deems it  appropriate to do so. The Fund may realize
short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

         The Fund may enter into repurchase  agreements.  A repurchase agreement
is a contract  under which the Fund  acquires a security for a relatively  short
period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation of the seller to
repurchase  and the Fund to  resell  such  security  at a fixed  time and  price
(representing  the  Fund's  cost  plus  interest).  It is  the  Trust's  present
intention  to enter into  repurchase  agreements  only with member  banks of the
Federal Reserve System and securities  dealers  meeting  certain  criteria as to
creditworthiness  and  financial  condition  established  by the Trustees of the
Trust  and only  with  respect  to  obligations  of the U.S.  government  or its
agencies or instrumentalities or other high quality short term debt obligations.
Repurchase  agreements  may also be viewed as loans  made by the Fund  which are
collateralized by the securities  subject to repurchase.  SCMI will monitor such
transactions  to ensure that the value of the underlying  securities  will be at
least  equal at all times to the  total  amount  of the  repurchase  obligation,
including the interest factor. If the seller defaults,  the Fund could realize a
loss on the sale of the  underlying  security to the extent that the proceeds of
sale including  accrued  interest are less than the resale price provided in the
agreement including interest.  In addition,  if the seller should be involved in
bankruptcy  or  insolvency  proceedings,  the Fund may incur  delay and costs in
selling the  underlying  security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest
if the Fund is treated  as an  unsecured  creditor  and  required  to return the
underlying collateral to the seller's estate.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

         The Fund may from time to time purchase  securities on a  "when-issued"
basis.  Debt  securities  are  often  issued  on this  basis.  The price of such
securities,  which  may be  expressed  in  yield  terms,  is fixed at the time a
commitment  to purchase is made,  but delivery  and payment for the  when-issued
securities  take place at a later date.  Normally,  the  settlement  date occurs
within  one month of the  purchase.  During  the  period  between  purchase  and
settlement,  no payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund.
To the extent that assets of the Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of
a purchase  of  securities,  that Fund would earn no income.  While the Fund may
sell its right to acquire  when-issued  securities prior to the settlement date,
the Fund  intends  actually to acquire  such  securities  unless a sale prior to
settlement appears desirable for investment  reasons. At the time the Fund makes
the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the
transaction  and  reflect  the  amount  due and the  value  of the  security  in
determining  the Fund's net asset  value.  The market  value of the  when-issued
securities may be more or less than the purchase price payable at the settlement
date.  The Fund will  establish a segregated  account in which it will  maintain
cash and U.S.  Government  Securities or other  high-grade  debt  obligations at
least equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities.  Such segregated
securities  either  will  mature  or, if  necessary,  be sold on or  before  the
settlement date.

LOANS OF FUND SECURITIES

         The Fund may lend its portfolio securities,  provided:  (1) the loan is
secured  continuously by collateral  consisting of U.S.  government  securities,
cash, or cash equivalents  adjusted daily to have market value at least equal to
the current market value of the securities  loaned; (2) the Fund may at any time
call the loan and regain the  securities  loaned;  (3) the Fund will receive any
interest  or  dividends  paid on the loaned  securities;  and (4) the  aggregate
market  value of  securities  of any  Fund  loaned  will not at any time  exceed
one-third of the total assets of the Fund. In addition,  it is anticipated  that
the  Fund may  share  with  the  borrower  some of the  income  received  on the


                                       9
<PAGE>

collateral  for the loan or that it will be paid a premium for the loan.  Before
the Fund enters into a loan, SCMI considers all relevant facts and circumstances
including the  creditworthiness of the borrower.  The risks in lending portfolio
securities,  as with other  extensions of credit,  consist of possible  delay in
recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the  collateral  should
the borrower fail financially.  Although voting rights or rights to consent with
respect to the loaned  securities  pass to the  borrower,  the Fund  retains the
right to call the loans at any time on reasonable  notice,  and it will do so in
order  that the  securities  may be voted  by the  Fund if the  holders  of such
securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters materially affecting the
investment.  The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to borrowers affiliated
with the Fund.

FOREIGN SECURITIES

         The Fund may  invest  in  foreign  securities  and in  certificates  of
deposit issued by United States  branches of foreign banks and foreign  branches
of United States banks.

         Investments in foreign securities may involve considerations  different
from  investments  in  domestic  securities  due to limited  publicly  available
information, non-uniform accounting standards, lower trading volume and possible
consequent illiquidity,  greater volatility in price, the possible imposition of
withholding or confiscatory taxes, the possible adoption of foreign governmental
restrictions  affecting the payment of principal and interest,  expropriation of
assets,  nationalization,  or other adverse political or economic  developments.
Foreign  companies  may not be  subject  to  auditing  and  financial  reporting
standards and  requirements  comparable to those which apply to U.S.  companies.
Foreign  brokerage  commissions and other fees are generally  higher than in the
United States. It may be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against
a foreign issuer.

         In addition,  to the extent that any Fund's foreign investments are not
United  States  dollar-denominated,  the  Fund  may  be  affected  favorably  or
unfavorably  by  changes  in  currency   exchange  rates  or  exchange   control
regulations  and  may  incur  costs  in  connection   with  conversion   between
currencies.

         In determining whether to invest in securities of foreign issuers,  the
investment  adviser of the Fund seeking  current income will consider the likely
impact  of  foreign  taxes  on the  net  yield  available  to the  Fund  and its
shareholders.  Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries
may be reduced by  withholding  and other taxes imposed by such  countries.  Tax
conventions  between  certain  countries  and the  United  States  may reduce or
eliminate  such taxes.  It is  impossible  to determine  the  effective  rate of
foreign tax in advance  since the amount of the Fund's  assets to be invested in
various  countries  is not  known,  and tax laws and their  interpretations  may
change from time to time and may change without advance  notice.  Any such taxes
paid by the Fund will  reduce  its net  income  available  for  distribution  to
shareholders.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS

         The Fund may  engage  in  currency  exchange  transactions  to  protect
against  uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency  exchange rates and
to increase current return.  The Fund may engage in both  "transaction  hedging"
and "position hedging."

         When it engages in  transaction  hedging,  the Fund enters into foreign
currency  transactions  with respect to specific  receivables or payables of the
Fund generally  arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio
securities. The Fund will engage in transaction hedging when it desires to "lock
in" the U.S.  dollar  price of a security it has agreed to purchase or sell,  or
the U.S.  dollar  equivalent  of a  dividend  or  interest  payment in a foreign
currency.  By  transaction  hedging the Fund will  attempt to protect  against a
possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the  relationship  between the
U.S.  dollar and the applicable  foreign  currency during the period between the
date on which the  security  is  purchased  or sold or on which the  dividend or
interest  payment is declared,  and the date on which such  payments are made or
received.

         The Fund may  purchase  or sell a foreign  currency on a spot (or cash)
basis at the prevailing spot rate in connection with  transaction  hedging.  The
Fund may also enter into  contracts to purchase or sell foreign  currencies at a
future date ("forward contracts") and purchase and sell foreign currency futures
contracts.


                                       10
<PAGE>

         For   transaction   hedging   purposes  the  Fund  may  also   purchase
exchange-listed  and  over-the-counter  call and put options on foreign currency
futures contracts and on foreign currencies.  A put option on a futures contract
gives the Fund the  right to assume a short  position  in the  futures  contract
until  expiration  of the option.  A put option on  currency  gives the Fund the
right to sell a  currency  at an  exercise  price  until the  expiration  of the
option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a
long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call
option on  currency  gives  the Fund the right to  purchase  a  currency  at the
exercise  price  until the  expiration  of the  option.  The Fund will engage in
over-the-counter transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded transactions
are unavailable and when, in SCMI's opinion, the pricing mechanism and liquidity
are satisfactory  and the  participants  are responsible  parties likely to meet
their contractual obligations.

         When it engages in  position  hedging,  the Fund  enters  into  foreign
currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the
foreign  currencies in which  securities held by the Fund are denominated or are
quoted  in their  principal  trading  markets  or an  increase  in the  value of
currency for securities  which the Fund expects to purchase.  In connection with
position hedging,  the Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency
and foreign  currency  futures  contracts and buy or sell forward  contracts and
foreign currency futures  contracts.  The Fund may also purchase or sell foreign
currency on a spot basis.

         The  precise  matching  of the  amounts  of foreign  currency  exchange
transactions  and the  value  of the  portfolio  securities  involved  will  not
generally  be  possible  since the future  value of such  securities  in foreign
currencies  will change as a  consequence  of market  movements in the values of
those  securities  between  the dates the  currency  exchange  transactions  are
entered into and the dates they mature.

         It is  impossible  to forecast  with  precision the market value of the
Fund's  portfolio  securities  at the  expiration  or  maturity  of a forward or
futures  contract.  Accordingly,  it may be  necessary  for the Fund to purchase
additional  foreign  currency  on the spot  market (and bear the expense of such
purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less
than the amount of foreign  currency  the Fund is  obligated to deliver and if a
decision is made to sell the  security or  securities  and make  delivery of the
foreign  currency.  Conversely,  it may be  necessary to sell on the spot market
some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or
securities  of the Fund if the  market  value  of such  security  or  securities
exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

         To offset some of the costs to the Fund of hedging against fluctuations
in currency  exchange  rates,  the Fund may write  covered call options on those
currencies.

         Transaction and position  hedging do not eliminate  fluctuations in the
underlying  prices of the securities  which the Fund owns or intends to purchase
or sell. They simply  establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some
future point in time.  Additionally,  although these techniques tend to minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend
to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in the value of
such currency.

         The Fund may also seek to increase its current return by purchasing and
selling foreign  currency on a spot basis, and by purchasing and selling options
on  foreign  currencies  and  on  foreign  currency  futures  contracts,  and by
purchasing and selling foreign currency forward contracts.

         CURRENCY  FORWARD AND FUTURES  CONTRACTS.  A forward  foreign  currency
exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
at a future  date,  which may be any  fixed  number of days from the date of the
contract as agreed by the parties,  at a price set at the time of the  contract.
In the case of a  cancelable  forward  contract,  the holder has the  unilateral
right to cancel  the  contract  at  maturity  by  paying a  specified  fee.  The
contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency
traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract
generally  has no deposit  requirement,  and no  commissions  are charged at any
stage for trades. A foreign currency futures contract is a standardized contract
for the future delivery of a specified  amount of a foreign currency at a future
date at a  price  set at the  time of the  contract.  Foreign  



                                       11
<PAGE>

currency  futures  contracts  traded in the United  States are  designed  by and
traded  on  exchanges  regulated  by the CFTC,  such as the New York  Mercantile
Exchange.

         Forward  foreign  currency  exchange   contracts  differ  from  foreign
currency futures contracts in certain respects.  For example,  the maturity date
of a  forward  contract  may be any  fixed  number  of days from the date of the
contract agreed upon by the parties, rather than a predetermined date in a given
month. Forward contracts may be in any amounts agreed upon by the parties rather
than predetermined  amounts. Also, forward foreign exchange contracts are traded
directly between currency traders so that no intermediary is required. A forward
contract generally requires no margin or other deposit.

         At the maturity of a forward or futures  contract,  the Fund may either
accept or make  delivery of the  currency  specified in the  contract,  or at or
prior to maturity  enter into a closing  transaction  involving  the purchase or
sale of an offsetting  contract.  Closing  transactions  with respect to forward
contracts are usually  effected  with the currency  trader who is a party to the
original  forward  contract.   Closing  transactions  with  respect  to  futures
contracts  are  effected  on a  commodities  exchange;  a  clearing  corporation
associated  with  the  exchange  assumes  responsibility  for  closing  out such
contracts.

         Positions in foreign currency futures contracts and related options may
be closed out only on an exchange  or board of trade which  provides a secondary
market in such contracts or options. Although the Fund will normally purchase or
sell foreign currency futures contracts and related options only on exchanges or
boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary  market,  there is
no assurance that a secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist
for any particular  contract or option or at any particular time. In such event,
it may not be possible to close a futures or related option position and, in the
event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make
daily cash payments of variation margin on its futures positions.

         FOREIGN  CURRENCY  OPTIONS.   Options  on  foreign  currencies  operate
similarly  to  options  on   securities,   and  are  traded   primarily  in  the
over-the-counter  market,  although options on foreign  currencies have recently
been listed on several exchanges. Such options will be purchased or written only
when SCMI believes that a liquid secondary market exists for such options. There
can be no assurance that a liquid  secondary  market will exist for a particular
option at any specific time.  Options on foreign  currencies are affected by all
of those factors which influence exchange rates and investments generally.

         The value of a foreign  currency  option is dependent upon the value of
the foreign  currency and the U.S.  dollar,  and may have no relationship to the
investment merits of a foreign security.  Because foreign currency  transactions
occurring in the interbank  market  involve  substantially  larger  amounts than
those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may
be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of
transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying  foreign  currencies at
prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

         There is no systematic  reporting of last sale  information for foreign
currencies  and there is no regulatory  requirement  that  quotations  available
through  dealers or other market  sources be firm or revised on a timely  basis.
Available  quotation  information  is  generally  representative  of very  large
transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller
transactions  (less than $1  million)  where  rates may be less  favorable.  The
interbank market in foreign currencies is a global,  around-the-clock market. To
the extent that the U.S.  options  markets are closed  while the markets for the
underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take
place in the  underlying  markets that cannot be  reflected in the U.S.  options
markets.

         FOREIGN CURRENCY  CONVERSION.  Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for  currency  conversion,  they do  realize a profit  based on the
difference  (the  "spread")  between  prices at which they buy and sell  various
currencies.  Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign  currency to the Fund at
one rate,  while  offering a lesser rate of  exchange  should the Fund desire to
resell that currency to the dealer.


                                       12
<PAGE>

ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES

         Zero-coupon   securities   in  which  the  Fund  may  invest  are  debt
obligations  which are  generally  issued at a discount  and  payable in full at
maturity,  and which do not provide for  current  payments of interest  prior to
maturity.  Zero-coupon  securities  usually  trade at a deep discount from their
face or par value and are  subject to greater  market  value  fluctuations  from
changing  interest rates than debt  obligations of comparable  maturities  which
make  current  distributions  of interest.  As a result,  the net asset value of
shares of the Fund  investing in  zero-coupon  securities  may fluctuate  over a
greater  range than  shares of other Funds of the Trust and other  mutual  funds
investing in  securities  making  current  distributions  of interest and having
similar maturities.

         Zero-coupon  securities may include U.S. Treasury bills issued directly
by the U.S. Treasury or other short-term debt obligations, and longer-term bonds
or notes and their unmatured interest coupons which have been separated by their
holder,  typically a custodian  bank or investment  brokerage  firm. A number of
securities  firms  and  banks  have  stripped  the  interest  coupons  from  the
underlying  principal (the "corpus") of U.S. Treasury securities and resold them
in  custodial  receipt  programs  with a number of  different  names,  including
Treasury  Income  Growth  Receipts  ("TIGRS")  and  Certificates  of  Accrual on
Treasuries  ("CATS").   CATS  and  TIGRS  are  not  considered  U.S.  Government
Securities.  The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in
book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities
(I.E.,  unregistered  securities  which are owned  ostensibly  by the  bearer or
holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof.

         In addition,  the Treasury  has  facilitated  transfers of ownership of
zero-coupon  securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of
particular  interest coupons and corpus payments on Treasury  securities through
the Federal  Reserve  book-entry  record-keeping  system.  The  Federal  Reserve
program as  established  by the  Treasury  Department  is known as  "STRIPS"  or
"Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities". Under the
STRIPS program,  the Fund will be able to have its beneficial  ownership of U.S.
Treasury   zero-coupon   securities   recorded   directly   in  the   book-entry
record-keeping  system in lieu of having to hold certificates or other evidences
of ownership of the underlying U.S. Treasury securities.

         When debt  obligations  have been stripped of their unmatured  interest
coupons by the holder,  the stripped coupons are sold separately.  The principal
or corpus is sold at a deep discount  because the buyer  receives only the right
to receive a future  fixed  payment on the  security  and does not  receive  any
rights to periodic cash  interest  payments.  Once  stripped or  separated,  the
corpus and  coupons  may be sold  separately.  Typically,  the  coupons are sold
separately or grouped with other  coupons with like  maturity  dates and sold in
such  bundled  form.  Purchasers  of stripped  obligations  acquire,  in effect,
discount  obligations  that  are  economically   identical  to  the  zero-coupon
securities issued directly by the obligor.


         WARRANTS AND STOCK RIGHTS.  The Fund may invest in warrants,  which are
options  to  purchase  an  equity   security  at  a  specified   price  (usually
representing a premium over the applicable market value of the underlying equity
security at the time of the warrant's issuance). Investments in warrants involve
certain risks,  including the possible lack of a liquid market for the resale of
the warrants,  potential price  fluctuations as a result of speculation or other
factors and failure of the price of the underlying  security to reach a level at
which the  warrant  can be  prudently  exercised  (in which case the warrant may
expire  without  being  exercised,  resulting  in the loss of the Fund's  entire
investment therein).  The prices of warrants do not necessarily move parallel to
the prices of the underlying securities. Warrants have no voting rights, receive
no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.

         In addition, the Fund may invest to a limited degree in stock rights. A
stock right is an option given to a shareholder  to buy  additional  shares at a
predetermined price during a specified time period. Currently, the Fund does not
intend  to  invest  more  than  5% of its  total  net  assets  (at  the  time of
investment) in stock rights.

         DEPOSITARY  RECEIPTS.  As  described  in the  Prospectus,  the Fund may
invest in American  Depositary  Receipts ("ADRs"),  European Depositary Receipts
("EDRs"),  and other similar  instruments  providing for indirect  investment in
securities  of foreign  issuers.  Due to the absence of  established  securities
markets in certain foreign 



                                       13
<PAGE>

countries and restrictions in certain  countries on direct investment by foreign
entities,  the Fund may  invest in  certain  issuers  through  the  purchase  of
sponsored and  unsponsored  ADRs or other similar  securities,  such as American
Depositary  Shares,   Global  Depositary  Shares  or  International   Depositary
Receipts.  ADRs are receipts typically issued by U.S. banks evidencing ownership
of the underlying  securities into which they are convertible.  These securities
may or may not be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities.
Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer.
Holders of  unsponsored  ADRs  generally bear all the costs of the ADR facility,
whereas  foreign  issuers  typically  bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The
bank  or  trust  company  depository  of an  unsponsored  ADR  may be  under  no
obligation to distribute  shareholder  communications  received from the foreign
issuer or to pass through voting rights.

         CONVERTIBLE  SECURITIES.  The Fund may invest in convertible  preferred
stocks and convertible debt securities ("convertible securities"). A convertible
security is a bond, debenture,  note, preferred stock or other security that may
be converted  into or exchanged  for a prescribed  amount of common stock of the
same or a different  issuer  within a  particular  period of time at a specified
price or  formula.  Convertible  securities  rank  senior to common  stocks in a
corporation's  capital  structure  and,  therefore,  carry  less  risk  than the
corporation's common stock. The value of a convertible security is a function of
its "investment value" (its value as if it did not have a conversion privilege),
and its "conversion  value" (the security's worth if it were to be exchanged for
the underlying security, at market value, pursuant to its conversion privilege).
Because  convertible debt is convertible into stock under specified  conditions,
the value of convertible debt also is affected  normally by changes in the value
of the issuer's equity securities.

         DEBT-TO-EQUITY  CONVERSIONS.  The Fund may  invest  up to 5% of its net
assets in debt-to-equity  conversions.  Debt-to-equity  conversion  programs are
sponsored in varying degrees by certain foreign  countries and permit  investors
to use external debt of a country to make equity investments in local companies.
Many  conversion  programs  relate  primarily to investments in  transportation,
communication,  utilities and similar infrastructure-related areas. The terms of
the programs vary from country to country but include  significant  restrictions
on  the  application  of  proceeds   received  in  the  conversion  and  on  the
repatriation  of  investment  profits  and  capital.  When  inviting  conversion
applications  by holders of eligible  debt, a government  usually  specifies the
minimum  discount  from par  value  that it will  accept  for  conversion.  SCMI
believes that  debt-to-equity  conversion  programs may offer  opportunities  to
invest in  otherwise  restricted  equity  securities  that have a potential  for
significant capital appreciation.  SCMI, therefore, may invest the Fund's assets
to a limited extent in such programs under appropriate circumstances.  There can
be no assurance  that  debt-to-equity  conversion  programs  will continue to be
successful  or that the Fund will be able to convert all or any of its  emerging
market debt portfolio into equity investments.

         BRADY  BONDS.  The Fund may  invest a  portion  of its  assets in Brady
Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of existing  commercial
bank loans to sovereign  entities for new  obligations  in connection  with debt
restructurings.  Brady Bonds have been issued only recently and,  therefore,  do
not  have a long  payment  history.  Brady  Bonds  may have  collateralized  and
uncollateralized  components, are issued in various currencies, and are actively
traded in the over-the-counter  secondary market. Brady Bonds are not considered
U.S.  government  securities.  In light of the residual risk associated with the
uncollateralized  portions of Brady Bonds and, among other factors,  the history
of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities
of countries  issuing  Brady Bonds,  investments  in Brady Bonds are  considered
speculative.  Brady Bonds acquired by the Fund could be subject to restructuring
arrangements or to requests for new credit, which could cause the Fund to suffer
a loss of interest or principal on its holdings.

         INDEXED  SECURITIES.  The Fund may  invest in indexed  securities,  the
values of which are linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities,  indices,
or other financial indicators. Investment in indexed securities involves certain
risks. In addition to the credit risk of the securities  issuer and normal risks
of price changes in response to changes in interest rates,  the principal amount
of indexed  securities  may  decrease as a result of changes in the value of the
reference instruments. Also, in the case of certain indexed securities where the
interest  rate is linked to a reference  instrument,  the  interest  rate may be
reduced to zero and any further  declines in the value of the  security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Further, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.


                                       14
<PAGE>

         FOREIGN  EXCHANGE  CONTRACTS.  Changes in currency  exchange rates will
affect the U.S. dollar values of securities  denominated in foreign  currencies.
Exchange  rates  between  the U.S.  dollar  and other  currencies  fluctuate  in
response to forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange  markets.  These
forces are affected by the international  balance of payments and other economic
and  financial  conditions,  government  intervention,  speculation,  and  other
factors,  many of which may be difficult (if not  impossible)  to predict.  When
investing in foreign  securities,  the Fund usually  effects  currency  exchange
transactions  on a spot (I.E.,  cash) basis at the spot rate  prevailing  in the
foreign exchange market. The Fund incurs foreign exchange expenses in converting
assets from one currency to another.

         The Fund may enter into forward  contracts  for the purchase or sale of
foreign  currency:  (1) to "lock  in" the U.S.  dollar  price of the  securities
denominated  in a foreign  currency or the U.S.  dollar  value of  interest  and
dividends to be paid on such securities; or (2) to hedge against the possibility
that a foreign  currency may suffer a decline against the U.S. dollar. A forward
currency  contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a
future date (which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract
agreed  upon by the  parties) at a price set at the time of the  contract.  This
method of  attempting to hedge against a decline in the value of a currency does
not eliminate  fluctuations  in the underlying  prices of securities and exposes
the Fund to the risk that the  counterparty  is unable to perform.  Although the
strategy of engaging in foreign currency  transactions  could reduce the risk of
loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged  currency,  it could also limit
the potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.

         The Fund does not intend to maintain a net  exposure to such  contracts
if the  fulfillment  of obligations  under such  contracts  would obligate it to
deliver an amount of foreign  currency  in excess of the value of its  portfolio
securities or other assets denominated in the currency.  The Fund will not enter
into  these  contracts  for  speculative   purposes  and  will  not  enter  into
non-hedging currency contracts. The Fund will generally not enter into a forward
contract  with a term of  greater  than  one  year.  Forward  contracts  are not
exchange  traded,  and there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist
at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a forward contract. Currently, only a
limited market, if any, exists for hedging  transactions  relating to currencies
in certain emerging markets or to securities of issuers domiciled or principally
engaged in  business  in  certain  emerging  markets.  This may limit the Fund's
ability to hedge its  investments in those markets.  These  contracts  involve a
risk of loss if SCMI fails to predict  accurately  changes in relative  currency
values. See "Risk Considerations -- Currency Fluctuations and Devaluations"

         INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the
Fund may  invest in the  shares of other  investment  companies  that  invest in
securities  that  the  Fund is  permitted  to  purchase  subject  to the  limits
permitted  under the 1940 Act or any orders,  rules or  regulations  thereunder.
From time to time, such investment funds may be the sole means by which the Fund
may invest in equity  securities of certain  emerging  markets  companies.  When
investing through investment  companies,  the Fund may pay substantial  premiums
above such investment  companies' net asset value per share. As a shareholder in
an investment  company,  the Fund would bear its ratable share of the investment
company's expenses,  including its advisory and administrative fees. At the same
time, the Fund would continue to pay its own fees and expenses.

         TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS.  As described in the applicable Prospectus,  the
Fund may hold  and/or  invest  its  assets  without  limitation  in cash  and/or
Temporary  Investments (as defined below) for cash management purposes,  pending
initial  investment  in  accordance  with the Fund's  investment  objective  and
policies.  In  addition,  the Fund  may hold  these  investments  for  temporary
defensive  purposes.  The Fund may assume a temporary  defensive  posture  when,
owing to political,  market or other factors broadly affecting markets in one or
more emerging markets  countries,  SCMI determines either that opportunities for
capital  appreciation  in those  markets  may be  significantly  limited or that
significant  diminution in value of the  securities  traded in those markets may
occur.  The Fund may invest  without  limitation  in (or enter  into  repurchase
agreements  maturing  in seven days or less with banks and  broker-dealers  with
respect  to)  short-term  debt  securities,  including  commercial  paper,  U.S.
Treasury bills,  other short-term U.S.  government  securities,  certificates of
deposit,  and bankers'  acceptances of U.S. or foreign banks.  The Fund also may
hold cash and time deposits denominated in any major foreign currency in foreign
banks. To the extent that the Fund invests in Temporary Investments,  it may not
achieve its investment objective.


                                       15
<PAGE>

         Temporary  Investments are high quality debt securities  (rated "AA" or
above by  Standard  & Poor's  Corporation  ("S&P")  or "Aa" or above by  Moody's
Investors  Services,  Inc.  ("Moody's")  or with an  equivalent  rating by other
nationally  recognized  securities  rating  organizations)  denominated  in U.S.
dollars or in another  freely  convertible  currency  including:  (1) short-term
(less than 12 months to maturity) and  medium-term  (not more than five years to
maturity)  obligations  issued or guaranteed  by: (a) the U.S.  Government,  its
agencies   instrumentalities,   or  government-sponsored   enterprises;  or  (b)
international   organizations   designated  or  supported  by  multiple  foreign
governmental   entities  to  promote  economic   reconstruction  or  development
("supranational  entities");  (2) U.S.  finance company  obligations,  corporate
commercial paper and other short-term  commercial  obligations;  (3) obligations
(including certificates of deposit, time deposits,  demand deposits and bankers'
acceptances) of banks; and (4) repurchase  agreements with respect to securities
in which the Fund may invest.  The banks whose  obligations  may be purchased by
the Fund and the banks and  broker-dealers  with  which the Fund may enter  into
repurchase  agreements include any member bank of the Federal Reserve System and
any U.S.  broker-dealer  or any  foreign  bank that has been  determined  by the
investment adviser to be creditworthy.

         SHORT-TERM DEBT SECURITIES. For cash management,  pending investment or
other temporary purposes,  the Fund may invest in commercial paper -- short-term
unsecured  promissory  notes  issued in bearer form by bank  holding  companies,
corporations and finance  companies.  The commercial paper purchased by the Fund
for temporary  defensive  purposes  consists of direct  obligations  of domestic
issuers  that at the time of  investment  are rated  "P-1" by Moody's  Investors
Service  ("Moody's") or "A-1" by Standard & Poor's ("S&P"),  or securities that,
if not rated, are issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue currently
rated "Aaa" or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by S&P.  The rating "P-1" is the
highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's, and the rating "A-1" is the
highest  commercial  paper  rating  assigned by S&P. The Fund also may invest in
variable  rate  master  demand  notes,  which are  obligations  that  permit the
investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying market rates of interest  pursuant
to arrangements between the issuer and a commercial bank acting as agent for the
payer of such notes. Generally both parties have the right to vary the amount of
the outstanding indebtedness on the notes.

         RESTRICTED SECURITIES.  "Liquidity" under "Investment Policies" in each
Prospectus  sets  forth  the  circumstances  in which  the Fund  may  invest  in
"restricted  securities".  In connection  with the Fund's  original  purchase of
restricted  securities,  SCMI may negotiate  rights with the issuer to have such
securities  registered  for  sale at a later  time.  Further,  the  registration
expenses of illiquid  restricted  securities  may also be negotiated by the Fund
with the issuer at the time such  securities  are  purchased by that Fund.  When
registration is required,  however, a considerable period may elapse between the
decision to sell the securities and the time the Fund would be permitted to sell
such securities. A similar delay might be experienced in attempting to sell such
securities pursuant to an exemption from registration. Thus, the Fund may not be
able to  obtain  as  favorable  a price  as that  prevailing  at the time of the
decision to sell.

         If SCMI determines  that a "restricted  security" is liquid pursuant to
guidelines  adopted by the Board of  Trustees of  Schroder  Capital  Funds ( the
"Schroder  Core",  and the "Schroder  Core  Board"),  the security is not deemed
illiquid. These guidelines take into account trading activity for the securities
and the availability of reliable pricing  information,  among other factors.  If
there is a lack of trading interest in a particular  restricted  security,  that
security may become illiquid, which could affect the Fund's liquidity.

         RULE  144A  SECURITIES.   The  Fund  may  purchase  certain  restricted
securities  ("Rule 144A  securities")  for which there is a secondary  market of
qualified   institutional  buyers,  as  contemplated  by  rule  144A  under  the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities  Act").  Rule 144A provides an exemption
from the  registration  requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain
restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers. One effect of Rule 144A
is that certain  restricted  securities  may now be deemed to be liquid,  though
there is no assurance that a liquid market for any particular Rule 144A security
will develop or be maintained.  SCMI will make liquidity  determinations subject
to  guidelines  approved by the Schroder  Core Board.  If any Rule 144A security
previously  determined  to be liquid is later  determined  to be illiquid,  such
security will be subject to the Fund's 15% limitation on illiquid securities.

         U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS.  The Fund may invest in obligations issued
or guaranteed by the U.S.  Government  (or its  agencies,  instrumentalities  or
government-sponsored    enterprises).     Agencies,     instrumentalities  



                                       16
<PAGE>

and government-sponsored  enterprises that have been established or sponsored by
the U.S.  Government and issue or guarantee debt securities include the Bank for
Cooperatives,  the  Export-Import  Bank,  the Federal  Farm Credit  System,  the
Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal
Intermediate Credit Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Federal National Mortgage
Association,  the Government National Mortgage  Association and the Student Loan
Marketing  Association.  Except for obligations  issued by the U.S. Treasury and
the Government  National  Mortgage  Association,  none of the obligations of the
other agencies,  instrumentalities or government-sponsored  enterprises referred
to above are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.  Government.  There
can be no assurance that the U.S.  Government will provide  financial support to
these obligations where it is not obligated to do so.

         BANK  OBLIGATIONS.  The Fund may  invest  in  obligations  of U.S.  and
foreign banks (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) whose
total assets at the time of purchase  exceed $1 billion.  The Fund also may hold
cash and time deposits  denominated  in any major  currency in foreign  banks. A
certificate of deposit is an interest-bearing negotiable certificate issued by a
bank against funds deposited in the bank. A bankers'  acceptance is a short-term
draft drawn on a commercial  bank by a borrower,  usually in connection  with an
international  commercial  transaction.  Although  the  borrower  is liable  for
payment of the draft,  the bank  unconditionally  guarantees to pay the draft at
its face value on the maturity date. A time deposit is a non-negotiable  receipt
issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds.  Similar to a certificate
of deposit,  a time deposit  earns a specified  rate of interest over a definite
time period; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary markets.

         LOANS OF FUND  SECURITIES.  The Fund may lend its portfolio  securities
subject  to  the  restrictions  stated  in  its  Prospectus.   Under  applicable
regulatory requirements (which are subject to change), the loan collateral must:
(1) on each  business  day,  at least  equal  the  market  value  of the  loaned
securities;  and (2) consist of cash,  bank letters of credit,  U.S.  government
securities,  other cash  equivalents  or liquid  securities in which the Fund is
permitted to invest.  To be  acceptable  as  collateral,  letters of credit must
obligate a bank to pay  amounts  demanded  by the Fund if the  demand  meets the
terms of the letter.  Such terms and the issuing  bank must be  satisfactory  to
SCMI. When lending portfolio securities,  the Fund receives from the borrower an
amount  equal to the  interest  paid or the  dividends  declared  on the  loaned
securities  during  the term of the loan  plus the  interest  on the  collateral
securities (less any finders' or administrative  fees the Fund pays in arranging
the  loan).  The Fund may share  the  interest  it  receives  on the  collateral
securities  with the  borrower  if it  realizes  at least a  minimum  amount  of
interest required by the lending  guidelines  established by the Board. The Fund
will not lend its  portfolio  securities  to any officer,  trustee,  employee or
affiliate  of the Fund or SCMI.  The terms of any Fund's loans must meet certain
tests under the Internal  Revenue  Code and permit the Fund to reacquire  loaned
securities  on five  business  days' notice or in time to vote on any  important
matter.

         The market value of portfolio securities purchased with cash collateral
may decline.  Loans of securities by the Fund are subject to  termination at the
Fund's or the borrower's option. The Fund may pay reasonable  negotiated fees in
connection  with  loaned  securities,  so long as such  fees are set  forth in a
written contract and approved by the Board.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The Fund's significant investment  restrictions are described in the Prospectus.
The following investment restrictions, except where stated to be non-fundamental
policies,  are also  fundamental  policies  of the Fund and,  together  with the
fundamental  policies and  investment  objective  described  in the  Prospectus,
cannot be changed  without the vote of a  "majority"  of the Fund's  outstanding
shares.  Under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940,  such a "majority"  vote is
defined  as the vote of the  holders  of the  lesser  of: (1) 67% of more of the
shares  present or  represented  by proxy at a meeting of  shareholders,  if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present; or (2) more than
50% of the outstanding  shares.  Under these additional  restrictions,  the Fund
cannot:

        (a) Underwrite securities of other companies (except insofar as the Fund
might be deemed to be an underwriter in the resale of any securities held in its
portfolio);


                                       17
<PAGE>

        (b) Invest in  commodities  or commodity  contracts  (other than Hedging
Instruments,  which  it may use as  permitted  by any of its  other  fundamental
policies,  whether or not any such  Hedging  Instrument  is  considered  to be a
commodity or a commodity contract);

        (c) Purchase  securities  on margin;  however,  the Fund may make margin
deposits  in  connection  with  any  Hedging  Instruments  which  it may  use as
permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;

        (d)  Purchase or write puts or calls  except as  permitted by any of its
other fundamental policies;

        (e)  Lend  money  except  in  connection  with the  acquisition  of debt
securities that the Fund's  investment  policies and  restrictions  permit it to
purchase  (see   "Investment   Objective"  and  "Investment   Policies"  in  the
Prospectus).  The Fund may make loans of  portfolio  securities  (see  "Loans of
Portfolio  Securities")  and enter into repurchase  agreements (see  "Repurchase
Agreements");

        (f) As a  non-fundamental  policy,  invest in or hold  securities of any
issuer if officers or  Trustees  of the Trust or SCMI  individually  owning more
than 0.5% of the  securities  of such  issuer  together  own more than 5% of the
securities of such issuer;

        (g) As a non-fundamental policy, invest more than 5% of the value of its
total  assets  in  securities  of  issuers   having  a  record,   together  with
predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation;

        (h)     Make short sales of securities;

        (i) Invest in  interests  in oil, gas or other  mineral  exploration  or
development  programs  (but  may  purchase  readily  marketable   securities  of
companies which operate, invest in, or sponsor such programs);

        (j)  Invest  in real  estate or in  interests  in real  estate  (but may
purchase  readily  marketable  securities  of  companies  holding real estate or
interests therein).


MANAGEMENT

         OFFICERS  AND  TRUSTEES.  The  following  information  relates  to  the
principal  occupations  during the past five years of each Trustee and executive
officer of the Trust and shows the nature of any affiliation  with SCMI.  Except
as noted,  each of these  individuals  currently serves in the same capacity for
Schroder  Capital Funds,  Schroder  Capital Funds II and Schroder  Series Trust,
other registered investment companies in the Schroder family of funds.

PETER E. GUERNSEY,  75, c/o the Trust,  Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Trustee of the Trust;  Insurance  Consultant  since August 1986;  prior  thereto
Senior Vice President, Marsh & McLennan, Inc., insurance brokers.

JOHN I.  HOWELL,  80, c/o the Trust,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Trustee of the Trust; Private Consultant since February 1987; Honorary Director,
American  International  Group,  Inc.;  Director,  American  International  Life
Assurance Company of New York.

CLARENCE F. MICHALIS, 75, c/o the Trust, Two Portland Square,  Portland, Maine -
Trustee of the Trust;  Chairman  of the Board of  Directors,  Josiah  Macy,  Jr.
Foundation (charitable foundation).

HERMANN C. SCHWAB,  77, c/o the Trust,  Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine -
Chairman and Trustee of the Trust;  retired since March,  1988;  prior  thereto,
consultant to SCMI since February 1, 1984.

HON. DAVID N. DINKINS, 69, c/o the Trust, Two Portland Square, Portland,  Maine,
Trustee of the Trust; Professor, Columbia University School of International and
Public Affairs; Director,  American Stock Exchange, Carver Federal Savings Bank,
Transderm  Laboratory  Corporation,  and The Cosmetic  Center,  Inc.;  formerly,
Mayor, The City of New York.


                                       18
<PAGE>

PETER S.  KNIGHT,  46, c/o the Trust,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine,
Trustee  of the  Trust;  Partner,  Wunder,  Knight,  Levine,  Thelen  &  Forcey;
Director,  Comsat Corp.,  Medicis  Pharmaceutical  Corp., and Whitman  Education
Group Inc., Formerly, Campaign Manager, Clinton/Gore `96.

SHARON L. HAUGH*,  51, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York,  Trustee of the
Trust;  Chairman,  Schroder  Capital  Management  Inc.  ("SCM"),  Executive Vice
President and Director, SCMI; Chairman and Director, Schroder Advisors.

MARK J. SMITH*, 35, 33 Gutter Lane,  London,  England - President and Trustee of
the Trust; Senior Vice President and Director of SCMI since April 1990; Director
and Senior Vice President, Schroder Advisors.

MARK ASTLEY,  33, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of the
Trust;  First  Vice  President  of SCMI,  prior  thereto,  employed  by  various
affiliates of SCMI in various positions in the investment research and portfolio
management areas since 1987.

ROBERT G. DAVY, 36, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Director of SCMI and Schroder Capital Management  International Ltd.
since 1994;  First Vice  President  of SCMI since  July,  1992;  prior  thereto,
employed by various  affiliates of SCMI in various  positions in the  investment
research and portfolio management areas since 1986.

MARGARET H. DOUGLAS-HAMILTON,  55, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice
President of the Trust;  Secretary of SCM since July 1995; Senior Vice President
(since April 1997) and General Counsel of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc. since May
1987; prior thereto, partner of Sullivan & Worcester, a law firm.

RICHARD R. FOULKES,  51, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust; Deputy Chairman of SCMI since October 1995; Director and Executive
Vice President of Schroder Capital Management International Ltd.
since 1989.

FERGAL CASSIDY,  28, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Treasurer of the
Trust.

JOHN Y. KEFFER, 54, Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine - Vice President of the
Trust;  President of FFC, the Fund's transfer and dividend  disbursing agent and
other  affiliated  entities  including Forum  Financial  Services,  Inc.,  Forum
Administrative Services, LLC, and Forum Advisors, Inc.

JANE P. LUCAS,  35, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Director  and Senior  Vice  President  SCMI;  Director  of SCM since
September 1995;  Director of Schroder  Advisors since September 1996;  Assistant
Director Schroder Investment Management Ltd. since June 1991.

CATHERINE A. MAZZA, 37, 787 Seventh Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust; President of Schroder Advisors since 1997; First Vice President of
SCMI and SCM since 1996;  prior  thereto,  held various  marketing  positions at
Alliance Capital, an investment adviser, since July 1985.

MICHAEL PERELSTEIN,  41, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President
of the Trust;  Director  since May 1997 and Senior Vice  President of SCMI since
January 1997;  prior thereto,  Managing  Director of MacKay - Shields  Financial
Corp.

ALEXANDRA POE, 37, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Secretary and Vice
President of the Trust;  Vice President of SCMI since August 1996;  Fund Counsel
and Senior Vice President of Schroder  Advisors since August 1996;  Secretary of
Schroder Advisors;  prior thereto, an investment management attorney with Gordon
Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein since July 1994; prior thereto counsel and
Vice President of Citibank, N.A. since 1989.


                                       19
<PAGE>

THOMAS  G.  SHEEHAN,  42,  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine -  Assistant
Treasurer  and  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Trust;  Relationship  Manager  and
Counsel,  Forum  Financial  Services,  Inc. since 1993;  prior thereto,  Special
Counsel,  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Division  of  Investment
Management, Washington, D.C.

FARIBA TALEBI,  36, 787 Seventh  Avenue,  New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Group Vice  President of SCMI since April 1993,  employed in various
positions in the investment research and portfolio  management areas since 1987;
Director of SCM since April 1997.

JOHN A. TROIANO,  38, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust; Director of SCM since April 1997; Chief Executive Officer, since July
1, 1997, of SCMI and Managing  Director and Senior Vice  President of SCMI since
October 1995; prior thereto,  employed by various  affiliates of SCMI in various
positions in the investment research and portfolio management areas since 1981.

IRA L. UNSCHULD,  31, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York - Vice President of
the Trust;  Vice President of SCMI since April, 1993 and an Associate from July,
1990 to April, 1993.

CATHERINE S.  WOOLEDGE,  55, Two Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine - Assistant
Treasurer  and  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Trust;  Counsel,  Forum  Financial
Services,  Inc.  since November  1996.  Prior  thereto,  associate at Morrison &
Foerster,  Washington,  D.C.  from  October  1994 to  November  1996,  associate
corporate counsel at Franklin  Resources,  Inc. from September 1993 to September
1994, and prior thereto associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath, Philadelphia, PA.

*        Interested Trustee of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act.

     Schroder  Advisors is a wholly owned  subsidiary of SCMI, which is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc., which in turn is an indirect,
wholly  owned U.S.  subsidiary  of  Schroders  plc.  SCM is also a wholly  owned
subsidiary of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc..

         Officers and Trustees who are  interested  persons of the Trust receive
no salary, fees or compensation from the Fund. Independent Trustees of the Trust
receive an annual  retainer of $11,000 and additional fees of $1,250 per meeting
attended in person or $500 per  meeting  attended  by  telephone.  Members of an
Audit  Committee  for  one  or  more  of the  investment  companies  receive  an
additional  $1,000 per year.  Payment of the annual  retainer is allocated among
the various investment companies based on their relative net assets.  Payment of
meeting fees is  allocated  only among those  investment  companies to which the
meeting relates. None of the registered investment companies in the Fund Complex
has any bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plans.

         The following table provides the fees paid to each independent  Trustee
of the Trust for the year ended December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                    <C>
                                                          PENSION OR                            TOTAL COMPENSATION
                                                          RETIREMENT                              FROM TRUST AND
                                      AGGREGATE        BENEFITS ACCRUED     ESTIMATED ANNUAL     FUND COMPLEX PAID
                                  COMPENSATION FROM    AS PART OF TRUST       BENEFITS UPON         TO TRUSTEES
NAME OF TRUSTEE                         TRUST              EXPENSES            RETIREMENT
- -------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------

Mr. Guernsey                          $1,365.30               $0                   $0               $ 3,983.42
Mr. Howell                            $1,365.30               $0                   $0               $14,983.42
Mr. Michalis                          $  865.30               $0                   $0               $ 2,483.42
Mr. Schwab                            $2,365.30               $0                   $0               $ 7,983.42
Mr. Dinkins                           $    0.00               $0                   $0               $11,000.00
Mr. Knight                            $  365.30               $0                   $0               $11,983.42
</TABLE>


                                       20
<PAGE>

* In addition to the Trust,  the "Fund Complex"  includes three other registered
investment  companies (Schroder Capital Funds II, an open-end company;  Schroder
Capital Funds,  an open-end  company;  and Schroder  Series Trust,  an open--end
company) for which SCMI or its  affiliate  Schroder  Capital  Management,  Inc.,
serves as investment adviser for each series.

     As of January 30, 1998,  the  officers and Trustees of the Trust owned,  in
the aggregate, less than 1% of the Trust's outstanding shares.

INVESTMENT ADVISER

         SCMI,  787  Seventh  Avenue,  New  York,  New  York  10019,  serves  as
investment  adviser to each  Portfolio  under an investment  advisory  agreement
between  Schroder  Core and SCMI.  SCMI is a wholly  owned  U.S.  subsidiary  of
Schroders U.S.  Holdings Inc., the wholly owned U.S. holding company  subsidiary
of  Schroders  plc.  Schroders  plc is the  holding  company  parent  of a large
worldwide  group of banks and financial  service  companies  (referred to as the
"Schroder  Group"),  with  associated  companies  and branch and  representative
offices in eighteen  countries.  The  Schroder  Group  specializes  in providing
investment management services,  with funds under management currently in excess
of $175 billion as of September 30, 1997.

         For the period commencement of operations through October 31, 1995 SCMI
received in vestment  advisory fees of $19,326 for advisory services provided to
the Fund.  For the fiscal years ended  October 31, 1996 and 1997,  SCMI received
investment  advisory  fees  of  $1.115.324  and  $1,755,044,  respectively,  for
services  provided to the Portfolio  after the Fund converted to a master/feeder
structure.  The  Fund,  due  to  its  investment  in  the  Portfolio,   bears  a
proportionate  part of the management  fees paid by the Portfolio  (based on the
percentage of the Portfolio's assets attributable to the Fund).

         Under the  advisory  agreement,  SCMI is  responsible  for managing the
investment  program  for the Fund or  Portfolio.  In this  regard,  it is SCMI's
responsibility  to make decisions  relating to the portfolio  investments and to
place  purchase  and sale orders  regarding  such  investments  with  brokers or
dealers it selects.  SCMI also furnishes Schroder Core Board and the Trust Board
with periodic  reports on the  investment  performance  of the Portfolio and the
Fund. Under the terms of the advisory agreement,  SCMI is required to manage the
investment  portfolio in accordance  with applicable  laws and  regulations.  In
making its investment  decisions,  SCMI does not use material inside information
that may be in its possession or in the possession of its affiliates.

         The Fund currently invests all of its assets in the Portfolio.  As long
as  the  Fund  remains  completely  invested  in the  Portfolio  (or  any  other
investment company),  SCMI is not entitled to receive an investment advisory fee
with  respect  to the  Fund.  The  Fund may  withdraw  its  investment  from the
Portfolio  at any  time if the  Trust  Board  determines  that it is in the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders to do so. Accordingly,  the Trust has
retained SCMI as investment adviser to manage the Fund's assets in the event the
Fund's assets are so withdrawn.  The investment  advisory  agreement between the
Trust and SCMI with respect to the Fund is the same in all material  respects as
the Investment  Advisory  Agreement with respect to the Portfolio  (except as to
the  parties,  the  circumstances  under  which  fees  will  be  paid,  and  the
jurisdiction  whose laws govern the agreement).  During a time that the Fund did
not have  substantially  all of its assets  invested in the Portfolio or another
investment  company,  for  providing  investment  advisory  services  under  the
investment  advisory  agreement for the Fund,  SCMI would be entitled to receive
advisory  fees monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the of the Fund's  average
daily net assets.

         The advisory  agreements for the Fund and Portfolio  continue in effect
provided such continuance is approved annually: (1) by the holders of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Board; and, in either
case,  (2) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or
"interested  persons"  (as  defined  in the 1940  Act) of any such  party.  Each
advisory  agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Trustees or
the Fund's  shareholders  or  Portfolio's  interestholders  on 60 days'  written
notice to the  investment  adviser,  or by the  investment  adviser  on 60 days'
written  notice  to the  Trust  or Core  Trust,  as the  case  may be,  and each
terminates automatically if assigned. Each advisory agreement also provides that
neither  SCMI nor its  personnel  shall be liable for any error of  judgment  or
mistake of law or for any act or  omission in the 



                                       21
<PAGE>

performance of duties to the Fund or Portfolio,  except for willful misfeasance,
bad  faith or gross  negligence  in the  performance  of  duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of any obligations and duties under the agreement.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

         On behalf of the Fund,  the Trust has  entered  into an  administration
agreement  with  Schroder  Advisors,  under  which  Schroder  Advisors  provides
management and administrative  services necessary for the operation of the Fund,
including:  (1)  preparation  of  shareholder  reports and  communications;  (2)
regulatory  compliance,  such as reports to and  filings  with the SEC and state
securities  commissions;  and (3) general  supervision  of the  operation of the
Fund,  including  coordination  of the  services  performed  by  its  investment
adviser, transfer agent, custodian,  independent accountants,  legal counsel and
others.  Schroder  Advisors  is a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  SCMI  and is a
registered  broker-dealer  organized to act as administrator  and distributor of
mutual funds.

         For providing  administrative services Schroder Advisors is entitled to
receive a monthly  fee at the annual  rate set out in the  Prospectus  as to the
Fund's average daily net assets. The administration agreement is terminable with
respect to the Fund without  penalty,  at any time, by the Trust Board,  upon 60
days' written notice to Schroder  Advisors or by Schroder Advisors upon 60 days'
written notice to the Trust.

         The Trust has entered  into a  subadministration  agreement  with FAdS.
Under  its  agreement,  FAdS  assists  Schroder  Advisors  with  certain  of its
responsibilities  under  the  administration  agreement,  including  shareholder
reporting  and  regulatory  compliance.  For  providing  its  services,  FAdS is
entitled  to receive a monthly  fee from the Fund at the annual  rate set out in
the Prospectus as to the Fund's average daily net assets. The  subadministration
agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without  penalty,  at any time,
by the  Trust,  upon 60 days'  written  notice  to FAdS or by FAdS upon 60 days'
written notice to the Trust.

         Schroder  Advisors and FAdS provide  similar  services to the Portfolio
pursuant to administration  and  subadministration  agreements  between Schroder
Core and each of these entities,  for which Schroder  Advisors and FAdS are each
compensated at the annual rate set out in the  Prospectus as to the  Portfolio's
average daily net assets. The administration  and  subadministration  agreements
with regard to the Portfolio are the same in all material respects as the Fund's
respective  agreements (except as to the parties,  the circumstances under which
the fees will be paid, and the fees payable thereunder).

         The fees paid by the Fund and  Portfolio to SCMI and Schroder  Advisors
may equal up the totals set forth in the  Prospectus  as to each Fund's  average
daily net assets.  Such fees as a whole are higher than advisory and  management
fees charged to mutual funds that invest  primarily in U.S.  securities  but not
necessarily  higher  than  those  charged to funds  with  investment  objectives
similar to that of the Fund.

         From  commencement  of operations  through  October 31, 1995,  Schroder
Advisors  received an administrative  fee of $19,591.  For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1996 Schroder Advisors received administrative fees of $ 291,903, of
which  $175,124  was paid to FAdS.  For the fiscal year ended  October 31, 1997,
Schroder Advisors received  administration  fees of $122,999,  and FAdS received
subadministration  fees of $214,672.  These figures  include the Fund's pro rata
portion of these operating expenses of the Portfolio.

         Schroder Advisors has voluntarily  waived a portion of its advisory fee
and has assumed certain  expenses of the Fund so that the Fund's total expenses,
including  indirect  expenses  borne by the Fund as a result of investing in the
Portfolio,  would not exceed 1.45% (of the respective  share's average daily net
assets) on Investor  Shares and 1.70% (of the respective  share's  average daily
net assets) on Advisor  Shares.  The expense  limitations  cannot be modified or
withdrawn  except by a majority  vote of the  Trustees  of the Trust who are not
affiliated persons ( as defined in the Act ) of the Trust.

         Such fees as a whole are  higher  than  advisory  and  management  fees
charged to mutual  funds  which  invest  primarily  in U.S.  securities  but not
necessarily  higher  than  those  charged to funds  with  investment  objectives
similar to that of the Fund.


                                       22
<PAGE>

         For the year ended October 31, 1997,  Schroder Advisors waived fees and
reimbursed  expenses  of $19,679 and  $8,705,  respectively.  For the year ended
October 31, 1996, Schroder Advisors waived fees of $53,602.

DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES

         Schroder Advisors, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, serves
as Distributor of Fund shares under a Distribution Agreement.  Schroder Advisors
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Schroders U.S. Holdings Inc., the parent company
of SCMI,  and is a registered  broker-dealer  organized to act as  administrator
and/or distributor of mutual funds.

         Under the Distribution  Agreement,  Schroder Advisors has agreed to use
its best efforts to secure  purchases of Fund shares in  jurisdictions  in which
such shares may be legally offered for sale.  Schroder Advisors is not obligated
to sell any  specific  amount of Fund  shares.  Further,  Schroder  Advisors has
agreed in the  Distribution  Agreement to serve without  compensation and to pay
from  its own  resources  all  costs  and  expenses  incident  to the  sale  and
distribution  of Fund shares  including  expenses for printing and  distributing
prospectuses  and other sales  materials to prospective  investors,  advertising
expenses, and the salaries and expenses of its employees or agents in connection
with the distribution of Fund shares.

         Under a  Distribution  Plan (the  "Plan")  adopted  by the  Trust  with
respect to Advisor  Shares only, the Trust may pay directly or may reimburse the
investment adviser or a broker-dealer  registered under the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934  (the  "1934  Act")  (the  investment  adviser  or  such  registered
broker-dealer,  if so designated,  being a  "Distributor"  of the Fund's shares)
monthly  (subject to a limit of 0.50% per annum of that Fund's average daily net
assets)  for:  (1)  advertising   expenses   including   advertising  by  radio,
television,  newspapers,  magazines, brochures, sales literature or direct mail;
(2) costs of printing  prospectuses  and other  materials to be given or sent to
prospective  investors;  (3)  expenses  of  sales  employees  or  agents  of the
Distributor,  including  salary,  commissions,  travel,  and related expenses in
connection  with  the   distribution  of  Fund  shares;   and  (4)  payments  to
broker-dealers  (other than the Distributor) or other organizations for services
rendered in the distribution of the Fund's shares, including payments in amounts
based on the average daily value of Fund shares owned by shareholders in respect
of which the broker-dealer or organization has a distributing relationship.  The
maximum annual amount currently payable under the Plan is 0.25%, but no payments
may be made under the Plan until the Trust Board so authorizes. Any payment made
pursuant to the Plan is contingent upon the Trust Board's approval.  The Fund is
not liable for distribution expenditures of the Distributor in any given year in
excess of the maximum  amount  (0.50% per annum of the Fund's  average daily net
assets)  payable  under the Plan in that year.  Salary  expenses  of sales staff
responsible  for  marketing  shares of the Fund may be allocated  among  various
series of the Trust that have  adopted a Plan similar to that of the Fund on the
basis of average net assets;  travel  expenses are allocated among the series of
the Trust.  The Trust Board has concluded that there is a reasonable  likelihood
that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.

         Without shareholder  approval,  the Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the costs that the Fund may bear.  Other  material  amendments to the
Plan must be approved by the Trust , and by the Trustees who are not "interested
persons"  (as  defined  in the 1940  Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect  financial  interest  in the  operation  of the Plan or in any  related
agreement (the  "disinterested  Trustees"),  by vote cast in person at a meeting
called  for the  purpose of  considering  such  amendments.  The  selection  and
nomination of the Trustees of the Trust has been  committed to the discretion of
the disinterested Trustees. The Plan has been approved, and is subject to annual
approval, by the Trust Board and by the disinterested  Trustees, by vote cast in
person at a meeting  called for the  purpose of voting on the Plan.  The Plan is
terminable  with  respect to the Fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the
disinterested  Trustees or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
the Fund.  During the period  ended  October  31,  1997,  there were no expenses
incurred dollars under the Plan.

         GLASS-STEAGALL ACT

         The Glass-Steagall Act and other applicable laws provide that banks may
not engage in the business of underwriting,  selling or distributing securities.
There currently is no precedent prohibiting banks from performing administrative
and shareholder servicing functions as Service Organizations.  However, judicial
or administrative 



                                       23
<PAGE>

 decisions or interpretations of such laws, as well as changes
in either federal or state statutes or regulations  relating to the  permissible
activities of banks and their  subsidiaries or affiliates,  could prevent a bank
service  organization  from continuing to perform all or a part of its servicing
activities.  If a bank were prohibited from so acting,  its shareholder  clients
would be  permitted  to remain  Fund  shareholders,  and  alternative  means for
continuing the servicing of such  shareholders  would be sought.  In that event,
changes in the operation of the Fund might occur, and a shareholder  serviced by
such a bank might no longer be able to avail itself of any  services  then being
provided by the bank.  It is not  expected  that  shareholders  would suffer any
adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these occurrences.

FUND ACCOUNTING

         Forum Accounting Services,  LLC ("Forum  Accounting"),  an affiliate of
Forum,  performs fund  accounting  services for the Fund under an agreement with
the Trust.  The  Accounting  Agreement  is  terminable  with respect to the Fund
without penalty, at any time, by the Trust upon 60 days' written notice to Forum
Accounting or by Forum Accounting upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust.

         Under its agreement,  Forum Accounting prepares and maintains the books
and records of the Fund that are required to be  maintained  under the 1940 Act,
calculates the net asset value per share of the Fund,  calculates  dividends and
capital-gain  distributions,  and prepares  periodic reports to shareholders and
the SEC. For its services to the Fund,  Forum  Accounting is entitled to receive
from the Trust a fee of $36,000 per year plus $12,000 per year for each class of
the Fund above one.  Forum  Accounting is entitled to an additional  $24,000 per
year  with  respect  to global  and  international  funds.  In  addition,  Forum
Accounting  also is entitled to an  additional  $12,000 per year with respect to
tax-free  money  market  funds,  funds with more than 25% of their total  assets
invested  in  asset-backed  securities,  funds that have more than 100  security
positions,  or funds  that  have a  monthly  portfolio  turnover  rate of 10% or
greater.

         For the fiscal  period  ending  October 31,  1995 and the fiscal  years
ended October 31, 1996 and 1997, the Fund paid fund  accounting fees of $35,667,
$73,000  and $ 75,571,  respectively.  For  fiscal  years  1996 and 1997,  these
figures include the Fund's pro rata portion of these  operating  expenses of the
Portfolio.

         Forum  Accounting  is required to use its best  judgment and efforts in
rendering fund accounting services and is not liable to the Trust for any action
or inaction in the absence of bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
Forum  Accounting  is not  responsible  or liable  for any  failure  or delay in
performance  of its  fund  accounting  obligations  arising  out  of or  caused,
directly or indirectly,  by  circumstances  beyond its reasonable  control.  The
Trust  has  agreed to  indemnify  and hold  harmless  Forum  Accounting  and its
employees,  agents,  officers and directors against and from any and all claims,
demands,  actions,  suits,  judgments,   liabilities,  losses,  damages,  costs,
charges,  counsel  fees  and all  other  expenses  arising  out of or in any way
related to Forum  Accounting's  actions taken or failures to act with respect to
the Fund or based,  if applicable,  upon  information,  instructions or requests
with respect to the Fund given or made to Forum  Accounting by an officer of the
Trust duly authorized. This indemnification does not apply to Forum Accounting's
actions taken or failures to act in cases of Forum  Accounting's  own bad faith,
willful misconduct or gross negligence.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

INVESTMENT DECISIONS

         Investment decisions for the Fund or the Portfolio and for SCMI's other
investment  advisory  clients are made with a view to achieving their respective
investment  objectives.  Investment decisions are the product of many factors in
addition  to  basic  suitability  for  the  particular  client  involved,  and a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for other  clients at the same time.
Likewise,  a particular  security may be bought for one or more clients when one
or more other clients are selling the security.  In some  instances,  one client
may sell a particular security to another client. It also sometimes happens that
two or more clients simultaneously  purchase or sell the same security, in which
event each day's  transactions  in such  security  are,  insofar as is possible,
averaged as to price and  allocated  between such  clients in a manner that,  in
SCMI's  opinion,  is equitable to each and in  accordance  with the 



                                       24
<PAGE>

amount  being  purchased  or sold  by  each.  There  may be  circumstances  when
purchases or sales of portfolio  securities for one or more clients will have an
adverse effect on other clients.  Each Portfolio's  portfolio  transaction costs
are borne pro rata by its investors, including the Fund that invests in it.

BROKERAGE AND RESEARCH SERVICES

         Transactions  on U.S.  stock  exchanges  and other agency  transactions
involve the payment of negotiated brokerage  commissions.  Such commissions vary
among  brokers.  Also,  a  particular  broker may charge  different  commissions
according  to  the  difficulty  and  size  of  the  transaction;   for  example,
transactions  in  foreign  securities  generally  involve  the  payment of fixed
brokerage  commissions,  which are generally higher than those in the U.S. Since
most brokerage transactions for the Fund are placed with foreign broker-dealers,
certain  portfolio  transaction  costs for the Fund may be higher  than fees for
similar transactions executed on U.S. securities exchanges.  However, SCMI seeks
to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio  transactions.  There
is generally  less  governmental  supervision  and  regulation  of foreign stock
exchanges and brokers than in the U.S.  There is generally no stated  commission
in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter  markets, but the price
paid  usually  includes  an  undisclosed   dealer  commission  or  mark-up.   In
underwritten offerings, the price paid includes a disclosed, fixed commission or
discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.

         The Fund's and  Portfolio's  advisory  agreements  authorize and direct
SCMI to place  orders for the  purchase  and sale of the  Fund's or  Portfolio's
investments  with brokers or dealers it selects and to seek "best  execution" of
such  portfolio  transactions.  SCMI places all such orders for the purchase and
sale of portfolio securities and buys and sells securities through a substantial
number of brokers and dealers. In so doing, SCMI uses its best efforts to obtain
the most favorable price and execution available. The Fund or the Portfolio may,
however,  pay  higher  than the  lowest  available  commission  rates  when SCMI
believes it is  reasonable  to do so in light of the value of the  brokerage and
research services  provided by the broker effecting the transaction.  In seeking
the most  favorable  price and  execution,  SCMI  considers all factors it deems
relevant  (including  price,  transaction size, the nature of the market for the
security,  the commission  amount,  the timing of the  transaction  (taking into
account  market prices and trends),  the  reputation,  experience  and financial
stability of the broker-dealers involved, and the quality of service rendered by
the broker-dealers in other transactions).

         For the period from  commencement  of  operations  through  October 31,
1996,  the Fund paid a total of  $101,087  in  commissions.  For the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1997, the Portfolio paid a total of $1,413,998 in commissions.

         Historically,  investment  advisers,  including  advisers of investment
companies and other  institutional  investors,  have received  research services
from  broker-dealers  that  execute  portfolio  transactions  for the  advisers'
clients.  Consistent with this practice, SCMI may receive research services from
broker-dealers  with which it places  portfolio  transactions.  These  services,
which in some  cases may also be  purchased  for  cash,  include  such  items as
general  economic and security  market  reviews,  industry and company  reviews,
evaluations  of securities  and  recommendations  as to the purchase and sale of
securities.  Some of these services are of value to SCMI in advising  various of
its clients  (including  the Fund or the  Portfolio),  although not all of these
services  are  necessarily  useful  and of  value  in  managing  the Fund or the
Portfolio.  The investment advisory fee paid by the Fund or the Portfolio is not
reduced because SCMI and its affiliates receive such services.

         As permitted by Section  28(e) of the 1934 Act, SCMI may cause the Fund
or the Portfolio to pay a  broker-dealer  that provides SCMI with "brokerage and
research  services"  (as  defined  in the  1934  Act)  an  amount  of  disclosed
commission  for effecting a securities  transaction  in excess of the commission
which another  broker-dealer  would have charged for effecting that transaction.
In addition,  although it does not do so currently  SCMI may allocate  brokerage
transactions to broker-dealers  who have entered into  arrangements  under which
the broker-dealer allocates a portion of the commissions paid by the Fund or the
Portfolio toward payment of Fund or Portfolio expenses, such as custodian fees.

         Subject to the general policies of the Fund or the Portfolio  regarding
allocation of portfolio brokerage as set forth above, each Board of Trustees has
authorized  SCMI to  employ:  (1)  Schroder  & Co.  Inc.  ("Schroder  Inc.")  an


                                       25
<PAGE>

affiliate  of SCMI,  to effect  securities  transactions  on the New York  Stock
Exchange  only;  and  (2)  Schroder   Securities   Limited  and  its  affiliates
(collectively,  "Schroder Securities"), affiliates of SCMI, to effect securities
transactions  on  various  foreign   securities   exchanges  on  which  Schroder
Securities  has  trading  privileges,  provided  certain  other  conditions  are
satisfied as described below.

         Payment  of  brokerage   commissions   to  Schroder  Inc.  or  Schroder
Securities  for effecting such  transactions  is subject to Section 17(e) of the
1940 Act, which requires,  among other things, that commissions for transactions
on a securities  exchange  paid by a registered  investment  company to a broker
that is an affiliated person of such investment company (or an affiliated person
of another  person so  affiliated)  not exceed the usual and customary  broker's
commissions  for  such  transactions.  It  is  the  policy  of  the  Trust  that
commissions  paid to Schroder  Inc. or  Schroder  Securities  must be, in SCMI's
opinion: (1) at least as favorable as commissions  contemporaneously  charged by
Schroder  Inc.  or  Schroder  Securities,  as the  case  may be,  on  comparable
transactions for their most favored unaffiliated customers;  and (2) at least as
favorable as those which would be charged on  comparable  transactions  by other
qualified brokers having  comparable  execution  capability.  The Board and Core
Board, including a majority of the respective non-interested Trustees, have each
adopted  procedures  pursuant  to Rule 17e-1  under the 1940 Act to ensure  that
commissions  paid to Schroder  Inc. or  Schroder  Securities  by the Fund or the
Portfolio  satisfy  the  foregoing  standards.   Such  procedures  are  reviewed
periodically by the applicable Board, including a majority of the non-interested
Trustees.  Each Board also  reviews  all  transactions  at least  quarterly  for
compliance with such procedures.

         It is  further  a policy  of the Fund and the  Portfolio  that all such
transactions  effected  by Schroder  Inc.  on the New York Stock  Exchange be in
accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T) promulgated under the 1934 Act, which requires in
substance  that a member of such  exchange not  associated  with  Schroder  Inc.
actually  execute the  transaction on the exchange floor or through the exchange
facilities.  Thus, while Schroder Inc. will bear  responsibility for determining
important elements of execution such as timing and order size, another firm will
actually execute the transaction.

         Schroder Inc. pays a portion of the brokerage  commissions  it receives
from the Fund or the Portfolio to the brokers  executing the transactions on the
New York Stock Exchange.  In accordance  with Rule 11a2-2(T),  the Schroder Core
has entered into an  agreement  with  Schroder  Inc.  permitting  it to retain a
portion of the brokerage  commissions  paid to it by the Fund or the  Portfolio.
Each Board, including a majority of the non-interested  Trustees,  have approved
this agreement.

         Neither the Fund nor the Portfolio has any understanding or arrangement
to direct any specific  portion of its  brokerage  to Schroder  Inc. or Schroder
Securities,  and neither  will  direct  brokerage  to Schroder  Inc. or Schroder
Securities in recognition of research services.

        From time to time, the Fund or the Portfolio may purchase  securities of
a  broker  or  dealer   through   which  it  regularly   engages  in  securities
transactions.  During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996, the Fund purchased
securities  of  Global  Securities,  one of  its  regular  broker-dealers.  Such
securities  had a value of  $110,979  as of the end of the Fund's  fiscal  year.
There were no reportable purchases for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997.

ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

         The net asset  value per share of each class of the Fund is  determined
as of the close of  trading  on the New York  Stock  Exchange  each day that the
Exchange is open.  Any assets or  liabilities  initially  expressed  in terms of
non-U.S.  dollar  currencies are translated into U.S.  dollars at the prevailing
market  rates as quoted by one or more  banks or  dealers  on the  afternoon  of
valuation.  The  Exchange's  most recent holiday  schedule  (which is subject to
change)  states that it will close on New Year's Day,  Martin  Luther King,  Jr.
Day,  Presidents' Day, Good Friday,  Memorial Day,  Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.


                                       26
<PAGE>

         The Board has  established  procedures  for the valuation of the Fund's
securities:  (1) equity  securities listed or traded on the New York or American
Stock  Exchange or other  domestic or foreign stock exchange are valued at their
latest sale prices on such  exchange  that day prior to the time when assets are
valued;  in the  absence of sales that day,  such  securities  are valued at the
mid-market  prices  (in  cases  where  securities  are  traded  on more than one
exchange,  the securities  are valued on the exchange  designated as the primary
market by the Portfolio's  investment  adviser);  (2) unlisted equity securities
for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at
the latest  available  mid-market  prices  prior to the time of  valuation;  (3)
securities (including restricted securities) not having readily-available market
quotations  are  valued at fair value  under the  Board's  procedures;  (4) debt
securities  having a maturity in excess of 60 days are valued at the  mid-market
prices  determined by a portfolio pricing service or obtained from active market
makers on the basis of reasonable  inquiry;  and (5) short-term  debt securities
(having a remaining  maturity  of 60 days or less) are valued at cost,  adjusted
for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount.

         When an option is written,  an amount equal to the premium  received is
recorded in the books as an asset, and an equivalent deferred credit is recorded
as a liability. The deferred credit is adjusted  ("marked-to-market") to reflect
the current market value of the option.  Options are valued at their  mid-market
prices in the case of exchange-traded  options or, in the case of options traded
in the  over-the-counter  market,  the average of the last bid price as obtained
from two or more  dealers  unless  there is only one dealer,  in which case that
dealer's  price is used.  Futures  contracts  and related  options are stated at
market value.

REDEMPTIONS IN-KIND

         In the event that payment for redeemed  shares is made wholly or partly
in portfolio  securities,  shareholders  may incur brokerage costs in converting
the  securities  to cash.  An in-kind  distribution  of portfolio  securities is
generally less liquid than cash. The shareholder  may have difficulty  finding a
buyer  for  portfolio  securities  received  in  payment  for  redeemed  shares.
Portfolio  securities  may  decline in value  between the time of receipt by the
shareholder and conversion to cash. A redemption in-kind of portfolio securities
could result in a less  diversified  portfolio of  investments  for the Fund and
could affect adversely the liquidity of its investment portfolio.

TAXATION

         Under the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),  the
Fund and each other series  established  from time to time by the Trust Board is
treated as a separate  taxpayer for federal  income tax purposes with the result
that:  (1) each such series  must meet  separately  the income and  distribution
requirements for qualification as a regulated  investment  company;  and (2) the
amounts of  investment  income and  capital  gain  earned  are  determined  on a
series-by-series (rather than on a Trust-wide) basis.

         The Fund  qualified last year as a regulated  investment  company under
Subchapter  M of the Code and  intends to so  qualify  each year so long as such
qualification is in the best interests of its  shareholders.  To do so, the Fund
must distribute to shareholders at least 90% of its "investment  company taxable
income" as defined in the Code (which  includes,  among other items,  dividends,
interest and the excess of any net  short-term  capital gain over net  long-term
capital loss), and to meet certain  diversification of assets, source of income,
and other requirements of the Code. By so doing, the Fund will not be subject to
federal  income tax on its  investment  company  taxable income and "net capital
gain" (the excess of net  long-term  capital  gain over net  short-term  capital
loss)  distributed to shareholders.  If the Fund does not meet all of these Code
requirements, it will be taxed as an ordinary corporation, and its distributions
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

         Amounts  not  distributed  on a  timely  basis  (in  accordance  with a
calendar year distribution requirement) are subject to a 4% nondeductible excise
tax. To prevent this, the Fund must  distribute for each calendar year an amount
equal to the sum of:  (1) at least 98% of its  ordinary  income  (excluding  any
capital gain or loss) for the calendar  year;  (2) at least 98% of the excess of
its capital gain over capital loss  realized  during the one-year  period ending
October 31 of such year;  and (3) all such ordinary  income and capital gain for
previous years that were not distributed  during such years. A distribution will
be treated as paid  during the  calendar  year if it is  declared by the Fund in
October,  November  or December of the year with a record date in such month and
paid by the Fund during 



                                       27
<PAGE>

January  of  the  following  year.  Such   distributions   will  be  taxable  to
shareholders  in the  calendar  year in which the  distributions  are  declared,
rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received.

         Distributions  of investment  company  taxable  income  (including  net
realized  short-term  capital  gain) are  taxable to  shareholders  as  ordinary
income.  Generally,  it is not expected that such distributions will be eligible
for the dividends received deduction available to corporations.  However, if the
Fund acquires at least 10% of the stock of a foreign  corporation  that has U.S.
source income, a portion of that Fund's ordinary income  dividends  attributable
to such income may be eligible for such deduction,  if certain  requirements are
met.

         Distributions of net long-term capital gain are taxable to shareholders
as long-term  capital  gain,  regardless  of the length of time Fund shares have
been held by a  shareholder  and are not  eligible  for the  dividends  received
deduction. Such distributions will qualify for the new reduced rates for capital
gains on assets held for more than 18 months to the extent they represent  gains
on the sale of such assets. A loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund
shares with respect to which capital-gain  distributions have been paid will, to
the extent of such capital-gain  distributions,  be treated as long-term capital
loss (even though such shares may have been held by the shareholder for one year
or less).  Further,  a loss realized on a disposition  will be disallowed to the
extent  the  shares  disposed  of  are  replaced  (whether  by  reinvestment  or
distribution  or otherwise)  within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed  of. In such a case,  the basis
of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

         All  distributions  to shareholders  are taxable whether  reinvested in
additional shares or received in cash.  Shareholders that reinvest distributions
will have for federal  income tax  purposes a cost basis in each share  received
equal to the net asset  value of a share of the Fund on the  reinvestment  date.
Shareholders  will  be  notified  annually  as to  the  federal  tax  status  of
distributions.

         Distributions  by the Fund  reduce the net asset  value of that  Fund's
shares. If a distribution reduces the net asset value below a shareholder's cost
basis,  such  distribution  nevertheless  would be taxable to the shareholder as
ordinary  income or  capital  gain as  described  above,  even  though,  from an
investment  standpoint,  it may  constitute  a  partial  return of  capital.  In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the
amount of the forthcoming  distribution,  which will be returned to the investor
in the form of a taxable distribution.

         Upon redemption or sale of shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable
gain or loss,  which will be  treated as capital  gain or loss if the shares are
capital assets in the  shareholder's  hands. Such gain or loss generally will be
long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder's  holding period for the
shares,  and generally  will qualify for the new reduced rates for capital gains
if the shares have been held for more than 18 months.

         Ordinary income dividends paid to Fund shareholders who are nonresident
aliens are subject to a 30% U.S.  withholding  tax under existing  provisions of
the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities unless a reduced rate of
withholding or a withholding  exemption is provided under applicable treaty law.
Nonresident  shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning
the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax.

         Dividends  and  interest  received  (and,  in  certain   circumstances,
realized  capital gain) by the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes
imposed by foreign countries.  Tax conventions between certain countries and the
U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% in value of the Fund's
total assets at the close of its taxable year  consists of securities of foreign
corporations,  that Fund will be eligible,  and ordinarily  expects,  to file an
election  with  the  Internal   Revenue  Service   ("IRS")   pursuant  to  which
shareholders of the Fund will be required to include their  proportionate  share
of such  withholding  taxes in their U.S.  income tax  returns as gross  income;
treat such  proportionate  share as taxes paid by them; and,  subject to certain
limitations,  deduct such proportionate share in computing their taxable incomes
or,  alternatively,  use them as foreign tax credits  against their U.S.  income
taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes,  however, may be claimed by noncorporate
shareholders who do not itemize deductions.  A shareholder that is a nonresident
alien individual or a foreign corporation may be subject to U.S. withholding tax
on the income resulting from the Fund's election described in this paragraph but
may not be able to



                                       28
<PAGE>

claim a credit or deduction  against such U.S. tax for the foreign taxes treated
as having been paid by such  shareholder.  The Fund will report  annually to its
shareholders the amount per share of such withholding taxes.

         Due to investment  laws in certain  emerging  market  countries,  it is
anticipated that the Fund's  investments in equity  securities in such countries
will consist primarily of shares of investment  companies (or similar investment
entities)  organized  under  foreign law or of  ownership  interests  in special
accounts, trusts or partnerships.  If the Fund purchases shares of an investment
company (or similar  investment  entity)  organized under foreign law, that Fund
will be  treated  as  owning  shares  in a passive  foreign  investment  company
("PFIC") for U.S.  federal income tax purposes.  The Fund may be subject to U.S.
federal  income  tax,  and an  additional  tax in the nature of  interest,  on a
portion of  distributions  from such company and on gain from the disposition of
such shares (collectively referred to as "excess  distributions"),  even if such
excess distributions are paid by that Fund as a dividend to its shareholders.

         The Fund may make an  election  with  respect to PFICs in which it owns
shares that will allow it to avoid the taxes on excess  distributions.  However,
such  election  may cause the Fund to recognize  income in a particular  year in
excess of the distributions received from such PFICs.

         The Fund may write,  purchase  or sell  options  or futures  contracts.
Unless the Fund is eligible to, and does, make a special election,  such options
and futures  contracts  that are  "Section  1256  contracts"  will be "marked to
market" for federal  income tax  purposes at the end of each taxable year (I.E.,
each  option or futures  contract  will be  treated as sold for its fair  market
value on the last day of the  taxable  year).  In general,  unless such  special
election  is  made,  gain or loss  from  transactions  in  options  and  futures
contracts will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.

         Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles," may affect the
taxation of the Fund's  transactions  in options and  futures  contracts.  Under
Section 1092, the Fund may be required to postpone  recognition for tax purposes
of losses incurred in certain closing transactions in options and futures.

         In general,  gain from "foreign  currencies" and from foreign  currency
options,  foreign  currency  futures  contracts  and  forward  foreign  exchange
contracts  relating to  investments in stock,  securities or foreign  currencies
will be qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Fund qualifies
as a regulated investment company. It is currently unclear, however, who will be
treated as the issuer of a foreign  currency  instrument or how foreign currency
options,  futures contracts or forward foreign currency contracts will be valued
for purposes of the regulated  investment company  diversification  requirements
applicable to the Fund.

         Under  Code  Section  988,  special  rules  are  provided  for  certain
transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency
(I.E.,  unless  certain  special  rules  apply,  currencies  other than the U.S.
dollar).  In  general,  foreign  currency  gain or  loss  from  certain  forward
contracts not traded in the interbank  market,  from futures  contracts that are
not "regulated futures  contracts," and from unlisted options will be treated as
ordinary  income or loss under Code Section 988. In certain  circumstances,  the
Fund may elect capital gain or loss treatment for such transactions. In general,
however,  Code Section 988 gain or loss will  increase or decrease the amount of
the Fund's  investment  company  taxable  income  available to be distributed to
shareholders  as ordinary  income.  Additionally,  if the Code  Section 988 loss
exceeds other investment  company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund
would  not be  able  to  make  any  ordinary  dividend  distributions,  and  any
distributions  made before the loss was  realized  but in the same  taxable year
would be  recharacterized  as a  return  of  capital  to  shareholders,  thereby
reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares.

         The Trust is required to report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
all  distributions and gross proceeds from the redemption of Fund shares (except
in the case of certain exempt shareholders). All such distributions and proceeds
generally will be subject to the  withholding of federal income tax at a rate of
31% ("backup  withholding")  in the case of non-exempt  shareholders if: (1) the
shareholder  fails to furnish  the Trust with and to certify  the  shareholder's
correct taxpayer  identification  number or social security number;  (2) the IRS
notifies the Trust that the shareholder  has failed to report  properly  certain
interest  and  dividend  income to the IRS and to  respond  to  notices  to that
effect;  or (3) when required to do so, the shareholder fails to certify that it
is not  subject  to  backup  withholding.  If  the  withholding  provisions  are
applicable, any such distributions or proceeds, whether reinvested in additional


                                       29
<PAGE>

shares or taken in cash,  will be reduced by the amount required to be withheld.
Any amounts  withheld may be credited against the  shareholder's  federal income
tax  liability.  Investors  may wish to  consult  their tax  advisors  about the
applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

     U.S.  federal  income  taxation of a shareholder  who, under the Code, is a
non-resident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or
foreign partnership ("non-U.S.  shareholder") depends on whether the income from
the Fund is "effectively  connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by
such  shareholder.  Ordinarily,  income  from the Fund will not be treated as so
"effectively connected."

         If the income from the Fund is not treated as  "effectively  connected"
with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the non-U.S.  shareholder  dividends
of net investment  income (which includes  short-term  capital  gains),  whether
received  in cash or  reinvested  in shares,  will be subject to a U.S.  federal
income tax of 30% (or lower treaty rate),  which tax is generally  withheld from
such dividends.  Furthermore,  such non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S.
federal  income tax at the rate of 30% (or lower  treaty  rate) on their  income
resulting  from the Fund's  election  (described  above) to "pass  through"  the
amount of non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund, but may not be able to claim a credit
or deduction  with respect to the non-U.S.  income taxes  treated as having been
paid by them.

         A non-U.S.  shareholder  whose  income is not  treated as  "effectively
connected"  with a U.S. trade or business  generally will not be subject to U.S.
federal income taxation on distributions of net long-term  capital gains and any
gain  realized  upon the sale of Fund  shares.  If the non-U.S.  shareholder  is
treated as a  non-resident  alien  individual  but is physically  present in the
United  States for more than 182 days during the taxable  year,  then in certain
circumstances such distributions of net long-term capital gains amounts retained
by Fund which are  designated as  undistributed  capital gains and gain from the
sale of Fund  shares  will be  subject to a U.S.  federal  income tax of 30% (or
lower treaty rate). In the case of a non-U.S.  shareholder who is a non-resident
alien  individual,  the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax
at a rate of 31% of  distributions  (including  distributions  of net  long-term
capital gains) unless IRS Form W-8 is provided.

     If the income from the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or
business  carried  on by a  non-U.S.  shareholder,  then  distributions  of  net
investment income (which includes  short-term capital gains) whether received in
cash or reinvested in shares net long-term  capital gains and amounts  otherwise
includable in income,  such as amounts retained by the Fund which are designated
as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale of shares of
the Fund will be  subject to U.S.  federal  income  tax at the  graduated  rates
applicable to U.S.  taxpayers.  Non-U.S.  shareholders that are corporations may
also be subject to the branch profits tax.

     Transfers  of shares  of the Fund by gift by a  non-U.S.  shareholder  will
generally  not be subject to U.S.  federal  gift tax, but the value of shares of
the  Fund  held  by such a  shareholder  at  death  will  be  includable  in the
shareholder's gross estate for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

     The  income  tax and estate  tax  consequences  to a  non-U.S.  shareholder
entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from
those  described  herein.  Non-U.S.  shareholders  may be  required  to  provide
appropriate documentation to establish their entitlement to the benefits of such
a treaty.

     Non-U.S.  shareholders  are advised to consult  their own tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in shares of
the Fund.

         The  foregoing  discussion  relates  only to federal  income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (I.E.,  U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations,  partnerships, trusts and estates). Distributions by the Fund also
may be subject to state and local  taxes,  and their  treatment  under state and
local  income  tax laws  may  differ  from the  federal  income  tax  treatment.
Shareholders  should  consult  their tax  advisors  with  respect to  particular
questions of federal, foreign, state and local taxation.


                                       30
<PAGE>

OTHER INFORMATION

FUND STRUCTURE

         CLASSES OF SHARES. The Fund has two classes of shares,  Investor Shares
and  Advisor  Shares.  Advisor  Shares are offered by a separate  prospectus  to
individual  investors,  in most cases  through  Service  Organizations.  Advisor
Shares incur more  expenses but have lower  investment  minimums  than  Investor
Shares.  Except  for  certain  class  differences,  each  share  of  each  class
represents an undivided,  proportionate  interest in the Fund. Each share of the
Fund is entitled to participate equally in dividends and other distributions and
the proceeds of any  liquidation  of the Fund except that,  due to the differing
expenses  borne  by  the  two  classes,   the  amount  of  dividends  and  other
distributions differs between the classes.  Information about the other class of
shares  is   available   from  the  Trust  by  calling   Schroder   Advisors  at
1-800-730-2932.

         THE PORTFOLIO.  The Fund seeks to achieve its  investment  objective by
investing  all of its  investable  assets in the  Portfolio,  which has the same
investment  objective and  substantially  similar policies as those of the Fund.
Accordingly,  the Portfolio  directly acquires its own securities,  and the Fund
acquires an indirect interest in those  securities.  The Portfolio is a separate
series of Schroder Core, a business trust  organized under the laws of the State
of Delaware on September 7, 1995. Schroder Core is registered under the 1940 Act
as an open-end,  management investment company and currently has eleven separate
series.  The assets of the Portfolio  belong only to, and the liabilities of the
Portfolio are borne solely by, that Portfolio and no other portfolio of Schroder
Core.

         The  Fund's   investment   in  the  Portfolio  is  in  the  form  of  a
non-transferable  beneficial  interest.  Other  investment  companies  or  other
qualified  investors  may be  permitted  to invest in the  Portfolio.  All other
investors in the Portfolio  will invest on the same terms and  conditions as the
Fund and will pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses.

         The Portfolio  normally  does not hold meetings of investors  except as
required by the 1940 Act.  Each investor in the Portfolio is entitled to vote in
proportion to its relative beneficial interest in the Portfolio.  On most issues
subject  to a vote of  investors,  as  permitted  under  the 1940 Act and  other
applicable  law,  the  Fund's  Board may  solicit  instructions  from the Fund's
shareholders  and vote the  Fund's  interest  in the  Portfolio  based  upon the
instructions  or the Board may  determine  to vote the Fund's  interests  in the
Portfolio in the same proportion as the vote of all other interestholders in the
Portfolio.  If there  are  other  investors  in the  Portfolio,  there can be no
assurance  that any issue that  receives  a  majority  of the votes cast by Fund
shareholders  would  receive a majority  of votes cast by all  investors  in the
Portfolio; indeed, if other investors hold a majority interest in the Portfolio,
they could have voting control of the Portfolio.

         The  Portfolio's  interests  are not sold  directly  to  members of the
general  public.  Another  investor  in the  Portfolio,  such  as an  investment
company,  that might sell its shares to members of the general  public would not
be required to sell its shares at the same offering  price as the Fund and could
have different fees and expenses than the Fund. Therefore, Fund shareholders may
have different  returns than  shareholders  in another  investment  company that
invests  exclusively  in  the  Portfolio.  There  is  currently  no  such  other
investment  company  that  offers its shares to members of the  general  public.
Information  regarding  any such funds in the future is available  from Schroder
Core by calling Forum Shareholder Services, LLC at 1-800-730-2932.

         Under  federal  securities  law,  any  person  or entity  that  signs a
registration  statement  may be  liable  for a  misstatement  or  omission  of a
material fact in the  registration  statement.  Schroder  Core, its trustees and
certain of its  officers  are required to sign the  registration  statement  and
amendments  thereto of the Trust and may be  required  to sign the  registration
statements  of certain  other  investors in the  Portfolio.  In addition,  under
federal  securities  law,  Schroder  Core may be  liable  for  misstatements  or
omissions  of a material  fact in any proxy  soliciting  material  of a publicly
offered  investor in Schroder  Core,  including  the Fund.  Each investor in the
Portfolio,  including the Trust,  has agreed to indemnify  Schroder Core and its
Trustees and officers ("Schroder Core Indemnitees") against certain claims.


                                       31
<PAGE>

         Indemnified  claims are those brought against Schroder Core Indemnitees
based  on a  misstatement  or  omission  of a  material  fact in the  investor's
registration  statement or proxy  materials.  No  indemnification  need be made,
however,  if such alleged  misstatement or omission relates to information about
Schroder  Core and was  supplied to the  investor by Schroder  Core.  Similarly,
Schroder Core will indemnify each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund,
for any claims  brought  against the  investor  with  respect to the  investor's
registration statement or proxy materials, to the extent the claim is based on a
misstatement  or  omission of a material  fact  relating  to  information  about
Schroder  Core that is supplied to the investor by Schroder  Core.  In addition,
each registered investment company investor in the Portfolio will indemnify each
Schroder Core  Indemnitee  against any claim based on a misstatement or omission
of a material  fact  relating to  information  about a series of the  registered
investment  company  that did not invest in the  Schroder  Core.  The purpose of
these  cross-indemnity  provisions  is  principally  to limit the  liability  of
Schroder Core to information that it knows or should know and can control.  With
respect to other  prospectuses and other offering  documents and proxy materials
of investors in Schroder Core, its liability is similarly limited to information
about and supplied by it.

         CERTAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO.  The Fund's  investment in
the  Portfolio  may be affected by the actions of other large  investors  in the
Portfolio, if any. For example, if the Portfolio had a large investor other than
the Fund that redeemed its interest in the Portfolio,  the Portfolio's remaining
investors  (including the Fund) might, as a result,  experience  higher pro rata
operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.

         The Fund's entire investment may be withdrawn from the Portfolio at any
time, if the Trust Board determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund
and its  shareholders  to do so.  The  Fund's  assets  might be  withdrawn,  for
example,  if there were other  investors in the Portfolio with power to, and who
did by a vote of the shareholders of all investors  (including the Fund), change
the investment objective or policies of the Portfolio in a manner not acceptable
to the Trust Board.  A  withdrawal  could  result in a  distribution  in kind of
portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution) by the Portfolio.  That
distribution could result in a less diversified portfolio of investments for the
Fund and could affect  adversely the liquidity of the Fund's  portfolio.  If the
Fund  decided  to  convert  those  securities  to cash,  it would  likely  incur
brokerage fees or other  transaction  costs. If the Fund withdrew its investment
from the  Portfolio,  the Trust Board would consider  appropriate  alternatives,
including the management of the Fund's assets in accordance  with its investment
objective and policies by SCMI or the investment of all of the Fund's investable
assets  in  another  pooled  investment  entity  having  substantially  the same
investment  objective as the Fund.  The inability of the Fund to find a suitable
replacement  investment,  if the Board  decided not to permit SCMI to manage the
Fund's assets, could have a significant impact on shareholders of the Fund.

        Each investor in the  Portfolio,  including the Fund,  may be liable for
all  obligations of the  Portfolio.  The risk to an investor in the Portfolio of
incurring  financial loss on account of such liability,  however,  is limited to
circumstances  in which the  Portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations,  the
occurrence of which SCMI considers to be quite remote.  Upon  liquidation of the
Portfolio,  investors  would be  entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the Portfolio available for distribution to investors.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TRUST

         The Trust was  organized  as a Maryland  corporation  on July 30, 1969;
reorganized  on  February  29,  1988  as  Schroder  Capital  Funds,   Inc.;  and
reorganized  on January 9, 1996,  as a  Delaware  business  trust.  The Trust is
registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act.

         Delaware law provides that  shareholders  shall be entitled to the same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations for profit.  Securities  regulators of some states,  however,  have
indicated  that they and the courts in their state may decline to apply Delaware
law on this point. To guard against this risk, the Trust Instrument  contains an
express  disclaimer  of  shareholder  liability  for  the  debts,   liabilities,
obligations,  and  expenses  of the Trust.  The Trust  Instrument  provides  for
indemnification  out of each  series'  property  of any  shareholder  or  former
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the series.  The Trust
Instrument  also  provides  that each series  shall,  upon  request,  assume the
defense of any claim made against any  shareholder  for any act or obligation of
the series and satisfy any judgment  thereon.  Thus,  the risk of a  shareholder


                                       32
<PAGE>

incurring  financial  loss on account  of  shareholder  liability  is limited to
circumstances in which Delaware law does not apply (or no contractual limitation
of  liability  was in effect) and the series is unable to meet its  obligations.
Schroder  believes  that,  in view of the  above,  there is no risk of  personal
liability to shareholders.

CAPITALIZATION AND VOTING

         The Trust has  authorized  an unlimited  number of shares of beneficial
interest.  The  Trust  Board  may,  without  shareholder  approval,  divide  the
authorized shares into an unlimited number of separate series (such as the Fund)
and may divide  series into classes of shares,  and the costs of doing so may be
borne  by a  series  or a class  or the  Trust  in  accordance  with  the  Trust
Instrument.  The Trust currently consists of nine series. Each series offers two
classes of shares, Investor Shares and Advisor Shares.

         When issued for the consideration  described in the relevant Prospectus
or under the dividend  reinvestment plan, shares are fully paid,  nonassessable,
and have no  preferences as to conversion,  exchange,  dividends,  retirement or
other features.  Shares have no preemptive rights and have non-cumulative voting
rights,  which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares  voting for
the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so.
Each shareholder of record is entitled to one vote for each full share held (and
a fractional vote for each fractional share held).

         The Trust does not hold annual  meetings of  shareholders.  The matters
considered at an annual  meeting  typically  include the reelection of Trustees,
approval  of an  investment  advisory  agreement,  and the  ratification  of the
selection  of  independent  accountants.  These  matters  are not  submitted  to
shareholders  unless a meeting of  shareholders  is held for some other  reason,
such as those indicated below.  Each Trustee serves until death,  resignation or
removal.  Vacancies  are  filled  by  the  remaining  Trustees,  subject  to the
provisions of the 1940 Act requiring a meeting of  shareholders  for election of
Trustees to fill vacancies.  Similarly, the selection of independent accountants
and renewal of  investment  advisory  agreements  for future  years is performed
annually by the Trust Board.  Future shareholder  meetings will be held to elect
Trustees if required by the 1940 Act, to obtain shareholder  approval of changes
in fundamental  investment policies,  to obtain shareholder approval of material
changes in investment advisory agreements, to select new independent accountants
if the employment of the Trust's  independent  accountants has been  terminated,
and to seek any other  shareholder  approval  required  under the 1940 Act.  The
Trust Board has the power to call a meeting of  shareholders at any time when it
believes it is necessary or appropriate.

         In addition to the foregoing rights, the Trust Instrument provides that
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove
any person serving as a Trustee at any meeting of the shareholders.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

         Performance   quotations  of  the  average   annual  total  return  and
cumulative total return of the Fund is provided in  advertisements or reports to
shareholders or prospective investors.

         Quotations of average annual total return are expressed in terms of the
average annual  compounded  rate of return of a  hypothetical  investment in the
Fund or class  over  periods  of 1, 5 and 10 years  (or  since  commencement  of
operations if any of these periods are not  available),  calculated  pursuant to
the following formula:

                                 P (1+T)n = ERV

         (where P = a hypothetical  initial  payment of $1,000,  T = the average
annual total return,  n = the number of years,  and ERV = the ending  redeemable
value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All
total return  figures  reflect the deduction of fund and any class expenses (net
of any  reimbursed  expenses) on an annual basis and  generally  assume that all
dividends and  distributions,  when paid,  are  reinvested in shares of the same
class.


                                       33
<PAGE>

         For the one year ended October 31, 1997,  the average  annual return of
the Fund is set forth in the following table:

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
                                                      CALENDAR                                                  SINCE
                                 ONE      THREE         YEAR        ONE        THREE       FIVE        TEN     INCEPTION
                                MONTHS    MONTHS      TO DATE       YEAR       YEARS       YEARS      YEARS    ANNUALIZED
                               -------    ------      -------       ----       -----       -----      -----    -----------

INVESTOR SHARES               -16.63%     -22.84%     -4.84%     -0.27%      0.00%       0.00%      0.00%       4.14


ADVISOR SHARES                -16.59%     -22.9%      -4.39%     0.00%       0.00%       0.00%      0.00%       -1.50%
</TABLE>


         Quotations of cumulative total return reflect only the performance of a
hypothetical  investment in a fund or a class during the particular  time period
shown.  Cumulative total returns vary based on changes in market  conditions and
the level of a fund's  and any  applicable  class's  expenses,  and no  reported
performance  figure should be considered an indication of performance  which may
be expected in the future.

         In communications to current or prospective  shareholders,  performance
figures  such  as  cumulative  total  return,  also  may be  compared  with  the
performance  of other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating  services or to
unmanaged indexes that may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not
reflect deductions for administrative and management costs.

         Investors  who purchase and redeem  shares  through a customer  account
maintained at a financial  institution or a Service  Organization may be charged
one or more of the  following  types  of fees as  agreed  upon by the  financial
institution  or  Service  Organization  and the  investor,  with  respect to the
customer  services  provided:  (1) account fees (a fixed amount per month or per
year);  (2)  transaction  fees (a fixed amount per transaction  processed);  (3)
compensating  balance  requirements  (a minimum  dollar  amount a customer  must
maintain in order to obtain the services  offered);  or (4) account  maintenance
fees (a periodic  charge based upon a percentage of the assets in the account or
of the dividends  paid on these  assets).  Such fees have the effect of reducing
the average annual or cumulative total returns for those investors.

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

As of February 27, 1998, the following  persons owned of record or  beneficially
5% or more of the Fund's shares:
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                   <C>                           <C>
SHAREHOLDER                                                       SHARE BALANCE               PERCENT OF FUND
- -----------                                                       -------------               ---------------

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation                                 4,917,050.504                    27.35%
P.O. Box 2316
College Road at Route One
Princeton, NJ 08543

University of Chicago                                              3,845,643.143                    21.39%
450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive
Chicago, IL 60611

Baptist Foundation of Texas                                        1,668,533.558                     9.28%
1601 Elm Street, Suite 1700
Dallas, Texas 75201-7241

Montgomery Securities                                              2,197,129.755                    13.16%
600 Montgomery St., 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
</TABLE>

                                       34
<PAGE>


CUSTODIAN

         The Chase Manhattan Bank,  through its Global Custody  Division located
in London,  England,  acts as custodian of the  Portfolio's  assets but plays no
role in making decisions as to the purchase or sale of portfolio  securities for
the  Portfolio.  Pursuant to rules adopted under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio may
maintain  its foreign  securities  and cash in the  custody of certain  eligible
foreign banks and securities depositories.  Selection of these foreign custodial
institutions  is made  currently  by the Schroder  Core Trust Board  following a
consideration  of a  number  of  factors,  including  (but not  limited  to) the
reliability  and  financial  stability  of the  institution;  the ability of the
institution  to  perform  capably  custodial  services  for the  Portfolio;  the
reputation of the institution in its national market; the political and economic
stability of the country in which the institution is located;  and further risks
of potential nationalization or expropriation of Portfolio assets.

TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT

        Forum Shareholder Services,  LLC, Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101, acts as the Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent.

LEGAL COUNSEL

        Ropes & Gray, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624,
counsel to the Trust,  passes upon certain legal matters in connection  with the
shares offered by the Fund.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT

     Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.  serves as independent  accountants for the Trust.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.  provides audit services and consultation in connection
with  review of U.S.  SEC  filings.  Their  address is One Post  Office  Square,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

YEAR 2000 DISCLOSURE

        The Fund receives services from the investment advisor,  administrators,
distributor,  transfer agent and custodian which rely on the smooth  functioning
of their respective systems and the systems of others to perform those services.
It is generally  recognized  that  certain  systems in use today may not perform
their intended functions adequately after the Year 1999 because of the inability
of the  software  to  distinguish  the year  2000 from the year  1900.  Schroder
Advisors is taking  steps that it believes  are  reasonably  designed to address
this potential  "Year 2000" problem and to obtain  satisfactory  assurances that
comparable  steps are being taken by the Fund's other major  service  providers.
There can be no assurance, however, that these steps will be sufficient to avoid
any adverse impact on the Fund from this problem.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

         This  SAI and  the  Prospectuses  do not  contain  all the  information
included  in the  Trust's  registration  statement  filed with the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities  offered  hereby,  certain
portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
SEC. The registration statement,  including the exhibits filed therewith, may be
examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

         Statements  contained herein and in the Prospectuses as to the contents
of any contract or other  documents  referred to are not  necessarily  complete,
and, in each  instance,  reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.


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<PAGE>

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The fiscal year end of the Fund is October 31. Financial statements for
the  Fund's   semi-annual   period  and  fiscal  year  will  be  distributed  to
shareholders  of record.  The Board in the future may change the fiscal year end
of the Fund.


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