FORUM FUNDS
497, 2000-04-06
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FORUM FUNDS


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                       JANUARY 1, 2000
                                       (AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000)









FUND INFORMATION:
                                       DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
Forum Funds                            DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
Two Portland Square                    DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
Portland, Maine 04101                  DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
(207) 879-0001                         DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL CASH FUND
(800) 94FORUM

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER
SERVICES:

Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 879-0001
(800) 94FORUM









This Statement of Additional  Information or "SAI"  supplements the Prospectuses
dated  January  1,  2000,  as  may  be  amended  from  time  to  time,  offering
Institutional Shares,  Institutional Service Shares and Investor Shares of Daily
Assets Treasury  Obligations  Fund,  Daily Assets  Government Fund, Daily Assets
Government  Obligations  Fund, Daily Assets Cash Fund and Daily Assets Municipal
Fund. This SAI is not a prospectus and should only be read in conjunction with a
prospectus.  You may obtain the Prospectuses  without charge by contacting Forum
Shareholder Services, LLC at the address or telephone number listed above.

Certain  information  for the Funds  included in the  Prospectus  and the Annual
Report to Shareholders is incorporated into this SAI by reference. Copies of the
Annual Report may be obtained without charge,  upon request, by contacting Forum
Shareholder Services, LLC at the address or telephone number listed above.




<PAGE>


Table Of Contents


Glossary......................................................................3
Core and Gateway(R)Structure...................................................4
Investment Policies and Risks.................................................4
Investment Limitations.......................................................11
Investments by Financial Institutions........................................14
Performance Data and Advertising.............................................15
Management...................................................................18
Portfolio Transactions.......................................................24
Purchase and Redemption Information..........................................25
Taxation.....................................................................28
Other Matters................................................................31
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings..............................A-1
Appendix B - Performance Information........................................B-1
Appendix C - Miscellaneous Tables...........................................C-1
Appendix D Additional Advertising Materials.................................D-1




                                       2
<PAGE>



GLOSSARY



"Adviser" means Forum Investment Advisors, LLC

"Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

"Core Trust" means Core Trust (Delaware).

"Core Trust Board" means the Board of Trustees of Core Trust.

"Custodian" means the custodian of each Fund's assets.

"FAcS" means Forum Accounting Services, LLC, fund accountant of each Fund.

"FAdS" means Forum Administrative Services, LLC, administrator of each Fund.

"FFS" means Forum Fund Services, LLC, distributor of each Fund's shares.

"FSS" means Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC,  transfer agent and distribution
disbursing agent of each Fund.

"Fund"  means each of Daily  Assets  Treasury  Obligations  Fund,  Daily  Assets
Government Fund,  Daily Assets  Government  Obligations  Fund, Daily Assets Cash
Fund and Daily Assets Municipal Fund series of the Trust.

"Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.

"Government  Securities"  means  securities  issued  or  guaranteed  by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (see prospectus).

"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

"NAV" means net asset value per share (see prospectus).

"NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

"Portfolio"  means  each  of  Treasury  Cash  Portfolio,  Government  Portfolio,
Government Cash Portfolio, Cash Portfolio or Municipal Cash Portfolio, series of
Core Trust.

"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Corporation, a Division of McGraw Hill Companies.

"Treasury Securities" means securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury
(see prospectus).

"Trust" means Forum Funds.

"1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.



                                       3
<PAGE>



CORE AND GATEWAY(R) STRUCTURE

Each Fund is a "gateway"  fund in a Core and  Gateway(R)  structure.  Under this
structure,  each  Fund  invests  substantially  all of its  assets  in  separate
Portfolios of Core Trust, another open-end,  management  investment company with
identical investment policies as the investing Fund, as follows:

Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund               Treasury Cash Portfolio
Daily Assets Government Fund                         Government Portfolio
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund             Government Cash Portfolio
Daily Assets Cash Fund                               Cash Portfolio
Daily Assets Municipal Fund                          Municipal Cash Portfolio


                   CONSIDERATIONS OF INVESTING IN A PORTFOLIO

A Fund's  investment  in a  Portfolio  may be  affected  by the actions of other
investors in the  Portfolio.  A Fund may withdraw its entire  investment  from a
Portfolio at any time if the Board  determines  that it is in the best interests
of the Fund  and its  shareholders  to do so. 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,  resulting  in increased  risk,  and could affect
adversely the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio.  If the Fund decided to convert
those securities to cash, it would incur  transaction  costs. If a Fund withdrew
its investment  from a Portfolio,  the Board would consider what action might be
taken,  including the  management  of the Fund's  assets in accordance  with its
investment  objective  and  policies  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.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Each  class of a Fund  (and any  other  investment  company  that  invests  in a
Portfolio)  may have a different  expense  ratio and  different  sales  charges,
including   distribution  fees,  and  each  class'  (and  investment  company's)
performance  will be  affected  by its  expenses  and  sales  charges.  For more
information   concerning  any  other  investment  companies  that  invest  in  a
Portfolio, investors may contact FFS at 800-754-8757.


INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS


The following  discussion  supplements the disclosure in the Prospectuses  about
each  Fund's  investment  techniques,  strategies  and risks.  Unless  otherwise
indicated below,  the discussion of the investment  policies of a Portfolio also
refers to the investment policies a Fund that invests therein.


                                  SEC RULE 2A-7


Under Rule 2a-7,  each Portfolio must normally  invest at least 95% of its total
assets in securities  that are rated in the highest  short-term  rating category
(by NRSRO's such as S&P) for debt obligations,  or are unrated and determined to
be of comparable quality.

Unrated  securities  may  not be as  actively  traded  as  rated  securities.  A
Portfolio may retain  securities  whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible  rating  category (or that are unrated and determined by the Adviser
to be of  comparable  quality) if the Adviser  determines  that  retaining  such
security is in the best  interest of the  Portfolio.  Because a downgrade  often
results in a reduction in the market price of the security, sale of a downgraded
security may result in a loss.

Pursuant  to Rule  2a-7,  the Core Trust  Board has  established  procedures  to
stabilize a  Portfolio's  net asset value at $1.00 per share.  These  procedures
include a review of the extent of any  deviation of net asset value per share as
a result of fluctuating  interest rates, based on available market rates, from a
Fund's $1.00 amortized cost price per share. Should that deviation exceed 1/2 of
1%, the Board will consider  whether any action should be initiated to eliminate
or reduce material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders. Such action
may include redemption of shares in kind, selling portfolio  securities prior to


                                       4
<PAGE>

maturity,  reducing or withholding distributions and utilizing a net asset value
per share as determined by using available market quotations.


                          SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION


Moody's,  S&P and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description  of the range of ratings  assigned to various types of securities by
several  NRSROs is included in Appendix A. A Portfolio  may use these ratings to
determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a security.  Ratings are general and
are not  absolute  standards  of  quality.  Securities  with the same  maturity,
interest  rate and rating  may have  different  market  prices.  Credit  ratings
attempt to evaluate  the safety of principal  and  interest  payments and do not
evaluate the risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Also,  rating agencies may
fail to make timely changes in credit  ratings.  An issuer's  current  financial
condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.

                                  GENERAL RISKS

INTEREST RATE RISK

Changes in interest rates affect  the market value of the interest-bearing fixed
income securities held by a Portfolio. There is normally an inverse relationship
between the market value of securities  sensitive to prevailing  interest  rates
and actual  changes in interest  rates.  The longer the remaining  maturity (and
duration)  of a  security,  the more  sensitive  the  security  is to changes in
interest  rates.  All  fixed  income  securities,   including  U.S.   Government
Securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates.

CREDIT RISK

A Portfolio's  investment  in fixed income  securities is subject to credit risk
relating to the financial  condition of the issuers of the securities  that each
Portfolio  holds.  Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty  to a transaction
will be unable to honor its  financial  obligation.  To limit credit risk,  each
Portfolio only invests in securities  rated in the highest rating category of an
NRSRO or those that are unrated and deemed to be of comparable credit quality by
the Adviser.

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES

The value of asset backed securities may be significantly affected by changes in
interest  rates,  the markets'  perception of the issuers,  the structure of the
securities and the  creditworthiness  of the parties involved.  The ability of a
Portfolio to successfully utilize asset backed securities depends, in part, upon
the ability of the Adviser to forecast interest rates and other economic factors
correctly. Some asset backed securities have structures that make their reaction
to interest rate changes and other factors difficult to predict.

Prepayments of principal of asset backed securities by borrowers or foreclosures
on the borrowers affect the average life of asset backed securities. Prepayments
may be  triggered by various  factors,  including  the level of interest  rates,
general economic  conditions,  the location and age of the assets underlying the
security  and other  social  and  demographic  conditions.  In periods of rising
interest rates,  the prepayment rate tends to decrease,  lengthening the average
life of a pool of asset backed securities.  A Portfolio may have to reinvest the
proceeds of  prepayments  at lower  interest  rates than those of their previous
investments.  When this occurs, a Portfolio's yield will decline.  A decrease in
the rate of prepayments may extend the effective  maturities of mortgage-related
securities, increasing their sensitivity to changes in market interest rates. In
periods  of falling  interest  rates,  the  prepayment  rate tends to  increase,
shortening the average life of a pool and the volume of prepayments of principal
on the mortgages  underlying a particular  asset backed  security will influence
the  yield of that  security  and a  Portfolio's  yield.  To the  extent  that a
Portfolio   purchases  asset  backed   securities  at  a  premium,   unscheduled
prepayments,  which are made at par,  result in a loss equal to any  unamortized
premium.



                                       5
<PAGE>

                             FIXED INCOME SECURITIES

VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES


Each Portfolio may invest in fixed income  securities  with variable or floating
rates. The yield of variable and floating rate securities  varies in relation to
changes in specific  money market rates.  A "variable"  interest rate adjusts at
predetermined  intervals  (for  example,  daily,  weekly  or  monthly),  while a
"floating"  interest rate adjusts  whenever a specified  benchmark rate (such as
the bank prime lending rate) changes. Accordingly, as interest rates increase or
decrease, the appreciation or depreciation may be less on these obligations than
for fixed rate obligations.  To the extent that a Portfolio invests in long-term
variable or floating rate  securities,  the Adviser  believes that the Portfolio
may be able to take  advantage  of the  higher  yield  that is  usually  paid on
long-term securities.


Each Portfolio will only purchase  variable or floating rate  securities,  whose
interest rate is adjusted based on a single short-term rate or index such as the
Prime Rate.  Under Rule 2a-7,  a Portfolio  may only  purchase  securities  with
maturities  of  greater  than 397 days if they have  demand  features  that meet
certain requirements or they are certain Government Securities.


Cash  Portfolio also may purchase  variable and floating rate  corporate  master
notes and similar  securities.  Master notes with variable or floating  interest
rates are unsecured  obligations that are redeemable upon notice. You may invest
fluctuating  amounts in these  instruments  at varying rates of interest under a
direct  arrangement  with the issuer.  These  obligations  include master demand
notes.  The  issuer  of these  obligations  often has the  right,  after a given
period, to prepay its outstanding  principal obligations upon a specified number
of days'  notice.  These  obligations  generally  are not  traded  and  there is
generally no established secondary market for these obligations. To the extent a
demand note does not have a seven-day or shorter  demand feature and there is no
readily  available  market for the  obligation,  it is  treated  as an  illiquid
security.


ASSET BACKED SECURITIES


Each  Portfolio  may purchase  adjustable  rate  mortgage  backed or other asset
backed  securities  (such as Small  Business  Association  Securities)  that are
Government  Securities.  Treasury Cash  Portfolio may only purchase  mortgage or
asset backed securities that are Treasury Securities.  These securities directly
or indirectly  represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from,
adjustable  rate  mortgages or other loans that may be secured by real estate or
other assets. Most mortgage backed securities are pass-through securities, which
means that  investors  receive  payments  consisting of a pro-rata share of both
principal  and  interest  (less  servicing  and  other  fees),  and  unscheduled
prepayments  as  loans  in the  underlying  mortgage  pool  are  paid off by the
borrowers.  Additional  prepayments to holders of these securities are caused by
prepayments resulting from the sale or foreclosure of the underlying property or
refinancing of the underlying loans.  Prepayments of the principal of underlying
loans may shorten the effective maturities of asset backed securities.


ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES


Adjustable  rate  mortgage  securities  ("ARMs")  are  pass-through   securities
representing interests in pools of mortgage loans with adjustable interest rates
that are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate
index or market  interest  rate,  and that may be  subject  to  certain  limits.
Although the rate  adjustment  feature may reduce sharp  changes in the value of
adjustable  rate  securities,  these  securities  can  change in value  based on
changes in market  interest  rates or changes in the issuer's  creditworthiness.
Changes  in the  interest  rates on ARMs may lag behind  changes  in  prevailing
market interest  rates.  This may result in a slightly lower net value until the
interest  rate  resets to market  rates.  Thus,  a Portfolio  could  suffer some
principal loss if the Portfolio sold the securities before the interest rates on
the  underlying  mortgages were adjusted to reflect  current market rates.  Some
ARMs (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors, that limit the
maximum change in interest  rates during a specified  period or over the life of
the security.


COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS


Each Portfolio may purchase collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"),  which
are collateralized by ARMs or by pools of conventional mortgages. CMOs typically
have a number of classes or series with  different  maturities and are generally


                                       6
<PAGE>

retired in sequence.  Each class of bonds receives  periodic  interest  payments
according  to the  coupon  rate on the bonds.  However,  all  monthly  principal
payments  and any  prepayments  from the  collateral  pool are paid first to the
"Class 1"  bondholders.  The principal  payments are such that the Class 1 bonds
will be  completely  repaid no later  than,  for  example,  five years after the
offering date.  Thereafter,  all payments of principal are allocated to the next
most  senior  class of bonds  until that  class of bonds has been fully  repaid.
Although  full  payoff of each  class of bonds is  contractually  required  by a
certain  date,  any or all classes of bonds may be paid off sooner than expected
because of an acceleration  in  pre-payments  of the obligations  comprising the
collateral pool.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SECURITIES

Small Business  Administration  securities  ("SBA") are variable rate securities
that are backed by the full faith and  credit of the United  States  Government,
and generally have an interest rate that resets monthly or quarterly  based on a
spread to the Prime Rate. SBA securities  generally have  maturities at issue of
up to 40 years. No Portfolio may purchase an SBA security if,  immediately after
the  purchase,  (1) the  Portfolio  would  have more than 15% of its net  assets
invested in SBA  securities or (2) the total  unamortized  premium (or the total
unaccreted discount) on SBA securities would exceed 0.25% of the Portfolio's net
assets.


MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

Municipal  Cash  Portfolio  may  invest  in  municipal   securities.   Municipal
securities are issued by the states,  territories  and possessions of the United
States,  their political  subdivisions (such as cities,  counties and towns) and
various  authorities  (such as public  housing  or  redevelopment  authorities),
instrumentalities,  public  corporations  and special  districts (such as water,
sewer or sanitary  districts) of the states,  territories and possessions of the
United States or their political subdivisions. In addition, municipal securities
include  securities  issued by or on behalf of  public  authorities  to  finance
various privately  operated  facilities,  such as industrial  development bonds,
that are backed  only by the assets and  revenues of the  non-governmental  user
(such as hospitals and airports).

BONDS AND NOTES

Municipal  securities  are  issued  to  obtain  funds  for a  variety  of public
purposes,  including  general  financing  for state and  local  governments,  or
financing for specific projects or public facilities.  Municipal  securities are
classified  as  general  obligation  bonds,  revenue  bonds and  notes.  General
obligation  securities  are  secured by the  issuer's  pledge of its full faith,
credit and taxing  power for the  payment of  principal  and  interest.  Revenue
securities are payable from revenue derived from a particular facility, class of
facilities  or the proceeds of a special  excise tax or other  specific  revenue
source but not from the issuer's  general taxing power.  Private  activity bonds
and  industrial  revenue  bonds do not  carry the  pledge  of the  credit of the
issuing  municipality,  but generally are guaranteed by the corporate  entity on
whose behalf they are issued.

LEASES

State and local  governments  and  authorities  enter into  municipal  leases to
acquire  equipment  and  facilities  such  as  fire  and  sanitation   vehicles,
telecommunications   equipment  and  other  assets.   Municipal   leases  permit
governmental   issuers  to  acquire  property  and  equipment   without  meeting
constitutional  and  statutory  requirements  for  the  issuance  of  debt.  The
debt-issuance  limitations of many state constitutions and statutes do not apply
to  municipal  leases  that do not require  the  governmental  issuer to satisfy
underlying  obligations  unless  money is  appropriated  for that purpose by the
state legislature on a yearly or periodic basis.

PUTS AND STANDBY COMMITMENTS ON MUNICIPAL SECURITIES


The  Portfolio  may  acquire  "puts" on  municipal  securities.  A put gives the
Portfolio the right to sell the municipal  security at a specified  price at any
time on or before a specified date. The Portfolio may sell, transfer or assign a
put only with the sale,  transfer or  assignment of the  underlying  security or
securities.  The amount payable to the Portfolio upon its exercise of a "put" is
normally:  (1) the  Portfolio's  acquisition  cost of the  municipal  securities
(excluding any accrued interest which the Portfolio paid on their  acquisition),
less any amortized market premium or plus any amortized market or original issue
discount  during the period the  Portfolio  owned the  securities;  plus (2) all
interest  accrued on the securities  since the last interest payment date during
that period.


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<PAGE>

Puts may be  acquired  by the  Portfolio  to  facilitate  the  liquidity  of its
portfolio  assets.  Puts may also be used to facilitate the  reinvestment of the
Portfolio's  assets  at a  rate  of  return  more  favorable  than  that  of the
underlying  security.  Puts may,  under certain  circumstances,  also be used to
shorten the maturity of underlying variable rate or floating rate securities for
purposes of  calculating  the  remaining  maturity of those  securities  and the
dollar-weighted  average  portfolio  maturity  of the  Portfolio's  assets.  The
Portfolio intends to enter into puts only with dealers, banks and broker-dealers
that, in the Adviser's opinion, present minimal credit risks.


The  Portfolio  may purchase  municipal  securities  together  with the right to
resell  them to the  seller or a third  party at an  agreed-upon  price or yield
within specified  periods prior to their maturity dates.  Such a right to resell
is commonly known as a "stand-by  commitment," and the aggregate price which the
Portfolio pays for securities with a stand-by  commitment may be higher than the
price which  otherwise would be paid. The primary purpose of this practice is to
permit  the  Portfolio  to be as fully  invested  as  practicable  in  municipal
securities  while  preserving  the necessary  flexibility  and liquidity to meet
unanticipated  redemptions.  In this regard,  the  Portfolio  acquires  stand-by
commitments solely to facilitate  portfolio  liquidity and does not exercise its
rights thereunder for trading  purposes.  Stand-by  commitments  involve certain
expenses and risks,  including the inability of the issuer of the  commitment to
pay  for  the   securities   at  the   time   the   commitment   is   exercised,
non-marketability  of the commitment and differences between the maturity of the
underlying  security and the maturity of the commitment.  The Portfolio's policy
is to enter into stand-by commitment transactions only with municipal securities
dealers that are determined to present minimal credit risks.


The  acquisition  of a stand-by  commitment  does not affect  the  valuation  or
maturity of the underlying  municipal  securities  that continue to be valued in
accordance with the amortized cost method.  Stand-by commitments acquired by the
Portfolio are valued at zero in determining net asset value.  When the Portfolio
pays directly or indirectly for a stand-by commitment,  its cost is reflected as
unrealized  depreciation  for the period  during which the  commitment  is held.
Stand-by  commitments  do  not  affect  the  average  weighted  maturity  of the
Portfolio's securities.

OTHER MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS

Variable  Rate Demand  Notes are  municipal  bonds with  maturities  of up to 40
years.  These  instruments have a demand feature that permits the holder to sell
the instruments back to the issuer.  A holder of these  instruments may exercise
the demand  feature at  predetermined  intervals,  usually daily or weekly.  The
interest rate on these  securities  mirror  prevailing  interest  rates.  Tender
option bonds have relatively long maturities and fixed rates of interest.  Under
an agreement with a third party financial  institution,  a holder of these bonds
may tender them to the  institution  and receive the face value of the bonds.  A
holder may exercise this option at periodic  intervals,  usually six months to a
year.

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX


Municipal securities are also categorized according to: (1) whether the interest
is or is not  included  in the  calculation  of  alternative  minimum  taxes for
individuals and corporations; (2) whether the costs of acquiring or carrying the
bonds  are  or  are  not  deductible  in  part  by  banks  and  other  financial
institutions;  and (3) other criteria  relevant for Federal income tax purposes.
Due to the increasing complexity of the Code and related requirements  governing
the issuance of tax-exempt bonds,  industry practice has uniformly required as a
condition to the issuance of such bonds,  but particularly for revenue bonds, an
opinion of nationally  recognized  bond counsel as to the  tax-exempt  status of
interest on the bonds.


                             ZERO COUPON SECURITIES

Government Portfolio may invest in zero-coupon securities such as Treasury bills
and separately traded principal and interest  components of Treasury  Securities
issued or guaranteed  under the U.S.  Treasury's  Separate Trading of Registered
Interest and  Principal of  Securities  program.  These  securities  are sold at
original  issue  discount  and pay no  interest  to holders  prior to  maturity.
Because of this, zero-coupon securities may be subject to greater fluctuation of
market value than the other  securities in which the Portfolios may invest.  All
zero-coupon  securities in which the  Portfolio  invests will have a maturity of
less than 13 months.

                                       8
<PAGE>


The  Portfolio  must  include  a  portion  of the  original  issue  discount  of
zero-coupon  securities,  if any, as income even though these  securities do not
pay any interest until  maturity.  Because the Portfolio  distributes all of its
net investment  income,  the Portfolio may have to sell portfolio  securities to
distribute  imputed income,  which may occur at a time when the Adviser does not
chose to sell such securities and which may result in a taxable gain or loss.


                FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION SECURITIES

Treasury Cash Portfolio,  Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio currently
are  prohibited  from  purchasing  any security  issued by the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage  Corporation.  This does not prohibit the Portfolios from entering into
repurchase agreements  collateralized with securities issued by the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation.


                  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND SECURITIES LENDING


GENERAL


Each Portfolio may enter into repurchase  agreements.  Repurchase agreements are
transactions in which a Portfolio purchases securities from a bank or securities
dealer and simultaneously commits to resell the securities to the bank or dealer
at an  agreed-upon  date and at a price  reflecting  a market  rate of  interest
unrelated to the purchased security.  During the term of a repurchase agreement,
a Portfolio's  custodian,  subcustodian or other third party custodian maintains
possession of the purchased securities and any underlying  collateral,  which is
maintained at not less than 100% of the repurchase price.  Repurchase agreements
allow a Portfolio to earn income on its uninvested  cash for periods as short as
overnight, while retaining the flexibility to pursue longer-term investments.


RISKS


Repurchase  agreements  involve  credit  risk.  In the  event  that  bankruptcy,
insolvency  or similar  proceedings  are  commenced  against a  counterparty,  a
Portfolio  may have  difficulties  in  exercising  its rights to the  underlying
securities.  A Portfolio may incur costs and expensive  time delays in disposing
of the  underlying  securities  and it may  suffer a loss.  Failure by the other
party to  deliver a security  purchased  by a  Portfolio  may result in a missed
opportunity to make an alternative  investment.  Favorable  insolvency laws that
allow a Portfolio,  among other things,  to liquidate the collateral held in the
event of the bankruptcy of the counterparty reduce counterparty  insolvency risk
with respect to repurchase agreements.  A Portfolio will only enter a repurchase
agreement with a seller that the Adviser believes presents minimal credit risk.


                                    BORROWING
GENERAL


Each  Portfolio may borrow money from banks for temporary or emergency  purposes
in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Portfolio's  total assets.  Each Portfolio may
borrow money for other  purposes so long as such  borrowings do not exceed 5% of
the  Portfolio's  total  assets.  The purchase of  securities is prohibited if a
Portfolio's borrowing exceeds 5% or more of its total assets.


RISKS


Interest  costs on borrowing  may offset or exceed the return earned on borrowed
funds (or on the assets  that were  retained  rather than sold to meet the needs
for which funds were borrowed).  Under adverse market  conditions,  a fund might
have to sell  portfolio  securities to meet interest or principal  payments at a
time  when  investment  considerations  would  not  favor  such  sales.  Reverse
repurchase  agreements  and other  similar  investments  that  involve a form of
leverage  have  characteristics  similar to  borrowing,  but are not  considered
borrowing if the Fund maintains a segregated account.



                                       9
<PAGE>



                             WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES

GENERAL


Each   Portfolio  may  purchase   securities   offered  on  a   when-issued   or
delayed-delivery basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the price, which
is generally  expressed in yield terms,  is fixed at the time the  commitment is
made,  but delivery and payment for the  securities  take place at a later date.
Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within a certain period of time after the
transaction,  but delayed  settlements  beyond  that  period may be  negotiated.
During the period  between a commitment and  settlement,  no payment is made for
the securities  purchased by the purchaser and thus, no interest  accrues to the
purchaser from the transaction.  At the time a Portfolio makes the commitment to
purchase  securities on a when-issued or delayed  delivery basis,  the Portfolio
will record the transaction as a purchase and thereafter  reflect the value each
day of such securities in determining its net asset value.


RISKS


At the time a  Portfolio  makes a  commitment  to  purchase  securities  in this
manner, the Portfolio  immediately assumes the risk of ownership,  including the
risk  that  the  value  of the  security  may  decline.  The use of  when-issued
transactions  and forward  commitments  enables a Portfolio  to protect  against
anticipated  changes in interest  rates and prices,  but may also  increase  the
volatility of the Portfolio's asset value per unit. Failure by a counterparty to
deliver a security purchased by a Portfolio on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis may result in a loss to the Portfolio or a missed  opportunity  to make an
alternative investment.


                               ILLIQUID SECURITIES

GENERAL


Each  Portfolio  may invest up to 10% of its net assets in illiquid  securities.
The term "illiquid  securities"  means  repurchase  agreements not entitling the
holder to payment of principal  within seven days and  securities  with legal or
contractual restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market.
Certificates  of  deposit  and other  fixed  time  deposits  that carry an early
withdrawal  penalty or mature in greater than seven days are treated as illiquid
securities if there is no readily available market for the instrument.


RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and a Portfolio  might also have to register a  restricted  security in
order to dispose of it, resulting in expense and delay. A Portfolio might not be
able to dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable
prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions. There can
be no  assurance  that a  liquid  market  will  exist  for any  security  at any
particular time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to
be liquid, can become illiquid.

DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Adviser  determines and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio  securities.
The  Adviser  takes  into  account a number of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity
decisions,  including  but not  limited  to:  (1) the  frequency  of trades  and
quotations  for the security;  (2) the number of dealers  willing to purchase or
sell the security and the number of other potential buyers;  (3) the willingness
of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security;  and (4) the nature of
the  marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,
the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.


                                       10
<PAGE>



                                    YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and each Fund's  administrator  have addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems.  Each Fund's other service  providers  have informed the Fund that they
are taking similar measures.  Services provided to each Fund or any companies in
which it invests  could still be adversely  affected by a computer's  failure to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or each  Fund's  administrator,  there is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.



INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS


Each Fund has adopted the same investment  limitations as the Portfolio in which
it invests.  The  investment  objective of a Portfolio and Fund is  fundamental.
Each  Portfolio and Fund have also adopted a fundamental  policy which  provides
that,  notwithstanding  any  other  investment  policy or  restriction  (whether
fundamental  or not),  the Portfolio or Fund may invest all of its assets in the
securities  of a single pooled  investment  fund having  substantially  the same
investment  objectives,  policies and restrictions as the Fund or Portfolio,  as
applicable.

A  fundamental  policy of a  Portfolio  or Fund  cannot be changed  without  the
affirmative vote of the lesser of: (1) 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund
(or interests in the case of a Portfolio);  or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund
(or  interests of a Portfolio)  present or  represented  at a  shareholders  (or
interestholder in the case of a Portfolio)  meeting at which the holders of more
than 50% of the  outstanding  shares of the Fund (or  interests in the case of a
Portfolio)  are present or  represented.  The Board may change a  nonfundamental
policy of a Fund  without  shareholder  approval  and the Core  Trust  Board may
change a nonfundmental policy of a Portfolio without interestholder consent.

For purposes of all  investment  policies of a Portfolio  or Fund:  (1) the term
1940 Act includes the rules thereunder,  SEC  interpretations  and any exemptive
order upon which the Portfolio or Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code includes
the rules  thereunder,  IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter  ruling or
similar authority upon which the Portfolio or Fund may rely.


Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of a Fund's or  Portfolio's  assets or purchases and  redemptions of shares will
not be considered a violation of the limitation.

                             FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO

The Portfolio may not:


DIVERSIFICATION With respect to 75% of its assets,  purchase  securities,  other
than a  Government  Security,  of any one issuer if more than 5% of the value of
the  Portfolio's  total  assets would at the time of purchase be invested in any
one issuer.


CONCENTRATION  Purchase securities,  other than Government  Securities,  if more
than 25% of the value of the  Portfolio's  total  assets  would be  invested  in
securities of issuers  conducting their principal  business activity in the same
industry,  provided  that consumer  finance  companies  and  industrial  finance
companies are considered to be separate industries and that there is no limit on
the purchase of the securities of domestic commercial banks.


For purposes of  concentration:  (1) loan  participations  are  considered to be
issued by both the  issuing  bank and the  underlying  corporate  borrower;  (2)
utility companies are divided according to their services (for example, gas, gas
transmission,  electric  and  telephone  will  each  be  considered  a  separate
industry);  and (3) financial service companies will be classified  according to


                                       11
<PAGE>

the end users of their services,  for example,  automobile finance, bank finance
and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry.


UNDERWRITING Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection  with the  disposition of portfolio  securities,  the
Portfolio may be deemed to be an underwriter  for purposes of the Securities Act
of 1933.

REAL  ESTATE  Purchase or sell real estate or any  interest  therein  (including
limited  partnership  interests),  except that the  Portfolio may invest in debt
obligations  secured by real estate or interests  therein or issued by companies
that invest in real estate or interests therein.

COMMODITIES  Purchase or sell  physical  commodities  or  contracts  relating to
physical  commodities,  provided that currencies and currency-related  contracts
will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

BORROWING Borrow money,  except for temporary or emergency  purposes  (including
the meeting of redemption requests).  Total borrowings may not exceed 33 1/3% of
the  Portfolio's  total assets and  borrowing  for  purposes  other than meeting
redemptions  may not  exceed 5% of the value of the  Portfolio's  total  assets.
Outstanding  borrowings  in excess of 5% of the value of the  Portfolio's  total
assets  must  be  repaid  before  any  subsequent  investments  are  made by the
Portfolio.

SENIOR  SECURITIES Issue senior  securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the
1940 Act and except that the  Portfolio  may borrow money  subject to investment
limitations specified in the Portfolio's Prospectus.


LENDING Make loans,  except that the Portfolio may: (1) purchase debt securities
which  are  otherwise  permissible   investments;   (2)  enter  into  Repurchase
Agreements; and (3) lend portfolio securities, but not in an amount greater than
33 1/3% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets.


PLEDGING Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
indebtedness. Collateralized loans of securities are not deemed to be pledges or
hypothecations for this purpose.

OPTIONS Write put and call options.

INVESTING  FOR CONTROL  Invest for the purpose of  exercising  control  over any
person.

RESTRICTED SECURITIES  Purchase restricted securities.


TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO, GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO, CASH PORTFOLIO AND MUNICIPAL
CASH PORTFOLIO


A Portfolio may not:


DIVERSIFICATION  With  respect to 75% of its assets,  purchase a security  other
than a U.S. Government Security if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer.

CONCENTRATION Purchase securities if, immediately after the purchase,  more than
25% of the  value of the  Portfolio's  total  assets  would be  invested  in the
securities of issuers  having their  principal  business  activities in the same
industry;  provided,  however,  that  there is no limit on  investments  in U.S.
Government Securities.


For purposes of  concentration:  (1) loan  participations  are  considered to be
issued by both the  issuing  bank and the  underlying  corporate  borrower;  (2)
utility companies are divided according to their services (for example, gas, gas
transmission,  electric  and  telephone  will  each  be  considered  a  separate
industry);  and (3) financial service companies will be classified  according to
the end users of their services,  for example,  automobile finance, bank finance
and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry.


UNDERWRITING  Underwrite securities of other issuers,  except to the extent that
the Portfolio may be  considered  to be acting as an  underwriter  in connection
with the disposition of portfolio securities.

                                       12
<PAGE>

REAL ESTATE  Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that
the Portfolio may invest in debt obligations secured by real estate or interests
therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

COMMODITIES  Purchase or sell  physical  commodities  or  contracts  relating to
physical  commodities,  provided that currencies and currency-related  contracts
will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

BORROWING Borrow money,  except for temporary or emergency  purposes  (including
the  meeting  of  redemption  requests)  and except for  entering  into  reverse
repurchase  agreements,  provided  that  borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Portfolio's total assets.

SENIOR  SECURITIES  Issue senior  securities  except as  appropriate to evidence
indebtedness  that the  Portfolio is permitted to incur,  and provided  that the
Portfolio may issue shares of additional series or classes that the Trustees may
establish.

LENDING Make loans except for loans of portfolio securities,  through the use of
repurchase  agreements,  and through the  purchase of debt  securities  that are
otherwise permitted investments.


THRIFT INVESTOR LIMITATIONS With respect to Government Cash Portfolio,  purchase
or hold any security that: (1) a Federally chartered savings association may not
invest in, sell,  redeem,  hold or otherwise deal pursuant to law or regulation,
without limit as to percentage of the association's  assets; and (2) pursuant to
12 C.F.R.  Section  566.1 would cause  shares of the Fund not to be deemed to be
short term liquid assets when owned by Federally chartered savings associations.


                           NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO

The Portfolio may not:

DIVERSIFICATION  With respect to 100% of its assets,  purchase a security  other
than a U.S. Government Security if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer,  unless the
investment is permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

SECURITIES WITH VOTING RIGHTS Purchase  securities having voting rights,  except
the  Portfolio may invest in  securities  of other  investment  companies to the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN;  SHORT  SALES  Purchase  securities  on margin,  or make short  sales of
securities,  except for the use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance
of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

LIQUIDITY Acquire securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
any  securities  if, as a result,  more than 10% of the  Portfolio's  net assets
(taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase  agreements  not
entitling the holder to payment of principal within seven days and in securities
that are illiquid by virtue of legal or  contractual  restrictions  on resale or
the absence of a readily available market.


TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO, GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO, CASH PORTFOLIO AND MUNICIPAL
CASH PORTFOLIO

A Portfolio may not:


DIVERSIFICATION  With respect to 100% of its assets,  purchase a security  other
than a U.S. Government Security if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
total assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer,  unless the
investment is permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

BORROWING Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 5% or
more of the  Portfolio's  total  assets is  outstanding;  and if at any time the
Portfolio's  borrowings exceed the Portfolio's  investment  limitations due to a


                                       13
<PAGE>

decline in net assets,  such  borrowings  will be promptly  (within  three days)
reduced to the extent  necessary to comply with the  limitations.  Borrowing for
purposes other than meeting redemption  requests will not exceed 5% of the value
of the Portfolio's total assets.

SECURITIES  WITH VOTING  RIGHTS  Purchase  securities  that have voting  rights,
except the Portfolio may invest in securities of other  investment  companies to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN;  SHORT  SALES  Purchase  securities  on margin,  or make short  sales of
securities,  except for the use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance
of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

LIQUIDITY Acquire securities or invest in Repurchase  Agreements with respect to
any  securities  if, as a result,  more than 10% of the  Portfolio's  net assets
(taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase  agreements  not
entitling the holder to payment of principal within seven days and in securities
that are illiquid by virtue of legal or  contractual  restrictions  on resale or
the absence of a readily available market.



INVESTMENTS BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS


      INVESTMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE BANKS - GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO


Government Cash Portfolio invests only in instruments which, if held directly by
a bank or bank holding company  organized under the laws of the United States or
any state thereof,  would be assigned to a risk-weight  category of no more than
20% under the current risk based capital  guidelines adopted by the Federal bank
regulators (the "Guidelines"). In the event that the Guidelines are revised, the
Portfolio's  investment  portfolio  will  be  modified  accordingly,   including
disposing of portfolio  securities or other  instruments  that no longer qualify
under the Guidelines.  In addition, the Portfolio does not intend to hold in its
portfolio any securities or instruments  that would be subject to restriction as
to amount held by a national  bank under Title 12,  Section 24  (Seventh) of the
United  States  Code.  If the  Portfolio's  investment  portfolio  includes  any
instruments  that  would be  subject  to a  restriction  as to amount  held by a
national bank, investment in the Portfolio may be limited.

The Guidelines  provide that shares of an investment fund are generally assigned
to the risk-weight category applicable to the highest risk-weighted  security or
instrument that the fund is permitted to hold. Accordingly,  Portfolio interests
should qualify for a 20% risk  weighting  under the  Guidelines.  The Guidelines
also provide that, in the case of an investment fund whose shares should qualify
for a risk  weighting  below 100% due to  limitations  on the assets which it is
permitted  to hold,  bank  examiners  may review the  treatment of the shares to
ensure  that  they  have  been  assigned  an  appropriate  risk-weight.  In this
connection,  the Guidelines  provide that,  regardless of the  composition of an
investment  fund's  assets,  shares  of a fund  may  be  assigned  to  the  100%
risk-weight  category if it is  determined  that the fund engages in  activities
that appear to be  speculative in nature or has any other  characteristics  that
are  inconsistent  with a lower risk  weighting.  The  Adviser  has no reason to
believe that such a  determination  would be made with respect to the Portfolio.
There are  various  subjective  criteria  for  making  this  determination  and,
therefore,  it is not  possible to provide  any  assurance  as to how  Portfolio
shares will be evaluated by bank examiners.


Before acquiring Portfolio shares,  prospective investors that are banks or bank
holding  companies,  particularly those that are organized under the laws of any
country  other  than the  United  States  or of any  state,  territory  or other
political  subdivision of the United States, and prospective  investors that are
U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks or Edge Corporations, should consult
all applicable laws, regulations and policies, as well as appropriate regulatory
bodies,  to confirm that an investment in Portfolio shares is permissible and in
compliance with any applicable investment or other limits.


Portfolio  shares held by national  banks are generally  required to be revalued
periodically and reported at the lower of cost or market value.  Such shares may
also be subject to special regulatory  reporting,  accounting and tax treatment.
In addition,  a bank may be required to obtain specific  approval from its board
of directors before acquiring  Portfolio shares,  and thereafter may be required
to  review  its  investment  in the  Portfolio  for  the  purpose  of  verifying
compliance with applicable federal banking laws, regulations and policies.

                                       14
<PAGE>

National  banks  generally must review their holdings of shares of the Portfolio
at least quarterly to ensure compliance with established bank policies and legal
requirements.  Upon request,  the Portfolio  will make  available to an investor
information relating to the size and composition of its portfolio.


               INVESTMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE CREDIT UNIONS -
              TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO AND GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO


Treasury Cash Portfolio and Government Cash Portfolio limit their investments to
investments that are legally  permissible for Federally  chartered credit unions
under applicable provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act (including 12 U.S.C.
Section  1757(7),  (8) and (15)) and the applicable rules and regulations of the
National Credit Union  Administration  (including 12 C.F.R. Part 703, Investment
and Deposit  Activities),  as such  statutes  and rules and  regulations  may be
amended.  Portfolios  limit  their  investments  to U.S.  Government  Securities
(including  Treasury STRIPS) and Repurchase  agreements fully  collateralized by
Government Securities. Certain Government Securities owned by a Portfolio may be
mortgage or asset backed, but, no such security will be: (1) a stripped mortgage
backed security ("SMBS");  (2) a collateralized  mortgage  obligation ("CMO") or
real estate mortgage  investment conduit ("REMIC") that does not meet all of the
tests outlined in 12 C.F.R.  Section 703.100(e);  or 3) a residual interest in a
CMO or REMIC. Each Portfolio also may invest in reverse Repurchase Agreements in
accordance with 12 C.F.R.  703.100(j) to the extent  otherwise  permitted herein
and in the Prospectus.


  INVESTMENTS BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS - GOVERNMENT CASH
                                   PORTFOLIO


Government Cash Portfolio  limits its  investments to those legally  permissible
for  Federally  chartered  savings  associations  without limit as to percentage
under  applicable  provisions of the Home Owners' Loan Act  (including 12 U.S.C.
Section 1464) and the applicable  rules and  regulations of the Office of Thrift
Supervision,  as such  statutes  and rules and  regulations  may be amended.  In
addition, the Portfolio limits its investments to those that are permissible for
an open-end investment company to hold and would permit shares of the investment
company to qualify as liquid  assets  under 12 C.F.R.  Section  566.1(g)  and as
short-term liquid assets under 12 C.F.R. Section 566.1(h).



PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING

                                PERFORMANCE DATA

A Fund may quote  performance  in  various  ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

A Fund may compare any of its performance information with:


     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

     o    The performance of other mutual funds.
     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to U.S. Treasury bonds,  bills or notes and changes in
          the Consumer  Price  Index  as  published  by the U.S.  Department  of
          Commerce.

Performance  information  may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of a Fund but rather are  standards  by
which the Adviser and shareholders may compare the performance of the Fund to an
unmanaged   composite  of   securities   with   similar,   but  not   identical,
characteristics as the Fund.


A Fund may refer to: (1) general market  performance over past time periods such
as those  published by Ibbotson  Associates (for instance,  its "Stocks,  Bonds,
Bills and Inflation  Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and other


                                       15
<PAGE>

data  published by Fund  Tracking  Companies;  and (3) material and  comparative
mutual  fund data and  ratings  reported  in  independent  periodicals,  such as
newspapers and financial magazines.


A Funds'  performance will fluctuate in response to market  conditions and other
factors.

                            PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS


A Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return. Appendix B
includes certain performance information for each Fund.


SEC YIELD


Yield  quotations  for a Fund or class  will  include an  annualized  historical
yield,  carried  at  least  to  the  nearest  hundredth  of one  percent.  Yield
quotations are based on a specific  seven-calendar-day period and are calculated
by (1)  dividing  the net change in the value of the Fund  during the  seven-day
period having a balance of one share at the beginning of the period by the value
of the account at the beginning of the period and (2)  multiplying  the quotient
by 365/7.  The net  change in account  value  reflects  the value of  additional
shares  purchased  with  dividends  declared and dividends  declared on both the
original  share  and any such  additional  shares,  but would  not  reflect  any
realized  gains  or  losses  from  the  sale  of  securities  or any  unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on portfolio securities. In addition, any effective
annualized  yield  quotation  used by a Fund is  calculated by  compounding  the
current yield quotation for such period by adding 1 to the product,  raising the
sum to a  power  equal  to  365/7,  and  subtracting  1  from  the  result.  The
standardized  tax  equivalent  yield is the rate an investor  would have to earn
from a fully  taxable  investment  in order to equal a Fund's yield after taxes.
Tax equivalent yields are calculated by dividing a Fund's yield by one minus the
stated Federal or combined  Federal and state tax rate. If a portion of a Fund's
yield is tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the calculation.


TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

A Fund's or class's  total  return shows its overall  change in value,  assuming
that all of the Fund's or class's distributions are reinvested.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN


Average annual total return is calculated using a formula prescribed by the SEC.
To calculate  standard  average  annual total  returns,  a Fund or a class:  (1)
determines  the  growth or  decline  in the value of a  hypothetical  historical
investment  in the Fund or class  over a stated  period and (2)  calculates  the
annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been  constant  over the period.  For
example,  a  cumulative  return of 100% over ten years would  produce an average
annual  total return of 7.18%.  While  average  annual  returns are a convenient
means of  comparing  investment  alternatives,  investors  should  realize  that
performance  is not constant  over time but changes from year to year,  and that
average  annual  returns  represent  averaged  figures  as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of a Fund or class.


Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable  value: ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the applicable period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the applicable period

Because  average  annual  returns tend to smooth out  variations  in a Fund's or
class's  returns,  shareholders  should  recognize that they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results.

                                       16
<PAGE>

OTHER MEASURES OF TOTAL RETURN

Standardized  total return quotes may be accompanied by  non-standardized  total
return figures calculated by alternative methods.


A Fund or class may quote  unaveraged or cumulative total returns that reflect a
Fund's or class's performance over a stated period of time.


Total returns may be stated in their components of income and capital (including
capital  gains  and  changes  in  share  price)  in  order  to  illustrate   the
relationship of these factors and their contributions to total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without
taking  into  consideration  a Fund's  or  class's  front-end  sales  charge  or
contingent deferred sales charge (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

                                  OTHER MATTERS


A Fund or class may also include various  information in its advertising,  sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%,  respectively);  (5)  biographical  descriptions of a Portfolio's  portfolio
managers and the portfolio management staff of a Portfolio's Adviser,  summaries
of the views of the portfolio managers with respect to the financial markets, or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques; (6) the results of a hypothetical investment in a Fund or class over
a given number of years,  including the amount that the  investment  would be at
the end of the period;  (7) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account,
such as an individual retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (8) the
net asset value,  net assets or number of  shareholders of a Fund or class as of
one or more dates; and (9) a comparison of a Fund's or class's operations to the
operations of other funds or similar investment  products,  such as a comparison
of the nature and scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted
average maturity, liquidity,  investment policies, and the manner of calculating
and reporting performance.

In connection with its advertisements,  a Fund or class may provide "shareholder
letters" that provide  shareholders  or investors  with an  introduction  to the
Fund's,  the  Trust's  or any of the  Trust's  service  provider's  policies  or
business practices.


                                       17
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT


                       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

The names of the  Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  position  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).



<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS

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

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

John Y. Keffer*, Chairman and President      Member and Director, Forum Financial Group, LLC (a mutual fund
Born: July 15, 1942                          services and holding company)
Two Portland Square                          Director, Forum Fund Services, LLC (Trust's underwriter)
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California - Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting Professor of Economics, Athens University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing company for small and medium size businesses in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stephen J. Barret, Vice President            Manager of Client Services and Senior Relationship Manager, Forum
Born: November 14, 1965                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager, Fidelity Investments, 1994-1996
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of foru other investment companies for which Forum
                                             Financial Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other investment companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch, Treasurer                Managing Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born: August 3, 1961                         Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of sixe other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.
Two Portland Square                          (brokerage firm) 1993 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       18
<PAGE>

                      COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS


Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund Complex that includes all series of Forum Funds and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1999.

                                                       TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM

                              COMPENSATION                    TRUST AND
TRUSTEE                        FROM TRUST                    FUND COMPLEX
John Y. Keffer                     $0                             $0
Costas Azariadis                 $9,500                        $13,000
James C. Cheng                   $9,500                        $14,500
J. Michael Parish                $9,500                        $14,500


                       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF CORE TRUST


The names of the Trustees and officers of Core Trust,  their positions with Core
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of Core Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*). The Core
Trust Board  supervises the  Portfolios'  activities,  monitors its  contractual
arrangements  with various service providers and decides upon matters of general
policy.

<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>
NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,                      PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
AGE AND ADDRESS                                     PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
John Y. Keffer*,Chairman and President
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Costas Azariadas, Trustee
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
James C. Cheng, Trustee
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
J. Michael Parish, Trustee
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
David I. Goldstein, Vice President
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

Ronald H. Hirsch, Treasurer

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

Don L. Evans, Secretary                              Assistant  Counsel and Counsel,  Forum Financial Group,  since
Born: August 12, 1948                               1995
Two Portland Square                                  Associate, Weiner & Strother (law firm), 1994 - 1995
Portland, Maine 04101                                Officer  of two other  investment  companies  for which  Forum
                                                    Financial Group, LLC provides services

- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                               INVESTMENT ADVISER

SERVICES


Forum  Investment  Advisors,  LLC  serves  as the  investment  Adviser  to  each
Portfolio  pursuant to an investment  advisory  agreement with Core Trust. Under
its  agreement,  the  Adviser  furnishes,  at its  own  expense,  all  services,
facilities  and personnel  necessary in  connection  with managing a Portfolio's
investments and effecting portfolio  transactions for the Portfolio.  Anthony R.
Fischer,  Jr., has been the  portfolio  manager  responsible  for the day to day
management of each Portfolio since its inception.  Mr. Fischer has over 25 years
of experience in the money market industry.



                                       19
<PAGE>

FEES


The Adviser's fees are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio's average net
assets.

Table 1 in Appendix C shows the dollar amount  payable by each  Portfolio to the
Adviser,  the amount of fees waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual fee paid by
each Portfolio. The information is for the past three fiscal years.


OTHER


The Adviser's  agreement  with respect to a portfolio  must be approved at least
annually by the Core Trust Board or by majority vote of the interestholders of a
Portfolio , and in either case by a majority of the Core Trust  Trustees who are
not  parties  to  the  agreement  or  interested   persons  of  any  such  party
("Disinterested Trustees").

The agreement is terminable  with respect to each Portfolio  without  penalty by
Core Trust Board on 60 days' written  notice when  authorized  either by vote of
the Portfolio  interestholders,  shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Core
Trust Board,  or by the Adviser on 90 days'  written  notice to Core Trust.  The
Agreement terminates immediately upon assignment.

Under the agreement, the Adviser is not liable for any action or inaction in the
absence of bad faith,  willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance
of its duties.


                                   DISTRIBUTOR

SERVICES


Forum Financial Services, LLC serves as the distributor (also known as principal
underwriter) of each Fund's shares pursuant to a distribution agreement with the
Trust.  FFS is located at Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101,  is a
registered  broker-dealer  and  is a  member  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc.

Under its agreement with the Trust, FFS acts as the  representative of the Trust
in connection with the offering of a Fund's shares. FFS continually  distributes
shares of each Fund on a best effort  basis.  FFS has no  obligation to sell any
specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of Fund shares.

FFS may enter  into  agreements  with  selected  broker-dealers,  banks or other
financial   institutions  for  distribution  of  Fund  shares.  These  financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service fees even though Fund shares are sold with sales charges or distribution
fees. These financial  institutions  may otherwise act as processing  agents and
will be responsible  for promptly  transmitting  purchase,  redemption and other
requests to each Fund.

FEES


FFS does not receive a fee for any  distribution  services  performed  under the
Distribution Agreement.

OTHER


FFS's agreement with respect to a Fund must be approved at least annually by the
Board or by majority vote of the  shareholders  of that Fund, and in either case
by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.

FFS's  agreement is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with respect to a
Fund on 60 days'  written  notice when  authorized  either by vote of the Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60 days' written
notice to the Trust.

                                       20
<PAGE>

Under the Agreement, FFS is not liable for any action or inaction in the absence
of gross negligence in the performance of its duties.

Under the agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's officers and
persons that control FFS) are  indemnified  by the Trust  against all claims and
expenses  in any way  related to alleged  untrue  statements  of  material  fact
contained in the Trust's  Registration  Statement  or any alleged  omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FFS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FFS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.


DISTRIBUTION PLAN - INVESTOR SHARE CLASS


In  accordance  with Rule  12b-1  under the 1940  Act,  the Trust has  adopted a
distribution  plan (the "Plan") for each Fund or Investor  Class which  provides
for  payment to FFS of a Rule 12b-1 fee at the annual rate of up to 0.50% of the
average daily net assets of the Investor Class of each Fund (except Daily Assets
Government  Fund) as compensation  for FFS' services as  distributor.  Under the
Plan,  FFS  receives a fee as an annual rate of 0.15% of the  average  daily net
assets of the Investor  Shares of Daily Assets  Government  Fund as compensation
for its services under the Plan. The Board's approval of the Plan was contingent
on the Trust  limiting any payments under the Plan to 0.30% of the average daily
net  assets of the  Investor  Share  Class of each  Fund  (except  Daily  Assets
Government Fund) without further Board approval.

The Plan provides that FFS may incur expenses for activities including,  but not
limited  to,  (1)  expenses  of sales  employees  or agents of the  Distributor,
including  salary,  commissions,  travel and  related  expense  for  services in
connection with the distribution of shares;  (2) payments to broker-dealers  and
financial  institutions  for services in  connection  with the  distribution  of
shares,  including fees calculated with reference to the average daily net asset
value of shares  held by  shareholders  who have a  brokerage  or other  service
relationship  with the  broker-dealer  of  institution  receiving such fees; (3)
costs  of  printing  prospectuses  and  other  materials  to be given or sent to
prospective investors; and (4) the costs of preparing, printing and distributing
sales  literature and advertising  materials used by FFS or others in connection
with the offering of Investor Class shares for sale to the public.

The Plan  provides  that all  written  agreements  relating  to the Plan must be
approved  by the  Board,  including  a  majority  of the  Trustees  who  are not
interested  persons  of the Trust and who have no direct or  indirect  financial
interest in the  operation of the Plan or in any  agreement  related to the Plan
("Qualified  Trustees").  In  addition,  the Plan  (as well as the  Distribution
Agreement)  requires the Trust and Forum to prepare and submit to the Board,  at
least  quarterly,  and the Board to review,  written  reports  setting forth all
amounts  expended under the Plan and  identifying the activities for which those
expenditures  were made.  The Plan obligates each Fund to compensate FFS for its
services and not to reimburse it for expenses incurred.


The Plan  provides  that it will  remain in effect for one year from the date of
its adoption and thereafter  shall continue in effect provided it is approved at
least annually by the shareholders or by the Board,  including a majority of the
Qualified  Trustees.  The Plan  further  provides  that it may not be amended to
materially increase the costs which the Trust bears for distribution pursuant to
the Plan without shareholder  approval and that other material amendments of the
Plan must be approved by the Qualified  Trustees.  The Plan may be terminated at
any time by the Board,  by a majority of the  Qualified  Trustees or by a Fund's
Investor Class shareholders.


Table 2 in  Appendix C shows the dollar  amount of fees  payable  under the Plan
with respect to each Fund. This information is provided for the past three years
(or shorter period depending on a Fund's commencement of operations).


                                       21
<PAGE>

                          OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS


ADMINISTRATOR - THE TRUST

Forum  Administrative  Services,  LLC  serves as  administrator  pursuant  to an
administration   agreement  with  the  Trust.  Under  its  agreement,   FAdS  is
responsible for supervising the overall  management of the Trust,  providing the
Trust with general office facilities and providing  persons  satisfactory to the
Board to serve as officers of the Trust.


For its services,  FAdS receives a fee from each Fund at an annual rate of 0.05%
of the average daily net assets of each Fund.


The  agreement  must be approved  at least  annually by the Board or by majority
vote of the shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees.  The  Administration  Agreement is terminable  without  penalty by the
Trust or by FAdS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Administration  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  for any  action  or
inaction in the absence of bad faith,  willful misconduct or gross negligence in
the  performance of its duties.  Under the  Administration  Agreement,  FAdS and
certain  related  parties (such as FAdS's officers and persons who control FAdS)
are indemnified by the Trust against any and all claims and expenses  related to
FAdS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAdS's contractual standard
of care.

ADMINISTRATOR - CORE TRUST

FAdS also  manages all aspects of Core Trust's  operations  with respect to each
Portfolio.   With  respect  to  each   Portfolio,   FAdS  has  entered  into  an
administration agreement ("Core Administration Agreement") that will continue in
effect only if such  continuance is  specifically  approved at least annually by
the Core  Trust  Board or by the  interestholders  and,  in  either  case,  by a
majority of the Disinterested Trustees. Under the Core Administration Agreement,
FAdS  performs  services for each  Portfolio  similar to those  provided to each
Fund.

The Core Administration Agreement provides that FAdS shall not be liable to Core
Trust (or any of Core  Trust's  interestholders)  for any action or  inaction of
FAdS  relating  to any event  whatsoever  in the  absence of bad faith,  willful
misfeasance  or  gross   negligence  in  the  performance  of  FAdS'  duties  or
obligations under the agreement or by reason of FAdS' reckless  disregard of its
duties and obligations under this agreement.  The Core Administration  agreement
is terminable  with respect to a Portfolio at any time,  without  penalty by the
Core Trust Board or FadS on 60 days' written notice to FAdS.

Table 3 in Appendix C shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual fees received by
FAdS. The table provides similar information for each Portfolio. The information
is for the past three  fiscal  years (or shorter  period  depending  on a Fund's
commencement of operations).

FUND ACCOUNTANT - THE TRUST

Forum  Accounting  Services,  LLC  serves  as fund  accountant,  pursuant  to an
accounting  agreement with the Trust.  Under its  agreement,  FAcS provides fund
accounting  services to each Fund. These services include calculating the NAV of
each Fund and preparing the Fund's financial statements and tax returns.

For its  services,  FAcS  receives  a fee from each  Fund at an  annual  rate of
$36,000 plus $2,200 for the  preparation  of tax returns and certain  surcharges
based  upon  the  number  and  type of the  Fund's  portfolio  transactions  and
positions.  The fee is accrued  daily by each Fund and is paid monthly  based on
the transactions and positions for the previous month.

                                       22
<PAGE>

The  agreement  must be approved  at least  annually by the Board or by majority
vote of the shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or
by FAcS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the  agreement,  FAcS is not  liable  to the  Trust or any of the  Trust's
shareholders  for any action or inaction  in the  absence of bad faith,  willful
misconduct  or gross  negligence  in the  performance  of its duties.  Under the
agreement, FAcS and certain related parties (such as FAcS's officers and persons
who control  FAcS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any and all claims and
expenses  related to FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's
contractual standard of care.

Under the  agreement,  in  calculating  a Fund's NAV, FAcS is deemed not to have
committed an error if the NAV it  calculates  is within 1/10 of 1% of the actual
NAV (after  recalculation).  The  agreement  also provides that FAcS will not be
liable to a shareholder  for any loss incurred due to an NAV  difference if such
difference  is less  than or equal  1/2 of 1% or less  than or equal to $10.  In
addition,  FAcS is not liable for the errors of others,  including the companies
that supply securities prices to FAcS and the Funds.

FUND ACCOUNTANT - CORE TRUST

FAcS performs  similar  services for each Portfolio  pursuant to a portfolio and
unitholder  accounting  agreement  ("Core  Accounting   Agreement").   The  Core
Accounting Agreement must be approved annually by the Board. The Core Accounting
Agreement may be terminated  with respect to a Portfolio  without penalty by the
Core  Trust  Board or FAcS on 60 days'  written  notice  to the  Trust.  FAcS is
required to use its best  judgment  and  efforts in  rendering  fund  accounting
services  and is not  liable to Core  Trust for any  action or  inaction  in the
absence of bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.

 .

Table 4 in Appendix C shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual fees received by
FAcS.  The table also  includes  similar  information  for each  Portfolio.  The
information is for the past three fiscal years (or shorter period depending on a
Fund's or Portfolio's commencement of operations).


TRANSFER AGENT


Forum Shareholder Services, LLC serves as transfer agent and distribution paying
agent  pursuant  to a  transfer  agency  agreement  with the  Trust.  Under  its
agreement, FSS maintains an account for each shareholder of record of a Fund and
is  responsible  for  processing  purchase  and  redemption  requests and paying
distributions to shareholders of record.  FSS is located at Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101 and is registered as a transfer agent with the SEC.

For its services, FSS receives,  with respect to each Fund, 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund,  an annual fee of $12,000 and $18 per  shareholder
account.  The fee is accrued daily by each Fund and is paid monthly based on the
average net assets for the previous month.

The  agreement  must be approved  at least  annually by the Board or by majority
vote of the shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees.  The  agreement is terminable  without  penalty by the Trust or by FSS
with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the  agreement,  FSS is not liable for any act in the  performance  of its
duties to a Fund, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
in the performance of its duties under the agreement.  Under the agreement,  FSS
and certain related parties (such as FSS's officers and persons who control FSS)
are indemnified by the Trust against any and all claims and expenses  related to
FSS's  actions  or  omissions  that are  consistent  with the FSS's  contractual
standard of care.

Table 5 in Appendix C shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FSS,  the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual  fees  received by
FSS.  The  information  is for the past three  fiscal  years (or shorter  period
depending on a Fund's commencement of operations.).


                                       23
<PAGE>

SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN AND AGREEMENTS


The Trust has adopted a shareholder  service plan  ("Shareholder  Service Plan")
with respect to the  Institutional  Service Class and the Investor Class of each
Fund.  Under the Shareholder  Service Plan, the Trust may pay FAdS a shareholder
servicing fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each
Institutional  Service Class and Investor Class. FAdS may pay any or all amounts
of these payments to various institutions that provide shareholder  servicing to
their customers holding  Institutional  Services Shares or Investor Shares.  The
Shareholder   Service  Plan  became  effective  on  December  5,  1997  for  the
Institutional Service Class of each Fund then in operation.


Any  material  amendment to the  Shareholder  Service Plan must be approved by a
majority  of the  Disinterested  Trustees.  The Plan may be  terminated  without
penalty at any time by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.


FAdS may enter into shareholder  servicing  agreements with various  shareholder
servicing  agents pursuant to which those agents,  as agent for their customers,
may agree among other things to: (1) answer shareholder  inquiries regarding the
manner in which purchases,  exchanges and redemptions of shares of a Fund may be
effected  and other  matters  pertaining  to the Trust's  services;  (2) provide
necessary  personnel  and  facilities  to  establish  and  maintain  shareholder
accounts and  records;  (3) assist  shareholders  in  arranging  for  processing
purchase,  exchange and redemption  transactions;  (4) arrange for the wiring of
funds; (5) guarantee shareholder signatures in connection with redemption orders
and  transfers  and changes in  shareholder-designated  accounts;  (6) integrate
periodic  statements with other shareholder  transactions;  and (7) provide such
other related services as the shareholder may request.

Table 6 in Appendix C shows the dollar amount of fees paid under the Shareholder
Service Plan with respect to Institutional Service Shares and Investor Shares of
each Fund.  This  information  is for the past three  fiscal  years (or  shorter
period depending on a Class's commencement of operations).


CUSTODIAN


As  custodian,  pursuant  to  an  agreement  with  Core  Trust,  Union  Bank  of
California,  N.A. safeguards and controls each Portfolio's' cash and securities,
determines income and collects interest on Portfolio investments.  The Custodian
may employ  subcustodians  to  provide  custody of a  Portfolio's  domestic  and
foreign  assets.  The  Custodian is located at 445 South  Figueroa  Street,  5th
Floor, Los Angeles, California 90007.

For its services,  the Custodian receives an annualized  percentage of the total
average daily net assets of the  Portfolios.  Each Portfolio also pays an annual
domestic custody fee as well as certain other  transaction  fees. Each Portfolio
accrues  its  custodial  fees  daily and these  fees are paid  monthly  based on
average net assets and transactions for the previous month.


LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20005 passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


KPMG, LLP, 99 High Street,  Boston, MA 02110, is the independent auditor of each
Fund and Portfolio.  The auditor audits the annual financial  statements of each
Fund and  Portfolio.  The  auditor  also  reviews  the tax  returns  and certain
regulatory filings of each Fund and Portfolio.


PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


Each Fund invests substantially all of its assets in its corresponding Portfolio
and not directly in portfolio securities.  Therefore,  a Fund does not engage in
Portfolio transactions.

                                       24
<PAGE>

Purchases  and sales of  portfolio  securities  for each  Portfolio  usually are
principal  transactions.  Portfolio  securities are normally  purchased directly
from the  issuer  or from an  underwriter  or market  maker for the  securities.
Purchases  from  underwriters  include a commission  or  concession  paid by the
issuer to the  underwriter,  and purchases from dealers serving as market makers
include  the  spread  between  the bid and asked  price.  There are  usually  no
brokerage  commissions  paid for any  purchases.  Core Trust does not anticipate
that a Portfolio will pay brokerage  commissions.  In the event, however, that a
Portfolio   does  pay  brokerage   commissions   or  other   transaction-related
compensation, the payments may be made to broker-dealers who pay expenses of the
Portfolio  that the Portfolio  would  otherwise be obligated to pay itself.  All
transactions  for which a Portfolio  must pay  transaction-related  compensation
will be effected at the best price and execution available,  taking into account
the amount of any payments made on behalf of the Portfolio by the  broker-dealer
effecting the transaction.

Allocations of  transactions  to dealers and the frequency of  transactions  are
determined  for each  Portfolio  by the  Adviser in its best  judgment  and in a
manner deemed to be in the best interest of  interestholders  of that  Portfolio
rather than by any formula.  The primary  consideration  is prompt  execution of
orders in an effective  manner and at the most favorable  price  available.  The
Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to  a  Portfolio's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the  counterparty  presents  minimal and appropriate  credit risks. No portfolio
transactions are executed with FIA or any of its affiliates.

No Portfolio  paid  brokerage  commissions  during fiscal years ended August 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999.

OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions for a Portfolio are made  independently  from those of any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become advised
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors,  including  suitability  for the particular  client  involved.  Thus, a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
clients are  selling  the  security.  In some  instances,  one client may sell a
particular  security to another  client.  In  addition,  two or more clients may
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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that security.  When purchases or sales of the same security for a
Portfolio   and  other   client   accounts   managed  by  the   Adviser   occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS

As of August 31, 1999,  each  Portfolio  maintained  investments  in dealers (or
their parent companies) with whom it conducted portfolio  transactions.  Table 7
of Appendix C provides details of these investments.


PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

                               GENERAL INFORMATION


Shareholders  of record may purchase or redeem shares or request any shareholder
privilege  in person at the  offices  of FSS  located  at Two  Portland  Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.

A Fund accepts  orders for the purchase or  redemption of shares on each weekday
except on Federal  holidays and other days that the Federal  Reserve Bank of San
Francisco is closed  ("Fund  Business  Days").  A Fund cannot accept orders that
request a  particular  day or price  for the  transaction  or any other  special
conditions.

Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


                                       25
<PAGE>

                         ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

Shares of each Fund are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor.

Each Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.  There is currently
no limit on exchanges, but each Fund reserves the right to limit exchanges.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  At the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  a Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that  meet  the  investment
objective  and policies of a Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  A Fund will only
accept securities that: (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and are not
illiquid;  and  (2)  have  a  value  that  is  readily  ascertainable  (and  not
established only by valuation procedures).

IRAS

All contributions into an IRA through systematic  investments are treated as IRA
contributions made during the year the investment is received.


Each Fund,  except Daily Assets  Municipal  Fund,  may be a suitable  investment
vehicle for part or all of the assets  held in  Traditional  or Roth  Individual
Retirement Accounts  (collectively,  "IRAs"). Call the Funds at 1-800-94FORUM to
obtain an IRA account application.  Generally,  all contributions and investment
earnings in an IRA will be tax-deferred until withdrawn. If certain requirements
are met,  investment  earnings  held in a Roth IRA will not be taxed  even  when
withdrawn.   You  may  contribute  up  to  $2,000   annually  to  an  IRA.  Only
contributions  to  Traditional  IRAs  are  tax-deductible  (subject  to  certain
requirements).  However,  that deduction may be reduced if you or your spouse is
an active  participant  in an  employer-sponsored  retirement  plan and you have
adjusted gross income above certain levels. Your ability to contribute to a Roth
IRA also may be  restricted  if you or, if you are married,  you and your spouse
have adjusted gross income above certain levels.

Your  employer may also  contribute  to your IRA as part of a Savings  Incentive
Match Plan for Employees, or "SIMPLE plan," established after December 31, 1996.
Under a SIMPLE plan, you may  contribute up to $6,000  annually to your IRA, and
your employer must generally  match such  contributions  up to 3% of your annual
salary.  Alternatively,  your employer may elect to contribute to your IRA 2% of
the lesser of your earned income or $160,000.


This information on IRAs is based on regulations in effect as of January 1, 1998
and summarizes only some of the important federal tax  considerations  affecting
IRA  contributions.  These  comments  are not meant to be a  substitute  for tax
planning. Consult your tax advisors about your specific tax situation.

UGMAS/UTMAS


These custodial  accounts  provide a way to give money to a child and obtain tax
benefits.  Depending on state laws, you can set up a custodial account under the
UGMA or the UTMA. If the custodian's name is not in the account  registration of
a gift or transfer  to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the  custodian  must sign
instructions in a manner indicating custodial capacity.

PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to a Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable when you invest in a Fund directly. When you purchase a Fund's shares
through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of record
and,  subject  to your  institution's  procedures,  you  may  have  Fund  shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

                                       26
<PAGE>

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold  shares  through a financial  institution,  a Fund may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you  with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.   A  Fund  is  not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.

In offering or redeeming Fund shares, some shareholder servicing agents also may
impose certain conditions on their customers, subject to the terms of the Funds'
Prospectus, in addition to or different from those imposed by the Trust, such as
requiring a minimum  initial  investment or by charging their customers a direct
fee for their  services.  Some  shareholder  servicing  agents  may also act and
receive compensation for acting as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent
or fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Funds with
respect to assets invested in the Funds. These shareholder  servicing agents may
elect to credit  against the fees payable to it by its clients or customers  all
or a portion of any fee received  from the Trust with respect to assets of those
customers or clients invested in the Funds.


Investors purchasing shares of the Funds through a financial  institution should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

SIGNATURE GUARANTEES

For requests made in writing,  a signature  guarantee is required for any of the
following:

     o    Sales of over $50,000 worth of shares
     o    Changes to a shareholder's record name
     o    Redemptions   from  an  account  for  which  the  address  or  account
          registration has changed within the last 30 days
     o    Sending redemption proceeds to any person, address,  brokerage firm or
          bank account not on record
     o    Sending   redemption   proceeds   to  an  account   with  a  different
          registration (name or ownership) from yours
     o    Changes  to  systematic   investment  or   withdrawal,   distribution,
          telephone  redemption  or  exchange  option or any other  election  in
          connection with your account

LOST ACCOUNTS


FSS will consider your account lost if  correspondence to your address of record
is returned as  undeliverable,  unless FSS determines your new address.  When an
account  is  lost,  all  distributions  on the  account  will be  reinvested  in
additional Fund shares. In addition,  the amount of any outstanding  (unpaid for
six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned to FSS will
be reinvested and the checks will be cancelled.


                        ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION

A Fund  may  redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares  purchased  by the  shareholder  or to  collect  any charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to a
Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus or herein.

A delay may  occur in cases of very  large  redemptions,  excessive  trading  or
during  unusual  market  conditions.  Normally,  redemption  proceeds  are  paid
immediately  following  receipt of a  redemption  order in proper  form.  In any
event, you will be paid within 7 days, unless: (1) your bank has not cleared the
check to  purchase  the shares  (which may take up to 15 days);  (2) the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco is closed for any reason other than normal weekend
or holiday closings;  (3) there is an emergency in which it is not practical for
the Fund to sell its  portfolio  securities or for the Fund to determine its net
asset value; or (4) the SEC deems it inappropriate for redemption proceeds to be
paid.  You can avoid the delay of  waiting  for your bank to clear your check by
paying for shares with wire transfers.  Unless otherwise  indicated,  redemption


                                       27
<PAGE>

proceeds normally are paid by check mailed to your record address.

SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary  weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the SEC determines that trading thereon is
restricted;  (2) an emergency  (as  determined by the SEC) exists as a result of
which disposal by a Fund of its securities is not reasonably practicable or as a
result of which it is not reasonably  practicable for a Fund fairly to determine
the  value  of its  net  assets;  or (3) the SEC  may by  order  permit  for the
protection of the shareholders of a Fund.


REDEMPTION IN KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in  portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Core Trust Board  determines
conditions  exist  which  would  make  payment in cash  detrimental  to the best
interests  of a Portfolio  or if the amount to be  redeemed  is large  enough to
affect a Portfolio's operations,  payment in portfolio securities may be denied.
If  redemption  proceeds  are paid  wholly or partly  in  portfolio  securities,
shareholders may incur brokerage costs by converting the securities to cash. The
Trust  has  filed an  election  with the SEC  pursuant  to which a Fund may only
effect a redemption in portfolio  securities if the  particular  shareholder  is
redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's total net assets,  whichever is
less, during any 90-day period.


                                  DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions of net investment  income will be reinvested at a Fund's NAV as of
the last  business day of the period with respect to which the  distribution  is
paid.  Distributions  of capital gain will be reinvested at the NAV of a Fund on
the payment date for the distribution. Cash payments may be made more than seven
days following the date on which distributions would otherwise be reinvested.


As described in the Prospectuses,  under certain  circumstances a Fund may close
early  and  advance  the time by which  the Fund  must  receive  a  purchase  or
redemption  order and  payments.  In this case,  if an investor  places an order
after the cut-off time,  the order will be processed on the  follow-up  business
day and your access to the Fund would be temporarily limited.


TAXATION


The tax  information set forth in the  Prospectuses  and the information in this
section relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law and assumes that each Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  This
information is only a summary of certain key Federal  income tax  considerations
affecting each Fund and its shareholders.  No attempt has been made to present a
complete  explanation  of  the  Federal  tax  treatment  of  the  Funds  or  the
implications to shareholders. The discussions here and in the prospectus are not
intended as substitutes for careful tax planning.


The tax-year  end of each Fund is August 31 (the same as the Fund's  fiscal year
end).

This section is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in effect on the
date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may
significantly   change  the  tax  rules   applicable  to  the  Funds  and  their
shareholders.  Any of these  changes or court  decisions  may have a retroactive
effect.


The sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable  transaction for Federal income
tax  purposes.  All  investors  should  consult  their own tax adviser as to the
Federal, state, local and foreign tax provisions applicable to them.


                                       28
<PAGE>



                 QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY


Each  Fund  intends  for each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of a Fund.


MEANING OF QUALIFICATION


As a regulated  investment company, a Fund will not be subject to Federal income
tax on the portion of its  investment  company  taxable income (that is, taxable
interest,  short-term  capital gains and other taxable ordinary  income,  net of
expenses) and net capital gain (that is, the excess of its net long-term capital
gain over its net short-term  capital loss) that it distributes to shareholders.
In order to qualify as a regulated  investment  company a Fund must  satisfy the
following requirements:


     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable  income (and 90% of its  tax-exempt  interest  income,  net of
          expenses)  for the tax  year.  (Certain  distributions  made by a Fund
          after  the  close  of  its  tax  year  are  considered   distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in
          securities.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the  Fund's  assets  must  consist  of cash  and cash  items,
          Government  Securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies and  securities of other issuers and (2) no more than 25% of
          the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities
          of any one issuer (other than Government  Securities and securities of
          other regulated investment  companies) or in two or more issuers which
          the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar  trades
          or businesses.

FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated  investment  company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the  distributions  will be  taxable to the  shareholders  as
ordinary income to the extent of a Fund's current and  accumulated  earnings and
profits.  A portion of these  distributions  generally  may be eligible  for the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to  qualify  as a  regulated  investment  company  would have a negative
impact on a Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that a Fund will not
qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

                               FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each  Fund  anticipates  distributing  substantially  all of its net  investment
income for each tax year.

Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net capital gain, if
any, for each tax year. These distributions generally are made only once a year,
but a Fund may make  additional  distributions  of net capital  gain at any time
during the year.  These  distributions  are taxable to you as long-term  capital
gain, regardless of how long you have held shares.

All  distributions  by a Fund will be  treated  in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional  shares of the Fund.  If you  receive a  distribution  in the form of
additional  shares,  it will be treated as receiving a distribution in an amount
equal to the fair  market  value of the shares  received,  determined  as of the
reinvestment date.

Ordinarily, you are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the
year in which they are made.  A  distribution  declared in October,  November or
December  of any year and payable to you on a  specified  date in those  months,


                                       29
<PAGE>

however,  is deemed to be  received by you (and made by the Fund) on December 31
of that  calendar year even if the  distribution  is actually paid in January of
the following year.


You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  Federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.


                               FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an amount equal to: (1) 98% of its
ordinary  taxable  income for the calendar year; (2) 98% of its capital gain net
income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of the calendar year; and (3)
any  ordinary  taxable  income or  capital  gain net income  from the  preceding
calendar  year that was not  distributed  during  that  year.  Each Fund will be
treated  as having  distributed  any amount on which it is subject to income tax
for any tax year.

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, each Fund reduces its capital gain
net  income  (but not  below  its net  capital  gain) by the  amount  of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year.

Each Fund  intends to make  sufficient  distributions  of its  ordinary  taxable
income and capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to
avoid liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that a Fund
might in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

                               BACKUP WITHHOLDING


A Fund will be  required  in  certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to  any  shareholder:   (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  a  correct  taxpayer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has failed to certify to a Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding
or that it is a corporation or other "exempt  recipient."  Backup withholding is
not an  additional  tax;  any  amounts so  withheld  may be  credited  against a
shareholder's Federal income tax liability or refunded.


                              FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS


Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends  on  whether  the  income  from a Fund  is  "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income  from a Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, ordinary income distributions paid
to a foreign shareholder will be subject to U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution.
The foreign  shareholder  generally would be exempt from U.S. federal income tax
on gain  realized  on the  sale of  shares  of a Fund and  distributions  of net
capital gain from a Fund.

In the case of a non-corporate  foreign  shareholder,  a Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  Federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.


The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein.


The tax rules of other countries with respect to  distributions  from a Fund can
differ from the rules from the U.S.  Federal  income  taxation  rules  described
above.  These foreign rules are not discussed herein.  Foreign  shareholders are
urged to consult  their own tax advisers as to the  consequences  of foreign tax
rules with respect to an investment in a Fund.


                                       30
<PAGE>

                              STATE AND LOCAL TAXES


The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with  respect  to  distributions  from a Fund can differ  from the U.S.  Federal
income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These  state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with  respect to an  investment  in a
Fund.


OTHER MATTERS

                         THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Trust  was  organized  as a  business  trust  under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets  and   liabilities  of  Forum  Funds,   Inc.  No  Fund  expects  to  hold
shareholders'  meetings unless required by Federal or Delaware law. Shareholders
of each Fund are  entitled  to vote at  shareholders'  meetings  unless a matter
relates  only to a specific  series or class  (such as  approval  of an advisory
agreement  for a  Fund  or a  distribution  plan).  From  time  to  time,  large
shareholders may control a class of a Fund, a Fund or the Trust.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof, the Trust consisted of:


Austin Global Equity Fund                         Investors Equity Fund
BIA Growth Equity Fund                            Investors Growth Fund
BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund                         Investors High Grade Bond Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                         Maine Municipal Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                   New Hampshire Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)       Payson Balanced Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund(1)                    Payson Value Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)         Polaris Global Value Fund
Equity Index Fund                                 TaxSaver Bond Fund
Investors Bond Fund

(1)  The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in an  Institutional,
     Institutional  Service, and Investor Share of these series. Each class of a
     Fund may have a different  expense  ratio and its expenses will affect each
     class' performance.


The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Funds are not required to maintain a code of ethics  pursuant to Rule 17j-1,
as amended, of the 1940 Act (the "Rule").  However,  the Portfolios'  investment
adviser and the Funds'  distributor have adopted codes of ethics under the Rule;
these  codes  permit  personnel  subject  to the codes to invest in  securities,
including securities that may be purchased or held by the Portfolios.


The Trust and each Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS


Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
distribution, liquidation and voting rights. Fractional shares have these rights
proportionately,  except that expenses related to the distribution of the shares
of each class (and certain other expenses such as transfer  agency,  shareholder
service and  administration  expenses)  are borne solely by those  shares.  Each
class votes  separately  with respect to the  provisions  of any Rule 12b-1 plan
which pertains to the class and other matters for which separate class voting is
appropriate under applicable law. Generally,  shares will be voted separately by
individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act requires shares to be voted in the
aggregate and not by individual series; and (2) when the Trustees determine that
the matter  affects more than one series and all affected  series must vote. The
Trustees may also  determine that a matter only affects  certain  classes of the
Trust and thus only those  classes are entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware
law does not require the Trust to hold annual meetings of  shareholders,  and it
is anticipated  that  shareholder  meetings will be held only when  specifically


                                       31
<PAGE>

required by Federal or state law.  There are no conversion or preemptive  rights
in connection with shares of the Trust.


All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.


You are entitled to your pro rata share of all  distributions  arising from that
series'  assets and,  upon  redeeming  shares,  will  receive the portion of the
series' net assets represented by the redeemed shares.


Shareholders  representing  10% or more of the Trust's (or a series) shares may,
as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or series) for
any  purpose  related  to the Trust  (or  series),  including,  in the case of a
meeting of the Trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees.

CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or a Fund.  The  Trustees  may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder vote, cause the Trust or certain series to merge or consolidate into
one or more  trusts,  partnerships  or  corporations  or cause  the  Trust to be
incorporated under Delaware law, so long as the surviving entity is an open-end,
management  investment  company  that  will  succeed  to or assume  the  Trust's
registration statement.

                                 FUND OWNERSHIP

As of December 1, 1999,  the Trustees and officers of the Trust in the aggregate
owned less than 1% of the outstanding Shares of each Fund and class.

Also as of that date, certain  shareholders of record owned 5% or more of a Fund
or  Class.  These  shareholders  and  any  shareholder  known  by a Fund  to own
beneficially 5% or more of a Fund are listed in Table 8 in Appendix C.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund or Class.  Accordingly,  those shareholders may be able to require the
Trust to hold a shareholder meeting to vote on certain issues and may be able to
greatly  affect (if not  determine)  the outcome of a  shareholder  vote.  As of
December 1, 1999, the following  persons  beneficially or of record owned 25% or
more of the  shares  of a Fund or Class (or of the  Trust)  and may be deemed to
control the Fund or the Class (or the Trust).  For each person  listed that is a
company,  the jurisdiction  under the laws of which the company is organized (if
applicable) and the company's parents are listed.

CONTROLLING PERSON INFORMATION
<TABLE>
               <S>                                     <C>                      <C>            <C>            <C>
                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY             Emil Russell                                 15,443           48.36            0.02
OBLIGATIONS FUND                  RFD #3 Box 720
Investor Shares                   Houlton, ME 04730
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  Forum Financial Group                        10,538           33.00            0.01
                                  2 Portland Square
                                  Portland, ME 04101
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
Institutional Shares              Babb & Co                                55,555,295           64.98           60.90
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477
                                  ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  Allagash & Co                            28,879,031           33.78           31.66
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                       32
<PAGE>

 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............

                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             Shares      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND


 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND      Stone & Stone Properties                    225,212           27.84            0.64
Investor Shares                   2100 E. Tulare Ave
                                  Tulare, CA 93274
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
Institutional Shares              HM Payson & Co                           16,600,354           54.70           47.48
                                  Custody Account
                                  P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112
                                  ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  HM Payson & Co                           13,710,830           45.18           39.22
                                  Trust Account
                                  P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT           Forum Financial Group                        10,577           99.00            0.02
OBLIGATIONS FUND                  2 Portland Square
Investor Shares                   Portland, ME 04101
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
Institutional Shares              Allagash & Co                            18,494,222           56.33           30.92
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477
                                  ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  Babb & Co                                13,251,181           40.36           22.15
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND            BankBoston IRA FBO                          197,072           36.00            0.21
Investor Shares                   Stanton D. Anderson
                                  General Delivery
                                  Sheridan, ME 04775
                                  ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  FirstTrust Co                               150,012           27.41            0.16
                                  National City Bank Trust Dept
                                  227 Main Street
                                  Evansville, IN 47708
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND       Barry R. Elden                               64,582           73.91            0.30
Investor Shares                   22 West Chestnut Street
                                  Chicago, IL 60610
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
Institutional Shares              Babb & Co                                10,337,722           53.79           48.70
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477
                                  ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
                                  FirstTrust Co                             6,872,446           35.76           32.38
                                  National City Bank Trust Dept
                                  227 Main Street
                                  Evansville, IN 47708
 ................................. ..................................... .............. ............... ...............
Institutional Service Shares      Amherst Nursing Home                      1,148,236           59.91            5.41
                                  150 University Drive
                                  Amherst, MA 01002
</TABLE>


              LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY


Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations for profit. The Trust's Trust Instrument (the document that governs
the  operation  of the Trust)  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 Fund's property of any
shareholder or former  shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of
the Fund. The Trust Instrument also provides that each Fund shall, upon request,
assume the  defense of any claim made  against  any  shareholder  for any act or


                                       33
<PAGE>

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,  no contractual
limitation  of  liability  was in  effect,  and a Fund is  unable  to  meet  its
obligations.


The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever. A Trustee is not, however,  protected against any liability to which
he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence  or reckless  disregard of the duties  involved in the conduct of his
office.


                             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 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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 are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are qualified by reference to the copy of such contract or other documents filed
as exhibits to the registration statement.

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the Funds and their corresponding Portfolios for the
year ended  August 31, 1999 which are  included in the Funds'  Annual  Report to
Shareholders are incorporated  herein by reference.  These financial  statements
are  the  schedules  of  investments,   statement  of  assets  and  liabilities,
statements  of  operations,  statements  of  changes  in net  assets,  financial
highlights, notes and independent auditors' reports.



                                       34
<PAGE>


APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

                                 CORPORATE BONDS

MOODY'S


AAA          Bonds that 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 edged."  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           Bonds  that 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  bonds. They are rated lower than the
             best bonds 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 that make
             the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A            Bonds that 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 some time in the future.

NOTE       Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1, 2,  and 3 in each  generic
           rating  classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates
           that the  obligation  ranks in the higher end of its  generic  rating
           category;  the  modifier 2  indicates a  mid-range  ranking;  and the
           modifier  3  indicates  a ranking  in the  lower end of that  generic
           rating category.

S&P

AAA          An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard
             & Poor's. The obligor's  capacity to meet its financial  commitment
             on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA           An obligation rated AA differs from the  highest-rated  obligations
             only in small degree.  The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
             commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A            An obligation  rated A is somewhat more  susceptible to the adverse
             effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions than
             obligations  in  higher-rated  categories.  However,  the obligor's
             capacity to meet its  financial  commitment  on the  obligation  is
             still strong.

NOTE         Plus (+) or minus (-).  The ratings from AA to A may be modified by
             the  addition  of a plus or minus  sign to show  relative  standing
             within the major rating categories.

             The `r'  symbol is  attached  to the  ratings of  instruments  with
             significant  noncredit  risks. It highlights  risks to principal or
             volatility of expected returns that are not addressed in the credit
             rating.   Examples  include:   obligations  linked  or  indexed  to
             equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe
             prepayment  risk-such as interest-only or  principal-only  mortgage
             securities;  and  obligations  with unusually risky interest terms,
             such as inverse floaters.

DUFF & PHELPS

AAA           Highest credit quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being
              only slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+           High credit  quality.  Protection  factors  are  strong.  Risk is
AA            modest  but may vary  slightly  from time to time  because  of
              economic conditions.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

FITCH

INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA
          Highest credit quality. `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
          credit risk.  They are assigned only in case of  exceptionally  strong
          capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is
          highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA
          Very high credit  quality.  `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation
          of credit risk.  They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment
          of  financial   commitments.   This  capacity  is  not   significantly
          vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A
          High credit  quality.  `A' ratings denote a low  expectation of credit
          risk.  The capacity for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
          considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable
          to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case
          for higher ratings.

                               SHORT TERM RATINGS

MOODY'S

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1         Issuers  rated  Prime-1  (or  supporting  institutions)  have  a
                superior  ability  for  repayment  of  senior   short-term  debt
                obligations.  Prime-1  repayment ability will often be evidenced
                by many of the following characteristics:
                    o    Leading    market    positions   in    well-established
                         industries.
                    o    High rates of return on funds employed.
                    o    Conservative  capitalization  structure  with  moderate
                         reliance on debt and ample asset protection.
                    o    Broad margins in earnings  coverage of fixed  financial
                         charges and high internal cash generation.
                    o    Well-established access to a range of financial markets
                         and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2         Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
                ability for  repayment of senior  short-term  debt  obligations.
                This will  normally be evidenced by many of the  characteristics
                cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage
                ratios,   while  sound,   may  be  more  subject  to  variation.
                Capitalization characteristics,  while still appropriate, may be
                more affected by external conditions.  Ample alternate liquidity
                is maintained.

NOT
PRIME           Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the Prime
                rating categories.

S&P

A-1             A  short-term  obligation  rated  A-1 is  rated  in the  highest
                category by Standard & Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity to meet
                its  financial  commitment on the  obligation is strong.  Within
                this category,  certain  obligations  are designated with a plus
                sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its
                financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2             A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible
                to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances  and economic
                conditions  than   obligations  in  higher  rating   categories.
                However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
                on the obligation is satisfactory.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

FITCH


F1            Obligations  assigned  this rating have the highest  capacity  for
              timely repayment under Fitch IBCA's national rating scale for that
              country,  relative to other obligations in the same country.  This
              rating is  automatically  assigned  to all  obligations  issued or
              guaranteed  by  the  sovereign  state.   Where  issues  possess  a
              particularly strong credit feature, a "+" is added to the assigned
              rating.


F2            Obligations  supported by a strong  capacity for timely  repayment
              relative  to other  obligors  in the same  country.  However,  the
              relative  degree  of risk  is  slightly  higher  than  for  issues
              classified  as `A1'  and  capacity  for  timely  repayment  may be
              susceptible to adverse change sin business, economic, or financial
              conditions.

F3            Obligations supported by an adequate capacity for timely repayment
              relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is
              more  susceptible  to adverse  changes in business,  economic,  or
              financial conditions than for obligations in higher categories.





                                      A-3
<PAGE>


APPENDIX B - PERFORMANCE INFORMATION


For the seven-day  period ended August 31, 1999, the  annualized  yields of each
Class of each Fund were as follows:

<TABLE>
                    <S>                                          <C>                                <C>
                                                             CURRENT YIELD                   EFFECTIVE YIELD
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Investor Shares                                             4.19%                            4.28%
     Institutional Service Shares                                4.64%                            4.75%
     Institutional Shares                                        4.89%                            5.01%
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
     Investor Shares                                             4.54%                            4.65%
     Institutional Service Shares                                4.84%                            4.96%
     Institutional Shares                                        5.09%                            5.22%
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Investor Shares                                             4.32%                            4.42%
     Institutional Service Shares                                4.75%                            4.87%
     Institutional Shares                                        5.00%                            5.13%
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
     Investor Shares                                             4.44%                            4.53%
     Institutional Service Shares                                4.89%                            5.01%
     Institutional Shares                                        5.14%                            5.27%
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
     Investor Shares                                             2.30%                            2.33%
     Institutional Service Shares                                2.75%                            2.79%
     Institutional Shares                                        3.20%                            3.25%
</TABLE>


                                      B-1
<PAGE>


APPENDIX C - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES

TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES ($)


The fees payable by the Portfolios under the Investment Advisory Agreement were:
<TABLE>
               <S>                                                 <C>               <C>                   <C>
                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 105,930                0                105,930
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  55,735                0                 55,735
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                                        0
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  20,197                0                 20,197
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  23,813                0                 23,813
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                 9,064                0                  9,064
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   20,637                0                 20,637
GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 303,532                0                303,532
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                 238,860                0                238,860
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                 196,857                0                196,857
CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 266,660                0                266,660
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                 158,716                0                158,716
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  72,872                0                 72,872
MUNICIPAL CASH PORTFOLIO

     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  14,330                0                 14,330
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   1,937                0                  1,937
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                   --                  --                     --



                                      C-1
<PAGE>



TABLE 2 - INVESTOR CLASS RULE 12B-1 FEES ($)

The fees payable by the Funds under the Distribution Agreement were:

                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   49                   49                  0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   712                 712                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   26                   26                  0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   640                 640                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   139                 139                  0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    0                   0                   0




                                      C-2
<PAGE>


TABLE 3 - ADMINISTRATION FEES ($)


The fees payable by the Funds under the Administration Agreement were:

                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  52,465              52,465                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  24,549              24,549                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                    --                --                      --
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  20,109              20,109                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  28,110              2,864               25,246
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                18,123              0                   18,123
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   41,232              7,453               33,779
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  22,178              22,178                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  4,115               4,115                    0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                    --                --                      --
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  35,746              35,746                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  10,505              10,505                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                   7,453               7,453                   0
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  14,310              14,310                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   1,934               1,934                   0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                    --                --                      --

The fees payable by the Portfolios under the Core Administration Agreement were:

                                                          CONTRACTUAL FEE          FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID


TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 153,011                  0              153,011
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  74,964             29,678               45,286
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  24,287             14,346                9,941
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  20,197             20,197                    0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  28,796             28,796                    0
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                18,128             18,128                    0
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   41,274             41,274                    0
GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 438,060                  0              438,060
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                 317,754                  0              317,754
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                 252,821                  0              252,821
CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 385,799                  0              385,799
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                 212,800                  0              212,800
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  92,652              7,621               85,031
     Year ended August 31, 1996                                  56,125              3,719               52,406
MUNICIPAL CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  14,330             14,330                    0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   1,937              1,937                    0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                    --                   --                   --



                                      C-3
<PAGE>


TABLE 4 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES ($)


The fees payable by the Funds under the Transfer Agency Agreement were:

                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   19,157                7,223            11,934
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    6,071                6,069                 2
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                       --                   --                --
Institutional Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   63,155               36,847            26,308
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   31,381               31,036               345
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   12,098               12,098                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                      843                  843                 0
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   21,102               11,025            10,077
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   68,534               53,276            15,258
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                 50,810               44,054             6,756
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   116,051              101,485            14,566
Institutional Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   29,243               20,824               819
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    4,874                4,853                21
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   12,707               12,688                19
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                 26,211                      0            26,211
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  6,869                  6,866                 3
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                       --              --                     --
Institutional Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   28,042               20,559             7,483
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   10,816               10,762                54
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   12,062               12,062                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                      843                  843                 0
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   44,383                    0            44,383
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   27,955               15,294            12,661
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                 29,772               17,766            12,006
Institutional Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   33,137               18,933            14,204
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    9,362                9,311                51
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   13,095                    0            13,095
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                      843                  843                 0

                                      C-4
<PAGE>


                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   14,718                8,585             6,133
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                      842                  842                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                       --                   --                --
Institutional Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   25,585               25,072               513
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    4,150                4,126                24
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   12,173               12,172                 1
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                      843                  843                 0



                                      C-5
<PAGE>


TABLE 5 - SHAREHOLDER SERVICE FEES ($)


The fees payable by the funds under the Shareholder Services Agreement were:

                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  17,320              17,320                0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  2,600               2,600                 0
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                    45                  45                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  17,533              17,533                0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                78,274              78,274                0
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  1,186               1,186                 0
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  33,862              29,859              4,033
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  2,018               2,018                 0
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                    26                  26                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  77,200              46,584              30,616
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  22,439              22,439                0
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   540                 540                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
Institutional Service Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  6,491               6,491                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                    0                   0                   0
Investor Shares
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                   120                 120                  0
     Period ended August 31, 1998                                  0                   0                   0


                                      C-6
<PAGE>


TABLE 6 - FUND ACCOUNTING FEES ($)


The fees payable by the Funds under the fund Accounting Agreement were:


                                                            CONTRACTUAL FEE        FEE WAIVED           FEE PAID

DAILY ASSETS TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  37,250                37,250                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  13,323                13,323                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                      --                    --                --
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  37,250                37,250                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  14,000                 4,000            10,000
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                 5,000                     0             5,000
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   12,000                     0            12,000
     Year ended March 31, 1996                                   38,621                     0            38,621
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  37,250                37,250                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  14,064                14,064                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                      --                    --                --
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  37,250                37,250                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  18,999                12,999             6,000
     Year ended August 31, 1997
DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  37,250                37,250                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   4,198                 4,198                 0
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                      --                    --                --



The fees payable by the Portfolios under the Core Accounting Agreement were:

                                                          CONTRACTUAL FEE           FEE WAIVED         FEE PAID
TREASURY CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  49,500                      0           49,500
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  24,279                      0           24,279
     Year ended August 31, 1996                                  28,518                 19,955            8,563
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  49,500                 39,899            9,601
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  48,000                 37,946           10,054
     Period ended August 31, 1997                                20,000                      0           20,000
     Year ended March 31, 1997                                   48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended March 31, 1996(1)                                 5,241                      0            5,241
GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  49,500                      0           49,500
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended August 31, 1996                                  42,000                      0           42,000
CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  49,500                      0           49,500
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                  48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended August 31, 1997                                  48,000                      0           48,000
     Year ended August 31, 1996                                  42,000                 14,957           27,043
MUNICIPAL CASH PORTFOLIO
     Year ended August 31, 1999                                  49,500                 46,497            3,003
     Year ended August 31, 1998                                   8,800                  8,800                0

                                      C-7
<PAGE>

     Year ended August 31, 1997                                      --                     --               --

</TABLE>



                                      C-8
<PAGE>


TABLE 7 - PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS IN DEALERS ($)


                                                            VALUE
CASH PORTFOLIO
Goldman Sachs                                            $39,984,000






                                      C-9
<PAGE>


TABLE 8 - 5% SHAREHOLDERS


As of December 1, 1999, the shareholders listed below owned of record 5% or more
of the outstanding shares of a class of shares of the Trust.

<TABLE>
          <S>                                <C>                                <C>             <C>              <C>
                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND

DAILY ASSETS TREASURY             Emil Russell                                 15,443           48.36            0.02
OBLIGATIONS FUND                  RFD #3 Box 720
Investor Shares                   Houlton, ME 04730

                                  Forum Financial Group                        10,538           33.00            0.01
                                  2 Portland Square
                                  Portland, ME 04101

                                  Gloria J. Wilcox                              4,057           12.70            0.00
                                  24 Sweden Street
                                  P.O. Box 306
                                  Caribou, ME 04736-0306

                                  Cheryl Barnes                                 1,788            5.60            0.00
                                  3840 N. Broadway #30
                                  Boulder, CO 80304

Institutional Shares              Babb & Co                                55,555,295           64.98           60.90
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Allagash & Co                            28,879,031           33.78           31.66
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

Institutional Service Shares      Allagash & Co                             3,568,367           62.65            3.91
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Goodless Brothers Electric Co, Inc          733,014           12.87            0.80
                                  100 Memorial Drive
                                  P.O. Box 925
                                  West Springfield, MA 01090

                                  National Yiddish Book Center                446,183            7.83            0.49
                                  1021 West Street
                                  Amherst, MA 01002-3375

                                  Evangelical Covenant Church                 300,275            5.27            0.33
                                  915 Plumtree Road
                                  Springfield, MA 01119-2930


                                      C-10
<PAGE>



                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND

DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND      Stone & Stone Properties                    225,212           27.84            0.64
Investor Shares                   2100 E. Tulare Ave
                                  Tulare, CA 93274

                                  David M. McKay and                           61,755            7.63            0.18
                                  Trudy K. McKay
                                  710 Van Auken
                                  Elmhurst, IL 60126

                                  BankBoston IRA FBO                           60,712            7.50            0.17
                                  Kenneth Ky-Sung Tien
                                  1305 Newport Blvd
                                  League City, TX 77573

                                  Henry Goichman and                           48,157            5.95            0.14
                                  Jane C. L. Goichman
                                  3015 Arrowhead Drive
                                  Los Angeles, CA 90068

                                  Richard Allen Jr., John P. Scruggs,          45,494            5.62            0.13
                                  L. Sossaman and
                                  Martin F. Thompson
                                  813 Ridge Lake Blvd
                                  Suite 300
                                  Memphis, TN 38120

Institutional Shares              HM Payson & Co                           16,600,354           54.70           47.48
                                  Custody Account
                                  P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112

                                  HM Payson & Co                           13,710,830           45.18           39.22
                                  Trust Account
                                  P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112

Institutional Service Shares      FloriCorp Retirement Savings Plan           765,767           20.14            2.19
                                  1920 E. Maryland #18
                                  Phoenix, AZ 85016

                                  Lansdowne Parking Associates LP             534,636           14.06            1.61
                                  c/o Meredith Management
                                  One Bridge Street #300
                                  Newton, MA 02458

                                  BankBoston IRA FBO                          390,448           10.27            1.12
                                  Merne E. Young
                                  18751 San Rufino
                                  Irvine, CA 92612

                                  Retirement Planning Strategies              366,436            9.64            1.05
                                  Scudder Growth and Income Fund


                                      C-11
<PAGE>




                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND

DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT           BankBoston IRA FBO                          232,521            6.12            0.67
FUND (CONT)                       Howard H. Stevenson
Institutional Service Shares      P.O. Box 277
(cont)                            Southborough, MA 01772-0003


DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT           Forum Financial Group                        10,577           99.00            0.02
OBLIGATIONS FUND                  2 Portland Square
Investor Shares                   Portland, ME 04101

Institutional Shares              Allagash & Co                            18,494,222           56.33           30.92
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Babb & Co                                13,251,181           40.36           22.15
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  The Dennis Group Inc                      5,297,728           19.64            8.86
                                  1391 Main Street
                                  Springfield, MA 01103

                                  Allagash & Co                             3,957,516           14.67            6.62
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Holyoke Community College                 2,989,386           11.08            5.00
                                  303 Homestead Ave
                                  Holyoke, MA 01040

                                  Auer & Co                                 1,722,147            6.38            2.88
                                  c/o Banker Trust Co 93411
                                  648 Grassmere Park Road
                                  Attn Mutual Funds 2nd Floor
                                  Nashville, TN 37211

                                  Auer & Co                                 1,680,652            6.23            2.81
                                  c/o Banker Trust Co 93413
                                  648 Grassmere Park Road
                                  Attn Mutual Funds 2nd Floor
                                  Nashville, TN 37211

                                  Cathedral High School                     1,386,449            5.14            2.32
                                  260 Surrey Road
                                  Springfield, MA 01118

                                      C-12
<PAGE>

                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND            BankBoston IRA FBO                          197,072           36.00            0.21
Investor Shares                   Stanton D. Anderson
                                  General Delivery
                                  Sheridan, ME 04775

                                  FirstTrust Co                               150,012           27.41            0.16
                                  National City Bank Trust Dept
                                  227 Main Street
                                  Evansville, IN 47708

                                  J.K. MacMillan                              111,454           20.36            0.12
                                  3621 Maplewood Ave
                                  Los Angeles, CA 90066

Institutional Shares              Allagash & Co                            10,793,444           23.79           11.32
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Allagash & Co                            10,596,569           23.35           11.11
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  HM Payson & Co                            5,688,767           12.54            5.97
                                  Custody Account
                                  P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112

                                  FirstTrust Co                             5,666,713           12.49            5.94
                                  National City Bank Trust Dept
                                  227 Main Street
                                  Evansville, IN 47708

                                      C-13
<PAGE>



                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND
DAILY ASSETS CASH                 HM Payson & Co                            3,791,191            8.35            3.98
FUND (CONT)                       Trust Account
Institutional Shares (cont)       P.O. Box 31
                                  Portland, ME 04112


                                  FirstTrust Co                             3,298,650            7.27            3.46
                                  National City Bank Trust Dept.
                                  227 Main Street

                                  P.O. Box 868
                                  Evansville, IN 47705-0868

                                  Maine Mutual Fire Insurance               3,024,981            6.67            3.17
                                  44 Maysville Road
                                  P.O. Box 729
                                  Presque Isle, ME 04769

                                  Spectrum Medical Group, PA                2,517,349            5.55            2.64
                                  20 Mussey Road
                                  Scarborough, ME 04074

Institutional Service Shares      Allagash & Co                             7,623,095           15.42            7.99
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

                                  Auer & Co                                 2,709,271            5.48            2.84
                                  c/o Bankers Trust Co 93413
                                  648 Grassmere Park Road
                                  Attn Mutual Funds 2nd Floor
                                  Nashville, TN 37211

                                  Auer & Co                                 2,647,754            5.36            2.78
                                  c/o Bankers Trust Co 93411
                                  648 Grassmere Park Road
                                  Attn Mutual Funds 2nd Floor
                                  Nashville, TN 37211

                                  Turbine Kinetics Inc                      2,509,887            5.08            2.63
                                  60 Sequin Drive
                                  Glastonbury, CT 06033

                                  AW Hastings & Co Inc                      2,501,727            5.06            2.62
                                  2 Pearson Way
                                  Enfield, CT 06082

DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND       Barry R. Elden                               64,582           73.91            0.30
Investor Shares                   22 West Chestnut Street
                                  Chicago, IL 60610

                                  William A. Roberts                           11,042           12.64            0.05
                                  P.O. Box 579
                                  Hinsdale, IL 60522

                                      C-14
<PAGE>

                                  NAME AND ADDRESS                             SHARES      % OF CLASS       % OF FUND
                                  Forum Financial Group                        10,314           11.80            0.05
                                  2 Portland Square
                                  Portland, ME 04101

Institutional Shares              Babb & Co                                10,337,722           53.79           48.70
                                  c/o Bank of New Hampshire
                                  P.O. Box 477
                                  Concord, NH 03302-0477

DAILY ASSETS MUNICIPAL FUND       FirstTrust Co                             6,872,446           35.76           32.38
(CONT)                            National City Bank Trust Dept
Institutional Shares (cont)       227 Main Street
                                  Evansville, IN 47708

                                  Imperial Securities Corp                  1,121,287            5.83            5.28
                                  9920 South La Cieniega Blvd
                                  14th Floor
                                  Inglewood, CA 90301

Institutional Service Shares      Amherst Nursing Home                      1,148,236           59.91            5.41
                                  150 University Drive
                                  Amherst, MA 01002

                                  PRM Environmental, Inc                      414,645           21.63            1.95
                                  495 Springfield Street
                                  Chicopee, MA 01013-2806

                                  Partyka Business Trust                      324,459           16.93            1.53
                                  495 Springfield Street
                                  Chicopee, MA 01013-2806
</TABLE>



                                      C-15
<PAGE>

APPENDIX D ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS

                             TEXT OF FORUM BROCHURE


In connection with its  advertisements,  a Fund may provide a description of the
Fund's investment adviser and its affiliates, which are service providers to the
Fund. Text, which is currently in use, is set forth below.


"FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP OF COMPANIES


Forum Financial  Group of Companies  represent more than a decade of diversified
experience  with every  aspect of mutual  funds.  The Forum  Family of Funds has
benefited from the informed,  sharply  focused  perspective on mutual funds that
experience makes possible.

The Forum Family of Funds has been created and managed by  affiliated  companies
of Portland-based  Forum Financial Group, among the nation's largest mutual fund
administrators  providing clients with a full line of services for every type of
mutual fund.

The Forum  Family of Funds is designed to give  investment  representatives  and
investors a broad choice of carefully  structured  and  diversified  portfolios,
portfolios  that can satisfy a wide  variety of  immediate  as well as long-term
investment goals.


Forum  Financial Group has developed its "brand name" family of mutual funds and
has made them available to the investment public and to institutions on both the
national and regional levels.


For more than a decade Forum has had direct  experience with mutual funds from a
different  perspective,  a perspective  made  possible by Forum's  position as a
leading designer and full-service  administrator  and manager of mutual funds of
all types.


Today Forum  Financial  Group  administers  and  provides  services for over 181
mutual  funds for 17  different  fund  managers,  with more than $70  billion in
client assets. Forum has its headquarters in Portland, Maine, and has offices in
Seattle, Bermuda, and Warsaw, Poland. In a joint venture with Bank Handlowy, the
largest  and  oldest  commercial  bank  in  Poland,   Forum  operates  the  only
independent  transfer agent and mutual fund accounting business in Poland. Forum
directs an off-shore and hedge fund administration  business through its Bermuda
office. It employs more than 390 professionals worldwide.


From the  beginning,  Forum  developed a plan of action that was effective  with
both start-up funds, and funds that needed  restructuring  and improved services
in order to live up to their potential.  The success of its innovative  approach
is  evident  in  Forum's  growth  rate over the  years,  a growth  rate that has
consistently outstripped that of the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as
that of the fund service outsource industry.

Forum has worked with both  domestic  and  international  mutual fund  sponsors,
designing  unique  mutual  fund  structures,  positioning  new funds  within the
sponsors' own corporate planning and targeted markets.

Forum's staff of experienced lawyers, many of whom have been associated with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  have  been  available  to work with fund
sponsors to customize  fund  components and to evaluate the potential of various
fund structures.

Forum has introduced fund sponsors to its unique proprietary Core and Gateway(R)
partnership,  helping them to take advantage of this full-service  master/feeder
structure.

Fund sponsors  understand that even the most efficiently and creatively designed
fund can disappoint  shareholders  if it is inadequately  serviced.  That is the
reason why fund  sponsors  have relied on Forum to meet all of a fund's  complex
compliance, regulatory, and filing needs.

                                      D-1
<PAGE>

Forum's full service commitment includes providing  state-of-the-art  accounting
support (Forum has 7 CPAs on staff, as well as senior  accountants who have been
associated with Big 6 accounting firms).  Forum's proprietary  accounting system
is continually upgraded and can provide custom-built modules to satisfy a fund's
specific  requirements.   This  service  is  joined  with  transfer  agency  and
shareholder  service  groups that draw their strength both from the high caliber
of the people staffing each unit and from Forum's  advanced  technology  support
system.


More than a decade of  experience  with mutual  funds has given Forum  practical
hands-on  experience and knowledge of how mutual funds function "from the inside
out."


Forum has put that  experience to work by creating the Forum Family of Funds,  a
family where each member is designed  and  positioned  for your best  investment
advantage,  and where each fund is  serviced  with the utmost  attention  to the
delivery of timely, accurate, and comprehensive shareholder information.

INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC offers the services of portfolio  managers with
the highest  qualifications--because without such direction, a comprehensive and
goal-oriented  investment  program  and  ongoing  investment  strategy  are  not
possible.  Serving  as  portfolio  managers  for the  Forum  Family of Funds are
individuals  with  decades  of  experience  with  some  of the  country's  major
financial institutions.

Forum Funds are also  managed by the  portfolio  managers of H.M.  Payson & Co.,
founded in Portland, Maine in 1854 and one of the oldest investment firms in the
country. Payson has approximately $1.25 billion in assets under management, with
clients that include  pension plans,  endowment  funds,  and  institutional  and
individual accounts.

FORUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC is the largest Maine based  investment  adviser
with  approximately  $1.95  billion in assets under  management.  The  portfolio
managers have decades of combined experience in a cross section of the country's
financial  markets.  The managers have  specific,  day-to-day  experience in the
asset class  portfolios  they manage,  bringing  critical  focus to meeting each
fund's explicit investment objectives. The portfolio managers have been involved
in investing the assets of large  insurance  companies,  banks,  pension  plans,
individuals,  and of course mutual funds. Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC has a
staff of analysts and investment  administrators  to meet the demands of serving
shareholders in our funds.

FORUM FAMILY OF FUNDS


It has been said that  mutual  fund  investment  offerings--of  which  there are
nearly  10,000,  ith assets spread across  stock,  bond,  and money market funds
worth  more  than  $4  trillion--come  in  a  rainbow  of  varieties.  A  better
description  would be a "spectrum" of varieties,  the spectrum graded from green
through  amber  and on to red.  In  simpler  terms,  from low risk  investments,
through moderate to high risk. The lower the risk, the lower the possible reward
- -- the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.


The Forum Family of Funds provides  conservative  investment  opportunities that
reduce the risk of loss of capital,  using underlying  money market  investments
U.S. Government  securities  (although the shares of the Forum Funds are neither
insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies),  thus cushioning
the investment  against  market  volatility.  These funds offer regular  income,
ready access to your money, and flexibility to buy or sell at any time.

In the less  conservative  but still not  aggressive  category  are funds in the
Forum Family that seek to provide steady income and, in certain cases,  tax-free
earnings.  Such investments  provide important  diversification to an investment
portfolio.


Growth funds in the Forum Family more  aggressively  pursue a high return at the
risk of market volatility.  These funds include domestic and international stock
mutual funds."


                                      D-2
<PAGE>

                      TEXT OF PEOPLES HERITAGE NEWS RELEASE

Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHBK) announced today that it has
formed an alliance with a major mutual fund provider and an investment  advisory
firm to expand its mutual fund  offerings.  The  alliance  with Forum  Financial
Group and H.M.  Payson & Company will result in 18 funds,  including  the unique
Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New Hampshire Bond Fund, being offered through the
branches  of Peoples'  affiliate  banks in Maine,  New  Hampshire  and  northern
Massachusetts and the Company's trust and investment subsidiarie


'There is no secret to where  financial  services  are moving,  under one roof,"
said William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples
Heritage.   "One  only  has  to  watch  the  virtually  daily  announcements  of
consolidations in the financial sector to nderstand that customers are demanding
and receiving 'one-stop' financial services.

"We think we are adding the additional  competitive  advantage of funds that are
managed and administered close to home."


Eighteen  Forum funds will be offered  including two Payson funds.  The tax-free
Maine and New Hampshire  state bond funds are the only two such funds  available
and usually  invest 80% of total  assets in  municipal  securities.  Other funds
being provided by the alliance include money market, debt and equity funds.

Forum Financial, based in Portland, Maine since 1987, administers 124 funds with
more than $29 billion in assets.  Forum  manages  mutual  funds for  independent
investment advisers such as Payson and for banks. Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
an affiliate,  is the largest Maine-based  investment adviser with approximately
$1.95 billion in fund assets under management.


"We are providing a great product set to the customers served by Peoples' nearly
200 branches in northern New  England,"  said John Y.  Keffer,  Forum  Financial
president,  "The key today is to link a wide variety of investment  options with
convergent, easy access for customers. I believe this alliance does just that."


H.M.  Payson & Co.,  founded in 1854, is one of the nation's  oldest  investment
firms with nearly $1.25 billion in assets under  management  and $412 million in
non-managed  custodial accounts.  The Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund
are among the 18 offerings.


"I believe we have all the  ingredients  of a  tremendous  alliance,"  said John
Walker,  Payson President and Managing  Director.  "We have the region's premier
community banking company,  a community-based  investment  adviser,  and a local
mutual fund company that operates  nationally  and  specializes  in working with
banks. We are poised to provide solid investment performance and service."


Peoples Heritage Financial Group is a $10 billion multi-state bank and financial
services  holding company  headquartered  in Portland,  Maine. Its Maine banking
affiliate,  Peoples Heritage Bank, has the state's leading deposit market share.
Its New Hampshire  banking  affiliate,  Bank of New  Hampshire,  has the state's
leading deposit market share. Family Bank, the Company's  Massachusetts  banking
subsidiary,  has the state's tenth largest  deposit market share and the leading
market  share  in many of the  northern  Massachusetts  communities  it  serves.
Peoples  affiliate  banks  also  operate  subsidiaries  in  leasing,  trust  and
investment services and insurance.

FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP:
Headquarters:   Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101
President:      John Y. Keffer
Offices:        Portland, Seattle, Warsaw, Bermuda

   *Established in 1986 to administer  mutual funds for  independent  investment
   advisers   and  banks   *Among  the   nation's   largest   third-party   fund
   administrators
   *Uses  proprietary  in-house  systems and custom  programming capabilities

                                      D-3
<PAGE>

          *Administration and  Distribution  Services:  Regulatory,  compliance,
               expense accounting, budgeting for all funds

*Fund   Accounting   Services:   Portfolio   valuation,   accounting,   dividend
declaration, and tax advice
          *Shareholder   Services:   Preparation  of  statements,   distribution
               support, inquiries and processing of trades

   *Client Assets under Administration and Distribution:  $73 billion
   *Client Assets Processed by Fund Accounting:  $53 billion
   *Client Funds under Administration and Distribution: 181 mutual funds with 89
         share classes *International Ventures: Joint venture with Bank Handlowy
         in  Warsaw,  Poland,  using  Forum's  proprietary  transfer  agency and
         distribution systems;  Off-shore investment fund administration,  using
         Bermuda as Forum's center of operations *Forum Employees: United States
         -215, Poland - 180, Bermuda - 4


FORUM CONTACTS:
John Burns, Director, Forum Investment Advisors, LLC, (207) 879-1900 X 6132 Tony
Santaniello, Director of Marketing, (207) 879-1900 X 6175

H.M. PAYSON & CO.:
Headquarters:  One Portland Square, Portland, Maine
President and Managing Director:  John Walker
Quality investment services and conservative wealth management since 1854
   *Assets under Management: $1.25 Billion
   *Non-managed Custody Assets: $412 Million
   *Client Base: 85% individuals; 15% institutional
   *Owned by 11 shareholders; 10 managing directors
         *Payson Balanced Fund and Payson Value Fund  (administrative  and
          shareholder services provided by Forum Financial Group)

   *Employees: 45

H.M. PAYSON & CO. CONTACT:
Joel Harris, Marketing Coordinator, (207) 772-3761


                                      D-4
<PAGE>


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                 AUGUST 1, 1999

                            AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000





                         INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND
                               INVESTORS BOND FUND
                               TAXSAVER BOND FUND
                            MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
                             NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND


INVESTMENT ADVISER:


         Forum Investment Advisers, LLC
         Two Portland Square
         Portland, Maine 04101

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (207) 879-0001
         (800) 94FORUM
         (800) 943-6786

This  Statement  of  Additional   Information   (the  "SAI")   supplements   the
Prospectuses dated August 1, 1999, as may be amended from time to time, offering
shares of Investors  High Grade Bond Fund,  Investors  Bond Fund,  TaxSaver Bond
Fund,  Maine  Municipal Bond Fund,  and New Hampshire  Bond Fund,  five separate
series of Forum Funds, a registered, open-end management investment company (the
"Trust").  This SAI is not a prospectus  and should only be read in  conjunction
with the  Prospectus  applicable  to each Fund.  You may  obtain any  Prospectus
relating to a Fund without charge by contacting Forum Shareholder Services,  LLC
at the address or telephone number listed above.

Financial  Statements for each Fund for the year ended March 31, 1999,  included
in the  Annual  Report  to  shareholders,  are  incorporated  into  this  SAI by
reference.  Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained,  without  charge,  upon
request  by  contacting  Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC  at the  address  or
telephone number listed above.



<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


Glossary......................................................................1


1.  Investment Policies And Risks.............................................2



2.  Certain Information Concerning The States Of Maine And New Hampshire.....14


3.  Investment Limitations...................................................21


4.  Performance Data And Advertising.........................................32


5.  Management...............................................................36



6.  Portfolio Transactions...................................................41


7.  Purchase And Redemption Information......................................44


8.  Taxation.................................................................47


9.  Other Matters............................................................52


Appendix A - Description Of Securities Ratings..............................A-1


Appendix B - Miscellaneous Tables...........................................B-1


Appendix C - Performance Data...............................................C-1


Appendix D - Additional Advertising Materials...............................D-1




<PAGE>

                                    GLOSSARY


As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.

         "Adviser" means Forum Investment Advisers, LLC.

         "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


         "Custodian" means the custodian of each Fund's assets.

         "FAcS" means Forum  Accounting  Services,  LLC, the fund  accountant of
          each Fund.


         "FAdS" means Forum Administrative  Services,  LLC, the administrator of
          each Fund.


         "Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.


         "FFS" means Forum Fund  Services,  LLC, the  distributor of each Fund's
          shares.

          "FFSI" means Forum Financial  Services,  Inc., the distributor of each
          Fund's shares prior to August 1, 1999.

         "FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the transfer agent of each
          fund.

         "Fund" means each of  Investors  High Grade Bond Fund,  Investors  Bond
         Fund,  TaxSaver Bond Fund,  Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New Hampshire
         Bond Fund.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

         "NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

         "NAV" means net asset value per share.

         "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, A Division of the McGraw Hill Companies.

         "Trust" means Forum Funds.

          "U.S.Government  Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by
          the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

         "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.



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                        1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS


Investors High Grade Bond Fund is a diversified series of the Trust, and each of
Investors  Bond Fund,  TaxSaver Bond Fund,  Maine  Municipal  Bond Fund, and New
Hampshire  Bond Fund is a  non-diversified  series of the  Trust.  This  section
discusses in greater detail than each Fund's Prospectus certain investments that
the Fund may make. A Fund will make only those investments  described below that
are in accordance with its investment objectives and policies.

A.       SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION


A Fund's  investments in debt  securities are subject to credit risk relating to
the financial condition of the issuers of the securities that the Fund holds. To
limit  credit  risk,  Investors  High  Grade  Bond Fund may only  invest in debt
securities rated in one of the three highest rating  categories by an NRSRO. The
Fund may also invest in commercial paper, bankers  acceptances,  certificates of
deposits  and other  money  market  instruments  rated in one of the two highest
rating  categories  by an  NRSRO.  The  lowest  rated  corporate  bond in  which
Investors  High Grade Bond may invest is "A" in the case of  Moody's,  S&P,  and
Fitch and the lowest rated  preferred  stock in which the Fund may invest is "a"
in the case of Moody's  and "A" in the case of S&P.  Each  other Fund  primarily
invests in debt securities  considered to be investment grade.  Investment grade
securities  are rated in the top four  long-term  rating  categories  or the two
highest  short-term  categories by an NRSRO or are unrated and determined by the
Adviser to be of  comparable  quality.  The lowest  ratings that are  investment
grade for corporate bonds, including convertible bonds, are "Baa" in the case of
Moody's and "BBB" in the case of S&P and Fitch; for preferred stock are "Baa" in
the case of Moody's and "BBB" in the case of S&P.


Investors Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets, TaxSaver Bond Fund
may invest up to 25% of its total assets,  and Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New
Hampshire  Bond  Fund  may  each  invest  up to 20% of  their  total  assets  in
securities  rated  below  investment  grade.   Non-investment  grade  securities
(commonly known as "junk bonds") have  significant  speculative  characteristics
and  generally  involve  greater  volatility  of  price  than  investment  grade
securities.   Unrated  securities  may  not  be  as  actively  traded  as  rated
securities. A Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the
lowest  permissible  rating  category (or that are unrated and determined by the
Adviser to be of comparable  quality to securities whose rating has been lowered
below the lowest  permissible  rating  category) if the Adviser  determines that
retaining  such  security  is in the  best  interests  of the  Fund.  Because  a
downgrade often results in a reduction in the market price of the security, sale
of a downgraded security may result in a loss.

Moody's,  S&P and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description of the range of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other
securities  by several  NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this SAI. A Fund may
use these  ratings to determine  whether to  purchase,  sell or hold a security.
Ratings are general and are not absolute  standards of quality.  Securities with
the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. If
an issue of  securities  ceases to be rated or if its rating is reduced after it
is  purchased  by a Fund,  the Adviser  will  determine  whether the Fund should
continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that the ratings given by a NRSRO
may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems,
the Adviser  will  attempt to  substitute  comparable  ratings.  Credit  ratings
attempt to evaluate  the safety of principal  and  interest  payments and do not
evaluate the risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Also,  rating agencies may
fail to make timely changes in credit  ratings.  An issuer's  current  financial
condition  may be better or worse than a rating  indicates.  Finally,  if two or
more  NRSROs  rate a security  differently,  the  Adviser may rely on the higher
rating.

B.       DEBT SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS.  Investors High Grade Bond Fund, Investors Bond Fund
and TaxSaver Bond Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations.  Corporate debt
obligations  include corporate bonds,  debentures,  notes,  commercial paper and


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<PAGE>

other  similar  corporate  debt  instruments.  These  instruments  are  used  by
companies to borrow money from  investors.  The issuer pays the investor a fixed
or variable  rate of interest  and must repay the amount  borrowed at  maturity.
Commercial paper (short-term  unsecured promissory notes) is issued by companies
to finance their current  obligations and normally has a maturity of less than 9
months.  Each Fund may also invest in corporate debt  securities  registered and
sold in the  United  States by  foreign  issuers  (Yankee  bonds) and those sold
outside  the United  States by foreign or U.S.  issuers  (Eurobonds).  Each Fund
restricts its purchases of these securities to issues denominated and payable in
United States dollars.  All obligations of non-U.S.  issuers purchased by a Fund
will be issued or  guaranteed  by a  sovereign  government,  by a  supranational
agency whose members are  sovereign  governments,  or by a U.S.  issuer in whose
debt securities the Fund can invest.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  Investors High Grade Bond Fund, Investors Bond Fund
and TaxSaver Bond Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government
Securities include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and by U.S. Government
agencies and  instrumentalities.  U.S. Government Securities may be supported by
the full  faith  and  credit  of the  United  States  (such as  mortgage-related
securities and certificates of the Government National Mortgage  Association and
securities of the Small Business Administration);  by the right of the issuer to
borrow from the U.S. Treasury (for example,  Federal Home Loan Bank securities);
by the  discretionary  authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the issuer (for
example,  Fannie  Mae  (formerly  the  Federal  National  Mortgage  Association)
securities);  or solely by the  creditworthiness  of the  issuer  (for  example,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation securities).

Holders of U.S. Government Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing
the  obligation  for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the
United States in the event that the agency or instrumentality  does not meet its
commitment.  No assurance  can be given that the U.S.  Government  would provide
support if it were not  obligated to do so by law.  Neither the U.S.  Government
nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities  guarantees the market value of the
securities they issue.

MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  Investors High Grade Bond Fund and Investors Bond
Fund may  invest in  mortgage-related  securities.  Mortgage-related  securities
represent  interests in a pool of mortgage  loans  originated by lenders such as
commercial  banks,  savings  associations  and  mortgage  bankers  and  brokers.
Mortgage-related  securities may be issued by governmental or government-related
entities or by non-governmental  entities such as special purpose trusts created
by commercial lenders.

Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in mortgage
loans.  The majority of these loans are made to  purchasers of 1-4 family homes.
The terms and characteristics of the mortgage  instruments are generally uniform
within a pool but may vary among pools. For example,  in addition to fixed-rate,
fixed-term  mortgages,  a Fund may purchase pools of adjustable-rate  mortgages,
growing equity mortgages,  graduated payment mortgages and other types. Mortgage
poolers apply  qualification  standards to lending  institutions which originate
mortgages for the pools as well as credit  standards and  underwriting  criteria
for  individual  mortgages  included in the pools.  In addition,  many mortgages
included in pools are insured through private mortgage insurance companies.

Mortgage-related  securities  differ from other forms of debt securities,  which
normally  provide  for  periodic  payment  of  interest  in fixed  amounts  with
principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates. Most mortgage-related
securities,  however,  are pass-through  securities,  which means that investors
receive  payments  consisting of a pro-rata share of both principal and interest
(less servicing and other fees), as well as unscheduled prepayments, as loans in
the  underlying  mortgage  pool  are  paid  off  by  the  borrowers.  Additional
prepayments to holders of these  securities are caused by prepayments  resulting
from the sale or foreclosure  of the  underlying  property or refinancing of the
underlying loans. As prepayment rates of individual pools of mortgage loans vary
widely,  it is  not  possible  to  predict  accurately  the  average  life  of a
particular  mortgage-related security.  Although mortgage-related securities are
issued  with  stated  maturities  of up to  forty  years,  unscheduled  or early
payments of principal and interest on the mortgages may shorten considerably the
securities' effective maturities.

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<PAGE>

GOVERNMENT  AND AGENCY  MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  The principal  issuers or
guarantors of  mortgage-related  securities are the Government National Mortgage
Association  ("GNMA"),  Fannie Mae ("FNMA")  and the Federal Home Loan  Mortgage
Corporation  ("FHLMC").  GNMA, a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development  ("HUD"),  creates  pass-through
securities from pools of government  guaranteed  (Federal  Housing  Authority or
Veterans   Administration)   mortgages.  The  principal  and  interest  on  GNMA
pass-through  securities  are  backed by the full  faith and  credit of the U.S.
Government.

FNMA, which is a U.S. Government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private
stockholders that is subject to regulation by the Secretary of HUD, and FHLMC, a
corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government,  issue pass-through securities
from pools of conventional and federally insured and/or  guaranteed  residential
mortgages.  FNMA  guarantees  full  and  timely  payment  of  all  interest  and
principal,  and  FHMLC  guarantees  timely  payment  of  interest  and  ultimate
collection  of  principal  of  its  pass-through  securities.   Mortgage-related
securities  from FNMA and FHLMC are not  backed by the full  faith and credit of
the U.S. Government.

PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES.  Investors Bond Fund may invest in
privately  issued  mortgage-related   securities.   Mortgage-related  securities
offered by private issuers include pass-through securities comprised of pools of
conventional  residential  mortgage  loans;  mortgage-backed  bonds,  which  are
considered to be debt  obligations of the institution  issuing the bonds and are
collateralized  by  mortgage  loans;  and  bonds  and  collateralized   mortgage
obligations that are  collateralized  by  mortgage-related  securities issued by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC or by pools of conventional  mortgages of multi-family or of
commercial mortgage loans.


Privately-issued  mortgage-related  securities  generally offer a higher rate of
interest (but greater credit and interest rate risk) than  securities  issued by
U.S.  Government  issuers  because there are no direct or indirect  governmental
guarantees   of  payment.   Many   non-governmental   issuers  or  servicers  of
mortgage-related securities guarantee or provide insurance for timely payment of
interest  and  principal  on the  securities.  The market  for  privately-issued
mortgage-related  securities  is  smaller  and less  liquid  than the market for
mortgage-related  securities issued by U.S. government  issuers.  Investors High
Grade Bond Fund may not invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities.

STRIPPED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. Investors Bond Fund may invest in stripped
mortgage-related   securities.    Stripped   mortgage-related   securities   are
multi-class  mortgage-related  securities  that are  created by  separating  the
securities into their  principal and interest  components and selling each piece
separately. Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two
classes  that  receive  different  proportions  of the  interest  and  principal
distributions in a pool of mortgage  assets.  Investors High Grade Bond Fund may
not invest in stripped mortgage-related securities.


ADJUSTABLE  RATE  MORTGAGE  SECURITIES.   Adjustable  rate  mortgage  securities
("ARMs") are pass-through securities representing interests in pools of mortgage
loans  with  adjustable  interest  rates that are reset at  periodic  intervals,
usually by reference to some interest rate index or market  interest  rate,  and
that may be subject to certain limits.  Although the rate adjustment feature may
reduce  sharp  changes  in  the  value  of  adjustable  rate  securities,  these
securities  can change in value  based on changes  in market  interest  rates or
changes in the issuer's creditworthiness.  Changes in the interest rates on ARMs
may lag behind changes in prevailing market interest rates. This may result in a
slightly lower net value until the interest rate resets to market rates. Thus, a
Fund could suffer some principal loss if the Fund sold the securities before the
interest  rates on the  underlying  mortgages  were adjusted to reflect  current
market rates. Some adjustable rate securities (or the underlying  mortgages) are
subject  to caps or floors,  that limit the  maximum  change in  interest  rates
during a specified period or over the life of the security.

COLLATERALIZED   MORTGAGE  OBLIGATIONS.   Collateralized   mortgage  obligations
("CMOs") are  multiple-class  debt obligations that are fully  collateralized by
mortgage-related  pass-through  securities  or by pools of mortgages  ("Mortgage
Assets").  Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage  Assets are passed
through  to the  holders  of the CMOs as they  are  received,  although  certain
classes  (often  referred to as  "tranches")  of CMOs have  priority  over other
classes with respect to the receipt of mortgage prepayments.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Multi-class mortgage  pass-through  securities are interests in trusts that hold
Mortgage  Assets  and  that  have  multiple  classes  similar  to those of CMOs.
Payments of principal of and interest on the underlying  Mortgage Assets (and in
the case of CMOs, any  reinvestment  income  thereon)  provide funds to pay debt
service  on the  CMOs  or to make  scheduled  distributions  on the  multi-class
mortgage  pass-through  securities.  Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide
payments  of  principal  on each  payment  date to more  than one  class.  These
simultaneous  payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity
date or  final  distribution  date of  each  class,  which,  as with  other  CMO
structures,  must be retired by its stated  maturity date or final  distribution
date but may be retired earlier.  Planned  amortization  class  mortgage-related
securities  ("PAC Bonds") are a form of parallel pay CMO. PAC Bonds are designed
to provide  relatively  predictable  payments of principal  provided that, among
other things, the actual prepayment  experience on the underlying mortgage loans
falls within a  contemplated  range.  CMOs may have  complicated  structures and
generally involve more risks than simpler forms of mortgage-related securities.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  Investors High Grade Bond Fund and Investors Bond Fund
may  invest in  asset-backed  securities.  Asset-backed  securities,  which have
structural  characteristics  similar  to  mortgage-related  securities  but have
underlying  assets that are not mortgage  loans or interests in mortgage  loans.
Asset-backed securities represent fractional interests in, or are secured by and
payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sales contracts,
installment  loan  contracts,  leases  of  various  types of real  and  personal
property  and  receivables  from  revolving  credit (for  example,  credit card)
agreements. Assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose
corporations  that issue  securities  that are often  backed by a pool of assets
representing  the  obligations  of a number of different  parties.  Asset-backed
securities   have   structures   and   characteristics   similar   to  those  of
mortgage-related  securities and,  accordingly,  are subject to many of the same
risks, although often, to a greater extent.


MUNICIPAL  SECURITIES.  TaxSaver Bond Fund,  Maine  Municipal  Bond Fund and New
Hampshire Bond Fund may invest in municipal securities. Municipal securities are
issued by the states,  territories and  possessions of the United States,  their
political  subdivisions  (such  as  cities,  counties  and  towns)  and  various
authorities   (such   as   public   housing   or   redevelopment   authorities),
instrumentalities,  public  corporations  and special  districts (such as water,
sewer or sanitary  districts) of the states,  territories and possessions of the
United States or their political subdivisions. In addition, municipal securities
include  securities  issued by or on behalf of  public  authorities  to  finance
various privately  operated  facilities,  such as industrial  development bonds,
that are backed  only by the assets and  revenues of the  non-governmental  user
(such as hospitals and airports).  Normally,  TaxSaver Bond Fund will not invest
greater  than 25% of its  total  assets in  issuers  located  in any one  state,
territory or  possession.  New  Hampshire  Bond Fund may invest up to 25% of its
total assets in municipal  securities issued by Puerto Rico, other United States
territories or possessions and their subdivisions,  authorities and corporations
the income  from which is not  subject  to Federal  income tax or New  Hampshire
state interest and dividends  taxes.  Maine Municipal Bond Fund may invest up to
25% of its total assets in issuers located in any one territory or possession of
the United States.

Municipal  securities  are  issued  to  obtain  funds  for a  variety  of public
purposes,  including  general  financing  for state and  local  governments,  or
financing for specific projects or public facilities.  Municipal  securities are
classified as general  obligation or revenue bonds or notes.  General obligation
securities  are secured by the  issuer's  pledge of its full  faith,  credit and
taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.  Revenue  securities are
payable from revenue derived from a particular facility,  class of facilities or
the proceeds of a special  excise tax or other  specific  revenue source but not
from the issuer's general taxing power.  TaxSaver Bond Fund will not invest more
than 25% of its total assets in a single type of revenue bond.  Private activity
bonds and industrial  revenue bonds do not carry the pledge of the credit of the
issuing  municipality,  but generally are guaranteed by the corporate  entity on
whose behalf they are issued.


Municipal leases are entered into by state and local governments and authorities
to  acquire  equipment  and  facilities  such as fire and  sanitation  vehicles,
telecommunications  equipment and other assets. Municipal leases (which normally
provide  for title to the leased  assets to pass  eventually  to the  government
issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and
equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory  requirements for the
issuance of debt. The debt-issuance  limitations of many state constitutions and


                                       5
<PAGE>

statutes are deemed to be  inapplicable  because of the inclusion in many leases
or contracts of  "non-appropriation"  clauses that provide that the governmental
issuer has no  obligation  to make future  payments  under the lease or contract
unless money is  appropriated  for such purpose by the  appropriate  legislative
body on a yearly or other periodic basis.


VARIABLE  AND  FLOATING  RATE  SECURITIES.  Each Fund may invest in variable and
floating rate  securities.  Debt  securities  have variable or floating rates of
interest and, under certain limited  circumstances,  may have varying  principal
amounts.  These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted  periodically
according to a specified formula, usually with reference to one or more interest
rate indices or market  interest rates (the  "underlying  index").  The interest
paid on these  securities is a function  primarily of the underlying  index upon
which the  interest  rate  adjustments  are based.  These  adjustments  minimize
changes  in the  market  value of the  obligation.  Similar  to fixed  rate debt
instruments,  variable and floating rate  instruments  are subject to changes in
value  based on changes  in market  interest  rates or  changes in the  issuer's
creditworthiness.  The  rate  of  interest  on  securities  may be  tied to U.S.
Government  Securities or indices on those  securities as well as any other rate
of interest or index.  Certain  variable rate  securities pay interest at a rate
that  varies  inversely  to  prevailing  short-term  interest  rates  (sometimes
referred  to as  "inverse  floaters").  Certain  inverse  floaters  may  have an
interest  rate reset  mechanism  that  multiplies  the effects of changes in the
underlying  index.  This mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value while increasing the security's yield.


Variable and floating rate demand notes of  corporations  are redeemable  upon a
specified period of notice.  These obligations  include master demand notes that
permit investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying interest rates under direct
arrangements with the issuer of the instrument.  The issuer of these obligations
often has the right,  after a given period, to prepay the outstanding  principal
amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice.

Certain  securities may have an initial  principal  amount that varies over time
based on an interest rate index, and,  accordingly,  a Fund might be entitled to
less than the  initial  principal  amount of the  security  upon the  security's
maturity.  A Fund  intends to purchase  these  securities  only when the Adviser
believes the interest  income from the instrument  justifies any principal risks
associated with the  instrument.  The Adviser may attempt to limit any potential
loss of principal by purchasing similar instruments that are intended to provide
an offsetting increase in principal.  There can be no assurance that the Adviser
will be able to limit the effects of principal fluctuations and, accordingly,  a
Fund may  incur  losses on those  securities  even if held to  maturity  without
issuer default.

There may not be an active  secondary  market  for any  particular  floating  or
variable rate  instruments,  which could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose
of the  instrument  during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise any
demand  rights it may have. A Fund could,  for this or other  reasons,  suffer a
loss with respect to those  instruments.  The Adviser  monitors the liquidity of
each Fund's investment in variable and floating rate instruments,  but there can
be no guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.

STAND-BY  COMMITMENTS.  TaxSaver Bond Fund,  Maine  Municipal  Bond Fund and New
Hampshire Bond Fund may purchase municipal  securities on a stand-by  commitment
basis. A stand-by  commitment is the right to resell a security to the seller at
an agreed upon price or yield  within a specified  period  prior to its maturity
date.  Securities with a stand-by commitment are generally more expensive if the
same securities were without the commitment.  Stand-by  commitments allow a Fund
to invest in a security  while  preserving  its liquidity to meet  unanticipated
redemptions.  A Fund will enter  into  stand-by  commitments  only with banks or
municipal  security  dealers that the Adviser believes have minimal credit risk.
The value of a stand-by  commitment is dependent on the ability of the writer to
meet its repurchase obligation.

PARTICIPATION  INTERESTS.  TaxSaver Bond Fund, Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New
Hampshire  Bond  Fund  may  invest  in  participation  interests.  Participation
interests  are  interests  in loans  or  securities  in which a Fund may  invest
directly that are owned by banks or other institutions. A participation interest
gives  a  Fund  an  undivided  proportionate  interest  in a  loan  or  security
determined by the Fund's investment.  Participation interests may carry a demand
feature  permitting the holder to tender the interests back to the bank or other
institution.  Participation interests, however, do not provide the Fund with any
right to enforce  compliance by the borrower,  nor any rights of set-off against
the borrower and the  Portfolio  may not  directly  benefit from any  collateral
supporting the loan in which it purchased a participation interest. As a result,


                                       6
<PAGE>

the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is
selling the participation interest.

2.       RISKS

GENERAL. The market value of the interest-bearing debt securities held by a Fund
will be  affected  by changes in  interest  rates.  There is normally an inverse
relationship  between the market value of  securities  sensitive  to  prevailing
interest  rates and actual changes in interest  rates.  The longer the remaining
maturity  (and  duration) of a security,  the more  sensitive the security is to
changes in  interest  rates.  All debt  securities,  including  U.S.  Government
Securities,  can  change  in value  when  there is a change in  interest  rates.
Changes in the ability of an issuer to make  payments of interest and  principal
and in the markets' perception of an issuer's  creditworthiness will also affect
the market value of that issuer's debt securities. As a result, an investment in
a Fund is subject to risk even if all debt  securities in the Fund's  investment
portfolio are paid in full at maturity. In addition, certain debt securities may
be subject to  extension  risk,  which refers to the change in total return on a
security resulting from an extension or abbreviation of the security's maturity.

Yields on debt securities,  including municipal  securities,  are dependent on a
variety of factors,  including  the general  conditions  of the debt  securities
markets, the size of a particular  offering,  the maturity of the obligation and
the rating of the issue.  Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce
higher  yields  and are  generally  subject  to  greater  price  movements  than
obligations with shorter maturities.  A portion of the municipal securities held
by a Fund may be supported by credit and liquidity enhancements, such as letters
of credit (which are not covered by federal deposit insurance) or puts or demand
features of third party financial  institutions,  generally domestic and foreign
banks.

The issuers of debt  securities  are subject to the  provisions  of  bankruptcy,
insolvency  and other laws  affecting the rights and remedies of creditors  that
may  restrict the ability of the issuer to pay,  when due, the  principal of and
interest on its debt securities.  The possibility  exists therefore,  that, as a
result of bankruptcy,  litigation or other conditions,  the ability of an issuer
to pay,  when due,  the  principal of and  interest on its debt  securities  may
become impaired.

CREDIT RISK.  Each Fund's  investments in debt  securities are subject to credit
risk relating to the financial  condition of the issuers of the securities  that
each Fund holds. To limit credit risk,  Investors High Grade Bond Fund generally
invests in debt  securities  rated in the three highest rating  categories by an
NRSRO and each other  generally buys debt  securities  that are rated in the top
four long-term rating categories by an NRSRO or in the top two short-term rating
categories by an NRSRO. Moody's,  Standard & Poor's and other NRSROs are private
services  that  provide  ratings  of the  credit  quality  of debt  obligations,
including convertible securities. A description of the range of ratings assigned
to various types of securities by several  NRSROs is included in Appendix B. The
Adviser may use these ratings to determine  whether to purchase,  sell or hold a
security.  Ratings are not,  however,  absolute  standards  of  quality.  Credit
ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments and do
not evaluate the risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Consequently,  similar
securities with the same rating may have different  market prices.  In addition,
rating  agencies  may fail to make  timely  changes  in credit  ratings  and the
issuer's  current  financial  condition  may be  better  or worse  than a rating
indicates.

Each Fund may retain a security that ceases to be rated or whose rating has been
lowered  below the Fund's  lowest  permissible  rating  category  if the Adviser
determines  that  retaining  the security is in the best  interests of the Fund.
Because a  downgrade  often  results in a reduction  in the market  price of the
security, sale of a downgraded security may result in a loss.

Each Fund may purchase  unrated  securities if the Adviser  determines  that the
security  is of  comparable  quality  to a rated  security  that  the  Fund  may
purchase. Unrated securities may not be as actively traded as rated securities.

MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  The value of  mortgage-related  securities may be
significantly  affected by changes in interest rates, the markets' perception of
issuers, the structure of the securities and the creditworthiness of the parties


                                       7
<PAGE>

involved.  The  ability  of a  Fund  to  successfully  utilize  mortgage-related
securities depends in part upon the ability of the Advisers to forecast interest
rates and other economic factors  correctly.  Some  mortgage-related  securities
have  structures  that make their  reaction to interest  rate  changes and other
factors difficult to predict.

Prepayments  of  principal  of  mortgage-related  securities  by  mortgagors  or
mortgage   foreclosures   affect  the  average  life  of  the   mortgage-related
securities.  The  occurrence  of  mortgage  prepayments  is  affected by various
factors, including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the
location and age of the mortgages and other social and  demographic  conditions.
In periods of rising  interest  rates,  the  prepayment  rate tends to decrease,
lengthening  the  average  life of a pool  of  mortgage-related  securities.  In
periods  of falling  interest  rates,  the  prepayment  rate tends to  increase,
shortening the average life of a pool. The volume of prepayments of principal on
the mortgages underlying a particular  mortgage-related  security will influence
the yield of that security,  affecting the Fund's yield.  Because prepayments of
principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that a
Fund, to the extent it retains the same percentage of debt securities,  may have
to reinvest the proceeds of  prepayments  at lower  interest rates than those of
their previous investments.  If this occurs, a Fund's yield will correspondingly
decline. Thus,  mortgage-related  securities may have less potential for capital
appreciation in periods of falling  interest rates (when prepayment of principal
is more likely) than other debt securities of comparable duration, although they
may have a  comparable  risk of  decline  in market  value in  periods of rising
interest  rates. A decrease in the rate of prepayments  may extend the effective
maturities of mortgage-related securities, reducing their sensitivity to changes
in market interest rates. To the extent that a Fund's purchase  mortgage-related
securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments,  which are made at par, result
in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

To lessen the effect of the  failures by  obligors  on  Mortgage  Assets to make
payments,  CMOs and other  mortgage-related  securities may contain  elements of
credit  enhancement,  consisting  of  either  (1)  liquidity  protection  or (2)
protection  against  losses  resulting  after  default  by  an  obligor  on  the
underlying  assets and allocation of all amounts  recoverable  directly from the
obligor  and through  liquidation  of the  collateral.  This  protection  may be
provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by
the issuer or sponsor from third parties,  through  various means of structuring
the  transaction  or  through a  combination  of these.  A Fund will not pay any
additional  fees  for  credit  enhancements  for  mortgage-related   securities,
although the credit  enhancement may increase the costs of the  mortgage-related
securities.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Like mortgages underlying mortgage-related  securities,
the  collateral  underlying  asset-backed  securities are subject to prepayment,
which may reduce the  overall  return to  holders  of  asset-backed  securities.
Asset-backed  securities present certain additional and unique risks. Primarily,
these  securities  do not always  have the  benefit of a  security  interest  in
collateral comparable to the security interests associated with mortgage-related
securities.  Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are
entitled  to the  protection  of a number of state and federal  consumer  credit
laws,  many of which give such debtors the right to set-off certain amounts owed
on the credit cards,  thereby reducing the balance due.  Automobile  receivables
generally are secured by  automobiles.  Most issuers of  automobile  receivables
permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If
the servicer were to sell these  obligations to another  party,  there is a risk
that the purchaser would acquire an interest  superior to that of the holders of
the  asset-backed  securities.  In  addition,  because  of the  large  number of
vehicles  involved in a typical  issuance and the technical  requirements  under
state laws,  the trustee for the holders of the automobile  receivables  may not
have a proper security interest in the underlying automobiles.  As a result, the
risk that recovery on repossessed  collateral might be unavailable or inadequate
to support  payments on  asset-backed  securities  is greater  for  asset-backed
securities  than  for   mortgage-related   securities.   In  addition,   because
asset-backed  securities  are  relatively  new, the market  experience  in these
securities is limited and the market's ability to sustain  liquidity through all
phases of an interest rate or economic cycle has not been tested.

NON-INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES. Each Fund except Investors High Grade Bond Fund
may invest in securities  rated below the fourth highest  rating  category by an
NRSRO or which are unrated and judged by the Adviser to be  comparable  quality.
Such  high  risk  securities  (commonly  referred  to as "junk  bonds")  are not
considered  to  be  investment  grade  and  have  speculative  or  predominantly
speculative characteristics.  Non-investment grade, high risk securities provide
poor  protection  for payment of  principal  and  interest  but may have greater
potential for capital  appreciation  than do higher  quality  securities.  These


                                       8
<PAGE>

lower rated  securities  involve greater risk of default or price changes due to
changes in the issuers' creditworthiness than do higher quality securities.  The
market for these  securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher
quality  securities,  which  may  affect  the  price at which  the  lower  rated
securities can be sold. In addition, the market prices of lower rated securities
may fluctuate more than the market prices of higher  quality  securities and may
decline  significantly  in  periods  of general  economic  difficulty  or rising
interest rates.

C.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES

1.       GENERAL

Investors  High Grade Bond Fund,  Investors  Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund do
not currently invest in options and futures contracts.  In the future, each Fund
may seek to hedge  against a decline  in the value of  securities  it owns or an
increase in the price of  securities  that it plans to  purchase  by  purchasing
options and writing (selling)  covered options.  Each Fund may purchase or write
options on securities in which it invests and on any  securities  index based in
whole or in part on securities in which it may invest.

A Fund may buy and sell  interest  rate  futures  contracts  on Treasury  bills,
Treasury bonds and on other financial  instruments.  TaxSaver Bond Fund may also
purchase and sell municipal bond index futures  contracts.  A Fund may write put
and call options and purchase options on permissible  futures contracts.  A Fund
may only  invest in  options  traded on an  exchange  or in an  over-the-counter
market.

2.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES.  A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of
the call option, in return for a premium paid, has the right to buy the security
(or index)  underlying  the  option at a  specified  exercise  price at any time
during the term of the option.  The writer of the call option,  who receives the
premium,  has  the  obligation  upon  exercise  of the  option  to  deliver  the
underlying  security  against  payment of the exercise price. A put option gives
its  purchaser,  in  return  for a  premium,  the  right to sell the  underlying
security at a specified  price during the term of the option.  The writer of the
put, who receives the premium,  has the  obligation to buy, upon exercise of the
option,  the  underlying  security  (or a cash amount  equal to the value of the
index) at the exercise  price.  The amount of a premium  received or paid for an
option  is  based  upon  certain  factors,  including  the  market  price of the
underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price,
the historical price volatility of the underlying  security,  the option period,
and interest rates.

OPTIONS ON INDICES.  An index assigns  relative  values to the securities in the
index,  and the  index  fluctuates  with  changes  in the  market  values of the
securities  included in the index.  Index options operate in the same way as the
more  traditional  options on  securities  except that index options are settled
exclusively  in cash and do not  involve  delivery  of  securities.  Thus,  upon
exercise of index options, the purchaser will realize and the writer will pay an
amount based on the differences between the exercise price and the closing price
of the index.

OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES.  Options on futures  contracts  are  similar to options on
securities  except that an option on a futures  contract gives the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract rather than to purchase or sell security, at a specified exercise price
at any time during the period of the option.  Upon  exercise of the option,  the
delivery of the futures position to the holder of the option will be accompanied
by transfer to the holder of an accumulated  balance  representing the amount by
which the market price of the futures contract  exceeds,  in the case of a call,
or is less than,  in the case of a put, the exercise  price of the option on the
future.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is a bilateral
agreement where one party agrees to accept,  and the other party agrees to make,
delivery of cash,  an underlying  debt security or a currency,  as called for in
the  contract,  at a specified  date and at an agreed  upon price.  A bond index
futures contract involves the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified
dollar amount  multiplied by the difference  between the bond index value at the
close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures  contract is


                                       9
<PAGE>

originally  struck. No physical delivery of the securities  comprising the index
is  made.  Generally,  these  futures  contracts  are  closed  out  prior to the
expiration date of the contracts.

3.       LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS AND FUTURES

The Fund will not hedge  more than 30% of its total  assets by  selling  futures
contracts,  buying put options and writing call options.  In addition,  the Fund
will not buy futures  contracts  or write put  options  whose  underlying  value
exceed 5% of a Fund's total  assets.  A Fund will also not purchase call options
if the underlying  value of all such options would exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. A Fund will not enter into futures contracts and options, if immediately
thereafter,  more than 5% of the Fund's  total assets would be invested in these
options or committed to margin on futures contracts.

4.       RISKS

There  are  certain   investment  risks  associated  with  options  and  futures
transactions.  These risks include:  (1) dependence on the Adviser's  ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect  correlations between movements in the
prices of options and  movements  in the price of the  securities  (or  indices)
hedged or used for  cover  which may  cause a given  hedge  not to  achieve  its
objective;  (3) the fact that the skills and  techniques  needed to trade  these
instruments  are different from those needed to select the securities in which a
Fund invest; and (4) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist
for any particular instrument at any particular time, which, among other things,
may hinder a Fund's ability to limit exposures by closing its positions.

Other  risks  include the  inability  of a Fund,  as the writer of covered  call
options, to benefit from any appreciation of the underlying securities above the
exercise  price,  and the possible  loss of the entire  premium paid for options
purchased by the Fund. In addition,  the futures  exchanges may limit the amount
of fluctuation  permitted in certain futures  contract prices on related options
during a single  trading day. A Fund may be forced,  therefore,  to liquidate or
close out a futures contract  position at a disadvantageous  price.  There is no
assurance that a counterparty in an over-the-counter  option transaction will be
able to perform its obligations.  A Fund may use various futures  contracts that
are relatively  new  instruments  without a significant  trading  history.  As a
result,  there  can be no  assurance  that an active  secondary  market in those
contracts will develop or continue to exist. A Fund's  activities in the futures
and options markets may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and additional
brokerage costs, which could reduce a Fund's yield or return.

D.       ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

No Fund may  acquire  securities  or invest in  repurchase  agreements  if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be
invested in illiquid securities.

The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which a Fund has valued the  securities.  Illiquid  securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days (2) purchased  over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;  and (4) except as  otherwise  determined  by the  Adviser,
securities  subject to contractual or legal  restrictions on resale because they
have not been registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities").

2.       RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and a Fund might also have to register a  restricted  security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting  in expense and delay.  A Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions.  There can be


                                       10
<PAGE>

no assurance  that a liquid market will exist for any security at any particular
time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to be liquid,
can become illiquid.

3.       DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

E.       REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

1.       GENERAL

Each  Fund may enter  into  repurchase  agreements.  Repurchase  agreements  are
transactions  in which a Fund  purchases  securities  from a bank or  securities
dealer and simultaneously commits to resell the securities to the bank or dealer
at an  agreed-upon  date and at a price  reflecting  a market  rate of  interest
unrelated to the purchased security.  During the term of a repurchase agreement,
each Fund's custodian maintains  possession of the purchased  securities and any
underlying  collateral,  which  is  maintained  at not  less  than  100%  of the
repurchase  price.  Repurchase  agreements  allow a Fund to earn  income  on its
uninvested  cash  for  periods  as  short  as  overnight,  while  retaining  the
flexibility to pursue longer-term investments.

2.       RISKS

Repurchase  Agreements  involve  credit  risk.  Credit  risk is the risk  that a
counterparty to a transaction will be unable to honor its financial  obligation.
In the event that  bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar  proceedings are commenced
against a counterparty, a Fund may have difficulties in exercising its rights to
the underlying securities or currencies,  as applicable.  A Fund may incur costs
and expensive time delays in disposing of the  underlying  securities and it may
suffer a loss.  Failure by the other  party to deliver a  security  or  currency
purchased by a Fund may result in a missed  opportunity  to make an  alternative
investment.  Favorable insolvency laws that allow a Fund, among other things, to
liquidate the collateral held in the event of the bankruptcy of the counterparty
reduce counterparty insolvency risk with respect to repurchase agreements

F.       LEVERAGE TRANSACTIONS

1.       GENERAL

Each Fund may use  leverage to increase  potential  returns.  Leverage  involves
special risks and may involve speculative investment techniques. Leverage exists
when cash made  available to a Fund through an  investment  technique is used to
make  additional  Fund  investments.  Borrowing  for  other  than  temporary  or
emergency  purposes,  lending  portfolio  securities,  entering into  purchasing
securities on a when-issued,  delayed  delivery or forward  commitment basis and
the use of  swaps  and  related  agreements  are  transactions  that  result  in
leverage. A Fund uses these investment techniques only when the Advisers believe
that the  leveraging  and the returns  available to the Fund from  investing the
cash will provide investors a potentially higher return.

                                       11
<PAGE>

BORROWING.  Each Fund may borrow  money from banks for  temporary  or  emergency
purposes in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund's  total  assets.  Each Fund may
borrow money for any other purposes so long as such borrowings do not exceed 10%
of the Fund's total assets. The purchase of securities is prohibited if a Fund's
borrowing exceeds 10% or more of the Fund's total assets.

SECURITIES  LENDING.  As a  fundamental  policy,  each  Fund may lend  portfolio
securities  in an amount up to 10% of its total  assets to brokers,  dealers and
other   financial   institutions.   Securities   loans   must  be   continuously
collateralized  and the collateral  must have market value at least equal to the
value of the Fund's loaned  securities,  plus accrued  interest.  In a portfolio
securities  lending  transaction,  a 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  as  well  as  the  interest  on the  collateral
securities, less any fees (such as 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.  The terms of a Fund's loans permit the
Fund to reacquire loaned  securities on five business days' notice or in time to
vote on any important matter.  Loans are subject to termination at the option of
a Fund or the borrower at any time, and the borrowed securities must be returned
when the loan is terminated.

WHEN-ISSUED  SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  A Fund may purchase securities
offered  on a  "when-issued"  basis and may  purchase  or sell  securities  on a
"forward  commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated,  the price,
which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment
is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date.
Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within two months after the  transaction,
but delayed  settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.  During the period
between a  commitment  and  settlement,  no payment  is made for the  securities
purchased by the purchaser and thus, no interest  accrues to the purchaser  from
the transaction.  At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund will record the transaction
as a purchase and  thereafter  reflect the value each day of such  securities in
determining its net asset value.

No Fund will enter into a  when-issued  or forward  commitment  if, as a result,
more  than  15%  of  the  Fund's   total  assets  would  be  committed  to  such
transactions.

SWAPS,  CAPS FLOORS AND COLLARS.  Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund may
enter into interest rate,  currency and mortgage (or other asset) swaps, and may
purchase and sell interest rate "caps,"  "floors" and  "collars."  Interest rate
swaps  involve the  exchange by a Fund and a  counterparty  of their  respective
commitments  to pay or receive  interest  (e.g.,  an exchange  of floating  rate
payments for fixed rate  payments).  Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate
swap  agreements,  except  that the  contractually-based  principal  amount (the
"notional principal amount") is tied to a reference pool of mortgages.  Currency
swaps'  notional  principal  amount is tied to one or more  currencies,  and the
exchange  commitments can involve payments in the same or different  currencies.
The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser,  to the extent that
a specified index exceeds a predetermined  interest rate, to receive payments of
interest on the notional  principal  amount from the party  selling the cap. The
purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser,  to the extent that a
specified  index falls below a  predetermined  value,  to receive  payments on a
notional  principal  amount from the party selling such floor. A collar entitles
the purchaser to receive payments to the extent a specified  interest rate falls
outside an agreed range.

A Fund will enter into these  transactions  primarily  to preserve a return or a
spread on a  particular  investment  or portion of its  portfolio  or to protect
against any interest rate fluctuations or increase in the price of securities it
anticipates purchasing at a later date. A Fund use these transactions as a hedge
and not as a speculative  investment,  and will enter into the  transactions  in
order to shift the Fund's  investment  exposure  from one type of  investment to
another.

The  use of  interest  rate  protection  transactions  is a  highly  specialized
activity that involves  investment  techniques  and risks  different  from those
associated  with  ordinary  portfolio  securities  transactions.  If an  Adviser
incorrectly  forecasts  market  values,  interest  rates  and  other  applicable
factors,  there may be considerable impact on a Fund's performance.  Even if the
Advisers are correct in their  forecasts,  there is a risk that the  transaction
may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

                                       12
<PAGE>

2.       RISKS

Leverage creates the risk of magnified capital losses. Losses incurred by a Fund
may be magnified by borrowings and other liabilities that exceed the equity base
of the Fund.  Leverage may involve the creation of a liability  that  requires a
Fund to pay  interest  (for  instance,  reverse  repurchase  agreements)  or the
creation of a liability  that does not entail any interest  costs (for instance,
forward commitment costs).

The risks of leverage include a higher  volatility of the net asset value of the
Fund's  securities and the  relatively  greater effect on the net asset value of
the securities caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as
a Fund is able to  realize a net  return  on its  investment  portfolio  that is
higher than interest expense  incurred,  if any,  leverage will result in higher
current net investment  income for the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged.
Changes  in  interest  rates  and  related  economic  factors  could  cause  the
relationship  between  the cost of  leveraging  and the  yield to change so that
rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative
to the yield on the  obligations  in which the proceeds of the  leveraging  have
been invested.  To the extent that the interest  expense  involved in leveraging
approaches  the net  return on a Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the  benefit of
leveraging will be reduced,  and, if the interest  expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to investors, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a
lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if
a Fund's  current  investment  income were not  sufficient  to meet the interest
expense of leveraging,  it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate  certain
of its investments at an inappropriate time.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. In order to attempt to reduce the risks involved in various
transactions  involving  leverage,  each  Fund's  custodian  will set  aside and
maintain,  in a segregated  account,  cash and liquid securities.  The account's
value,  which is  marked  to market  daily,  will be at least  equal to a Fund's
commitments under these transactions.

G.       CORE AND GATEWAY(R)

Each Fund may seek to achieve its  investment  objective by converting to a Core
and Gateway(R) structure. A Fund operating under a Core and Gateway(R) structure
holds,  as its only  investment,  shares of another  investment  company  having
substantially  the same  investment  objective and policies.  The Board will not
authorize  conversion to a Core and Gateway(R)  structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.  The Board will not convert a Fund to a
Core and Gateway(R) structure without notice to the shareholders.

H.       TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION

A Fund may hold cash or cash  equivalents,  such as high  quality  money  market
instruments,   pending   investment  and  to  provide   flexibility  in  meeting
redemptions and paying expenses.  Maine Municipal Bond Fund may invest up to 20%
of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents.

A Fund may also assume a temporary  defensive  position  and may invest  without
limit in commercial  paper and other money market  instruments that are of prime
quality.  Prime quality  instruments are those instruments that are rated in one
of the two highest  short-term  rating  categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated,
determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of return. The money market instruments in which a Fund may invest include
U.S. Government Securities,  time deposits, bankers acceptances and certificates
of deposit  corporate notes and short-term  bonds and money market mutual funds.
The money  market  instruments  in which a Fund may  invest  have  variable  and
floating rates of interest.


                                       13
<PAGE>




I.       YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and each Fund's  administrator  have addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems.  Each Fund's other service  providers  have informed the Fund that they
are taking similar measures.  Services provided to each Fund or any companies in
which it invests  could still be adversely  affected by a computer's  failure to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or each  Fund's  administrator,  there is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.


    2. CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE STATES OF MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE


A.       STATE OF MAINE

Material in this section has been compiled from numerous sources  including "The
Maine Economy:  Year-End Review and Outlook, 1998" prepared and published by the
Economics Division of the Maine State Planning Office;  "State of Maine,  Bureau
of the Budget,  Presentation to Bond Rating  Agencies,  May 1999;" and "State of
Maine  Presentation to Moody's  Investors  Service,  May 21, 1999." In addition,
certain  information was obtained from the Final Official Statement of the State
of Maine dated June 8, 1999,  and published in  connection  with the issuance on
June 22, 1999 of $71,285,000 State of Maine general  obligation bonds dated June
1, 1999. Other information  concerning Maine budgetary matters was obtained from
official  legislative  documents,  the Office of the  Commissioner  of the Maine
Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the Office of the Treasurer
of the  State of Maine,  the  Bureau of the  Budget of the Maine  Department  of
Administrative and Financial  Services,  the Office of Fiscal and Program Review
of the Maine  Legislature,  the Maine State Planning Office, and the Maine State
Retirement System. The most recent information concerning credit ratings on debt
issued by or on behalf of the State of Maine and its  subordinate  agencies  was
obtained from credit reports for the State of Maine published by S&P on June 16,
1999, by Moody's on June 7, 1999, and by Fitch on June 7, 1999.

Although  the  information  derived  from the above  sources is  believed  to be
accurate,  none of the information obtained from these sources has been verified
independently.  While the  following  summarizes  the most  current  information
available from the above  sources,  it does not reflect  economic  conditions or
developments that may have occurred or trends which may have materialized  since
the dates indicated.

The State of Maine, which includes nearly one-half of the total land area of the
six New England states,  currently has a population of approximately  1,242,000.
The  structure of the Maine economy is similar to that of the nation as a whole,
except  that  the  Maine   economy   historically   has  had  more  activity  in
manufacturing,  defense-related  activities,  and tourism,  and less activity in
finance and services.  Recently,  however, the manufacturing and defense-related
sectors  of  Maine's  economy  have  decreased  significantly,  and the  service
industry,  retail,  and  financial  services  sectors  of Maine's  economy  have
increased significantly.

During the 1980's,  Maine's economy surpassed national averages in virtually all
significant measures of economic growth. During this ten-year period, Maine real
economic  growth was 40% as measured by the Maine Economic Growth Index ("EGI"),
a broad-based measure of economic growth, which is corrected for inflation. This
economic  growth  compares to national real economic growth during the 1980's of
26% and 29%,  measured by the United States Economic Growth Index and real Gross
National Product respectively.  During this time period,  resident employment in
Maine increased by 21%, while resident employment  nationally  increased by 19%.
Inflation-adjusted retail sales in Maine during this period increased by 72%, as
opposed to a 32%  increase in such retail sales  nationally.  During the 1980's,
per capita  personal  income in Maine  rose from 44th in the nation in 1979,  to
26th in the nation in 1989,  or from 81% to 92% of the  national  average of per
capita personal income.

                                       14
<PAGE>

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 1989, however,  the Maine economy experienced
a substantial  temporary decline.  For example, the Maine economy sustained only
0.8% real growth in 1989, and experienced real growth of -1.1% in 1990 and -2.6%
in 1991.  Data show that the Maine economy began a sustained  decline during the
fourth  quarter  of  1989,  and  the  second  quarter  of 1991  saw the  seventh
consecutive quarterly decline in the Maine EGI. The third and fourth quarters of
1991  showed  barely  positive  economic  growth of 0.9% and 0.2%  respectively.
Economic  recovery  in Maine also has been  hindered  by  significant  losses in
defense-related  jobs, with the State losing since 1990 approximately 20% of its
defense-dependent  employment,  which peaked at 63,000 jobs in 1989.  During the
1989-1991 period also, the State lost 6% of its entire job base.

Since 1991 the Maine economy has  experienced  a modest and sustained  recovery,
and this  recovery  recently  has become  more  pronounced.  In the words of the
Economics  Division  of  the  Maine  State  Planning  Office,   "Maine  economic
performance  in 1998  was  the  best  in a  decade,  with  virtually  all  major
indicators describing improvement over a strong 1997. The Maine economic outlook
calls for  continued  steady  growth,  with coastal and southern  I-95  corridor
counties  outperforming  the  balance of the State.  The major  dampers on Maine
economic   performance  continue  to  be  slow  population  growth  and  ongoing
structural  shifts in employment  patterns from higher wage paying industries to
lower paying industries."

Specifically,  despite  consistent  economic  growth  in recent  years,  Maine's
population  grew by only 2% during the last decade.  This has caused  relatively
tight labor  markets in certain  parts of the State,  and, in the opinion of the
State Planning  Office,  such labor  shortages are inhibiting the ability of the
State's  economy to grow at a faster rate.  By  September of 1998,  75% of Maine
coastal  communities  and  Maine  communities  south  of the I-95  corridor  had
umemployment rates of less than 4%. In addition, during 1998, four of Maine's 16
counties  had average  unemployment  rates in the 3% range,  with York County at
3.1%, Sagadahoc County at 3.1%, Knox County at 3.2%, and Lincoln County at 3.3%.
Also, during 1987, one county,  Cumberland,  had an average unemployment rate of
only 2.4%.  These are almost  incompressibly-low  unemployment  rates. In short,
almost everyone in these counties who wants a job can find one, and employers in
these  counties often actively  compete for the same workers.  Overall,  Maine's
unemployment  rate, during 1998, shrank from 5.4% to 4.3%. Also, during 1998 the
number of Maine payroll jobs expanded by more than 15,900, more than in any year
since 1998.  Virtually all of this net increase in Maine jobs,  however,  was in
non-manufacturing  sectors such as service  industries and retail sales.  During
1998,  Maine  experienced  a net loss of 900 jobs in the  manufacturing  sector,
continuing a trend that has been evident for several years.  Accordingly,  while
it is accurate that in many Maine counties  almost  everyone who wants a job can
find one, such jobs  increasing tend to be  lower-paying  service  industry jobs
rather than higher paying manufacturing jobs.

Despite the negative  factors  cited above,  almost all other  indicators of the
Maine economy during 1998 were positive.  For example,  Maine payroll employment
growth in 1998 was 2.9%, the best in a decade. Employment in the services sector
grew almost twice as fast as total  employment,  and  accounted for over half of
all new jobs during the year. The retail and wholesale  trades sector  accounted
for another quarter of all new jobs in Maine during 1998. The Maine construction
sector had the  fastest job growth  during  1998 at 6.5%,  over twice the growth
rate of total employment in Maine. Regionally, job markets were strongest in the
south-coast  and  mid-coast  counties of Maine,  weaker in the central  counties
(Androscoggin, Kennebec, Penobscot), and weakest in the "rim" counties comprised
of the  natural-resource  based  counties  which border upon  Canada.  This is a
pattern which has persisted in Maine for many years.

Certain sectors of the Maine economy  performed  unusually well during 1998. The
dollar value of construction  contracts in Maine increased by 44.7% during 1998,
compared to a  relatively  strong  16.5%  increase  in the dollar  value of such
contracts  during 1997.  Much of this growth in the value of Maine  construction
contracts during 1998 was in the non-residential  sector, but the value of Maine
residential  construction  contracts also increased by 17.3% during 1998, on top
of a 6.9% increase in such  contracts for 1997.  Maine  Taxable  Consumer  Sales
increase by 8.9% during 1998, the greatest yearly increase in such taxable sales
in a decade,  and the  increase in the building  supply and general  merchandise
sale  groups of such  taxable  consumer  sales was the best  since  1987.  Also,
taxable  Restaurant/Lodging sales grew 7.6% during 1998, the highest growth rate
for such sales since 1988.

                                       15
<PAGE>

The rate of increase in Maine taxable  consumer retail sales  (including,  among
other  items,   taxable  retail  sales  related  to  the  tourist  industry)  is
particularly  significant  for  State  of  Maine  credit  purposes.  Since  over
one-third of Maine State government  General Fund revenues are derived from a 6%
retail sales tax, the  performance  of taxable retail sales in Maine is directly
related to the ability of Maine State government to fund necessary  governmental
expenditures,  and to repay its debt.  Prior to October 1, 1998, the rate of tax
on the value of most such taxable  retail sales (the  "General  Sales Tax Rate")
was 6%. On October 1, 1998,  the  General  Sales Tax Rate was reduced by 0.5% to
its current rate of 5.5% as a result of an automatic  adjustment  to the General
Sales Tax Rate enacted in 1993 and set forth at 36 MRSA ss.1811 (the  "Automatic
Adjustment  Act").  The Automatic  Adjustment Act provides that, if General Fund
revenues for a fiscal year, as  determined by the State  Controller at the close
of that fiscal year,  exceed  General Fund revenues for the prior fiscal year by
8% or more, on a base-to-base  comparison  excluding  one-time revenue gains and
losses,  then the  General  Sales  Tax  Rate  shall  be  reduced  by 0.5% on the
subsequent October 1. Legislation  enacted June 4, 1999 provided,  however:  (i)
that,  effective  July 1, 2000,  the General Sales Tax Rate will be reduced from
its current rate of 5.5% to 5%; and (ii) for the repeal,  retroactive to May 15,
1999, of provisions  in the Automatic  Adjustment  Act which effect an automatic
reduction of the General  Sales Tax Rate if General  Fund  revenues for a fiscal
year exceed General Fund revenues for the prior fiscal year by 8% or more.

A  further  positive  factor in the  growth of  Maine's  economy  is that  Maine
employers   recently  have  experienced  a  substantial   decrease  in  workers'
compensation  costs.  For many  years,  Maine  possessed  the  highest  workers'
compensation  insurance rates in the country.  The issue was so divisive that it
caused a shutdown of State  government in 1992.  Since that time,  however,  the
Maine  Legislature has created the Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Co. and has
passed  numerous  reforms in Maine's  workers'  compensation  laws. As a result,
workers'  compensation loss ratios declined 79% during the 1991-1998 period, and
workers' compensation insurance rates in Maine declined 41% during the 1994-1998
period.  Another positive step concerning workers' compensation  insurance rates
in Maine has been that the Maine  Legislature,  at the request of the  Governor,
has refused, thus far, to accede to efforts by organized labor to repeal many of
the reforms in Maine's workers' compensation laws enacted since 1992.

The fiscal policies of the State of Maine are very  conservative,  and the State
is  required  by its  Constitution  to operate on a balanced  budget.  The Maine
Constitution does this by prohibiting the Legislature,  by itself,  from issuing
any debt by or on  behalf of the  State  which  exceeds  $2,000,000  "except  to
suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or for purposes of war, and except for
temporary  loans to be paid out of money  raised by  taxation  during the fiscal
year in which they are  made."  The Maine  Constitution  also  provides  for the
prohibition  of debt  issued  by or on  behalf  of the  State  to fund  "current
expenditures." The Maine Constitution allows the issuance of long-term debt when
two-thirds of both houses of the Legislature pass a law authorizing the issuance
of such debt,  and when the voters of the State ratify and enact such a law at a
general or special statewide election. Amendments to the Maine Constitution also
have been adopted to permit the  Legislature  to authorize the issuance of bonds
to insure  payment of up to: (1) $6,000,000 of revenue bonds of the Maine School
Building  Authority;  (2)  $4,000,000  of  loans  to  Maine  students  attending
institutions  of higher  education;  (3) $1,000,000 of mortgage loans for Indian
housing;  (4) $4,000,000 of mortgage loans to resident Maine veterans  including
businesses  owned by resident Maine  veterans;  and (5)  $90,000,000 of mortgage
loans for industrial,  manufacturing,  fishing,  agricultural  and  recreational
enterprises.  The Maine  Constitution  provides that if the Legislature fails to
appropriate sufficient funds to pay principal and interest on general obligation
bonds of the State,  the State  Treasurer  is required  to set aside  sufficient
funds from the first General Fund revenues  received  thereafter by the State to
make such payments.

In recent years,  Maine State  government  has avoided the Maine  constitutional
balanced  budget  requirement  by annually  issuing  significant  amounts of tax
anticipation notes ("TANs") during the first few days after the July 1 beginning
of each new fiscal  year and  leaving  such TANs  outstanding  until  almost the
beginning  of the next  fiscal  year.  For  example,  on June 26, 1996 the State
issued $150,000,000 in TANs due June 27, 1997. Both the size of these issues and
fiscal legitimacy for them, however, has recently been criticized, and the State
is becoming  more  conservative  with regard to the  issuance of TANS . This has
been made possible largely by the continued  imposition of tightly  conservative
State fiscal  policies that allowed the State to end the last three fiscal years
with  significant  revenue  surpluses.  No TANs were  issued in the 1998 or 1999
fiscal  years,  and no TANs  currently  are planned for  issuance in fiscal year
2000.

                                       16
<PAGE>

As of April 30, 1999,  there were  outstanding  general  obligation bonds of the
State in the principal amount of $424,585,000. On June 22,1999, the State issued
$71,285,000 of general  obligation  bonds dated June 1, 1999. As of 1999,  there
were no outstanding  bond  anticipation  notes of the State. As of June 8, 1999,
there  were  authorized  by the  voters of the State for  certain  purposes  but
unissued,  general  obligation  bonds of the  State in the  aggregate  principal
amount of  $117,790,316,  including the $71,285,000 in general  obligation bonds
issued on June 22,  1999.  As of June 8,  1999,  there  were  authorized  by the
Constitution of the State and  implementing  legislation  but unissued,  general
obligation bonds of the State in the aggregate  principal amount of $99,000,000.
Various  other  Maine  governmental  agencies  and  quasi-governmental  agencies
including,  but not limited to, the Maine  Municipal  Bond Bank, the Maine Court
Facilities  Authority,  the  Maine  Health  and  Higher  Educational  Facilities
Authority,  Maine Turnpike  Authority,  the Maine State Housing  Authority,  the
Maine Public Utility  Financing Bank, and the Maine  Educational Loan Authority,
issue debt for Maine  governmental  purposes,  but this debt does not pledge the
credit of the State.

The  strength  of  Maine's  economy  during  the  1980's  enabled  the  State to
accumulate  relatively large unappropriated  surpluses of general fund revenues.
During the  economic  recession  of 1989  through  1992,  however,  Maine  State
government  repeatedly  reduced  its  expenditures  in order to comply  with the
requirement  of the  Maine  Constitution  that  State  government  operate  on a
balanced  budget.  Such cuts in General  Fund  expenditures,  other  fiscal cost
reductions,  and a  continuing  policy by the current  Governor not to allow the
creation of  significant  new State  governmental  programs or the taxes to fund
such programs,  have allowed the Governor and Legislature most recently to enact
a series of balanced budgets funding State services for fiscal years 1999, 2000,
and 2001.

Laws  authorizing  budgeted  expenditures for fiscal year 1999 have been enacted
and provide for General Fund  expenditures  of  $2,201,734,442  and Highway Fund
expenditures of $215,167,045.  Laws authorizing certain expenditures to maintain
current  services  for  fiscal  years 2000 and 2001 also have been  enacted  and
provide,  for fiscal year 2000 General Fund expenditures of  $2,159,897,758  and
Highway Fund  expenditures  of $237,526,837  and, for fiscal year 2001,  General
Fund   expenditures  of   $2,241,357,100   and  Highway  Fund   expenditures  of
$238,848,325.  In addition, as of June 8, 1999, the Governor had proposed to the
first  regular  session  of the  Legislature  in 1999,  for  fiscal  year  2000,
supplemental  General Fund expenditures of $77,725,430 and supplemental  Highway
Fund expenditures of $27,372,877 and, for fiscal year 2001, supplemental General
Fund  expenditures of $92,392,457 and supplemental  Highway Fund expenditures of
$29,470,736.

The  State  also  maintains  a  "Rainy  Day  Fund"  to be used  for  significant
unforeseen capital and operational expenditures.  As of May 21, 1999 the balance
in the  State's  Rainy Day Fund was  approximately  $98.7  million,  the highest
amount ever. There can be no assurance, however, that the budget acts for fiscal
years  2000 and  2001,  and the  various  other  statutes  passed  by the  Maine
Legislature which affect the State's fiscal position, will not be amended by the
Legislature from time to time.

The unfunded liability of the Maine State Retirement System is a significant and
continuing problem for Maine State government. The State's independent actuaries
certified this unfunded  liability to be  approximately  $2.5 billion as of June
30, 1998. Because of this, the State has adopted a constitutional amendment (Me.
Const.  art. IX,  ss.18-B)  that  required the Maine  Legislature,  beginning in
fiscal year 1997,  annually to appropriate funds that will retire in 31 years or
less  the  System's  unfunded  liability  attributable  to State  employees  and
teachers.  In the Second  Regular  Session of the 118th Maine  Legislature,  the
State reduced by statute the amount of time to retire the unfunded  liability to
25  years  from  June  30,   1998.   The  State  also  has  adopted  a  separate
constitutional  amendment (Me. Const.  art. IX, ss.18-A) that requires the Maine
Legislature,  beginning in fiscal year 1998,  annually to appropriate  monies to
fund the System on an actuarially sound basis.  Under Article IX, ss.18-B of the
Maine Constitution,  unfunded liabilities  henceforth may not be created for the
System  except  those  resulting  from  experience  losses,  and  such  unfunded
liabilities  resulting from experience  losses must be retired over a period not
exceeding 10 years.

During the next several years,  Maine may be the recipient of certain additional
revenues.  Pursuant a settlement  agreement (the  "Settlement  Agreement"),  the
State of Maine is one of  forty-six  states  that  recently  settled  litigation
against  certain  manufacturers  of cigarettes  and other tobacco  products (the
"Manufacturers").  The  forty-six  states (the  "Settling  States")  had sued to
recover  smoking  related  Medicaid  costs  (the  "Claims").   Pursuant  to  the
Settlement Agreement,  the Manufacturers have agreed to make certain payments to
the  Settling  States and the  Settling  States  have agreed to  relinquish  the


                                       17
<PAGE>

Claims,  subject to certain  conditions set forth in the  Settlement  Agreement.
Commencing  in  January  1999,   certain  initial  payments  were  made  by  the
Manufacturers for the benefit of the State of Maine to a national escrow account
in accordance with the Settlement  Agreement.  The initial payments are expected
to  continue  through  2003.  The State of Maine  expects to receive the initial
payments to the national  escrow  account no later than June 30,  2000.  Certain
annual  payments  by the  Manufacturers  to the State of Maine  pursuant  to the
Settlement  Agreement are expected to commence in April 2000 and to continue for
as long as the Manufacturers  remain in business.  The Maine State Treasurer has
estimated  the maximum  amount of such payments to be made to the State of Maine
at $1.58 billion.

The  monies  expected  to be  received  by the  State of Maine  pursuant  to the
Settlement  Agreement  are  subject  to  decreases,   offsets,  and  reductions,
including  a  possible  claim by the  Federal  government  that up to  sixty-six
percent  (66%)  of the  settlement  payments  should  be  paid  to  the  Federal
government as  compensation  for extra costs paid by the Federal  government for
smoking related Medicaid costs. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the
amount of monies  that will be  received  by the State of Maine  pursuant to the
Settlement Agreement or as to when, if ever, such monies will be received.

Because of Maine's conservative debt policies and its constitutional requirement
that the  State  government  operate  under a  balanced  budget,  Maine  general
obligation bonds had been rated AAA by S&P and Aa1 by Moody's for many years.

On June 6,  1991,  however,  S&P  lowered  its credit  rating for Maine  general
obligation bonds from AAA to AA+, and at the same time lowered its credit rating
on bonds issued by the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and the Maine Court  Facilities
Authority,  and on State of Maine  Certificates  of  Participation  for  highway
equipment, from AA to A+. In taking this action, S&P said, "The rating action is
a result of declines in key financial indicators,  and continued softness in the
state  economy.  The new rating  continues to reflect the low debt burden of the
state, an economic base that has gained greater income levels and diversity over
the 1980's,  and a legislative  history of dealing  effectively  with  financial
difficulties." These ratings have remained unchanged since June 6, 1991. Because
of continuing  improvements  in the State of Maine economy,  S&P currently views
the State's  financial  outlook as "stable,"  stating in its most recent June 9,
1999 credit report: "Led by strong growth in the financial,  services, and trade
sectors,  Maine's economic performance has improved considerably in recent years
with  employment  growth  of 2.1% in 1997 and 2.9% in 1998.  The  strong  growth
follows 0.8% growth in 1996.  Projections  indicate  continued  strong growth in
1999 (2.5%). However, according to Standard & Poor's DRI, and based on projected
limited  growth in its labor  force,  Maine will have slower  employment  growth
(closer to 1%) through the end of the decade and beyond."

On August 24, 1993, citing the "effects of protracted  economic slowdown and the
expectation  that Maine's  economy will not soon return to the pattern of robust
growth evident in the  mid-1980's,"  Moody's  lowered its State of Maine general
obligation  bond rating from Aa1 to Aa. At the same time,  Moody's  lowered from
Aa1 to Aa the ratings  assigned to  state-guaranteed  bonds of the Maine  School
Building  Authority and the Finance  Authority of Maine, and confirmed at A1 the
ratings assigned to the bonds of the Maine Court Facilities  Authority and State
of Maine Certificates of Participation.  On May 13, 1997, Moody's "confirmed and
refined from Aa to Aa3" the State's  general  obligation  bond  rating.  Moody's
refinement  of the  State's  bond  rating on May 13,  1997 was part of a general
redefinition  by Moody's of its bond  rating  symbols  published  on January 13,
1997, and was not a substantive rating change. On June 5, 1998, however,  citing
an "increased  pace of economic  recovery,"  Moody's raised the State's  general
obligation  bond rating to Aa2.  In its most recent June 7, 1999 credit  report,
however, Moody's reaffirmed its credit rating for Maine general obligation bonds
at Aa2,  stating:  "The rating  reflects  continued  steady  improvement in fund
balances and spending control,  an economy displaying healthy annual growth, and
moderate  debt  ratios.  The rating also  acknowledges  the ongoing  fixed costs
associated with the state's large, but improving, unfunded pension liability."

For the past several years,  Maine general obligation bond issues also have been
rated by Fitch.  In its most  recent  credit  report  dated June 7, 1999,  Fitch
reaffirmed its a rating of AA for Maine general obligation bonds,  saying:  "The
State of  Maine's  general  obligation  bonds  are well  secured  with  strength
especially  in the low burden that debt places on resources and in the unusually
rapid  rate  of  amortization.  The  economy  is  again  growing  and  financial
operations have been very successful in the past two years. Institutionalization


                                       18
<PAGE>

of financial reforms,  including accounting,  the revenue estimation process and
debt control is of benefit, and the reserve level continues to increase."

B.       STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Material in this  section has been  abstracted  from the State of New  Hampshire
Information  Statement dated December 1, 1998,  compiled by the Treasurer of the
State of New Hampshire and provided to prospective purchasers of debt securities
offered by the State. While information in the Information Statement is believed
to be accurate, none of that information has been independently verified.  Also,
it does not reflect economic  conditions or developments  that may have occurred
or  trends  that  may  have  materialized  since  the  date  of the  Information
Statement.   Additionally,   economic  and  fiscal   conditions   in  individual
municipalities  within  the State  may vary from  general  economic  and  fiscal
conditions.

New Hampshire is located in the New England Region and is bordered by the states
of Maine,  Massachusetts,  and Vermont and the Province of Quebec,  Canada.  New
Hampshire's  geographic  area  is  9,304  square  miles  and its  July  1,  1997
population  was 1,173,000,  representing a 0.99% increase from 1996 levels.  New
Hampshire's population had increased by more than 25% in the 1980-1996 period.

New Hampshire's per capita personal income  increased by 106.4% between 1980 and
1990. In 1991 it continued to grow faster than the New England region as a whole
and in 1992 and 1993 it grew at a slightly lower rate than the region,  resuming
faster  growth  relative  to the region in 1994 and 1995.  New  Hampshire's  per
capita personal  income in 1997 was 109% of the national  level,  ranking 8th in
the United States.

In 1997, New Hampshire's  largest  employment sector was the service sector (29%
of  employment),  followed by retail and  wholesale  trade (26% of  employment).
Manufacturing   was  the   third   largest   sector   (18.8%   of   employment).
Non-agricultural employment levels have remained fairly stable. The unemployment
rate declined to 2.4% in September 1998, less than the national average of 4.6%.

After a  significant  growth in  residential  building  activity  in the  period
1980-86  (data  based  on  residential   building   permits),   New  Hampshire's
residential  building  activity  declined  beginning in 1987, and declined below
1980  levels in 1990,  1991 and 1992.  In 1993,  residential  building  activity
surpassed  1980  levels  and in  each  of the  subsequent  years  through  1997,
surpassed 1993.

New Hampshire  finances the operations of state government  through  specialized
taxes,  user  charges and  revenues  received  from the State  liquor  sales and
distribution  system. There is no general tax on sales or earned income. The two
highest  revenue-producing  taxes are the  Meals and Rooms Tax and the  Business
Profits  Tax.  In 1995,  State and local  taxes  amounted  to $97 per  $1,000 of
personal  income,  which was the third  lowest in the  United  States.  However,
because local property  taxes are the principal  source of funding for municipal
operations and primary and secondary education,  New Hampshire was highest among
all states in local property tax collections per $1,000 of personal income.  See
the  concluding  paragraph  of this  section  for a  description  of  litigation
challenging the  constitutionality  of the State's statutory system of financing
operation of elementary  and secondary  public schools  primarily  through local
taxes.

New Hampshire  State  government's  budget is enacted to cover a biennial period
through  a  series  of  legislative  bills  that  establish  appropriations  and
estimated   revenues  for  each  sub-unit  of  State   government,   along  with
supplemental  and  special  legislation.  By  statute,  the  budget  process  is
initiated  by the  Governor,  who is  required to submit  operating  and capital
budget  proposals to the Legislature by February 15 in each  odd-numbered  year.
While the Governor is required to state the means through which all expenditures
will be financed,  there is no constitutional or statutory  requirement that the
Governor  propose  or the  Legislature  adopt  a  budget  without  resorting  to
borrowing. There is no line item veto.

State  government funds include the General Fund, four special purpose funds and
three enterprise funds, as well as certain "fiduciary" funds. All obligations of
the State are paid from the State Treasury,  and must be authorized by a warrant


                                       19
<PAGE>

signed by the  Governor  and  approved  by the  Executive  Council,  except  for
payments  of debt  obligations,  which  are paid by the  State  Treasurer  under
statutory authority.

By  statute,  at  the  close  of  each  fiscal  biennium  of  any  General  Fund
undesignated fund balance must be deposited in a Revenue  Stabilization  Reserve
Account  ("Rainy  Day  Fund")  which  may  contain  up  to 5%  of  General  Fund
unrestricted  revenue  for the fiscal  year just  ended.  With  approval  of the
Legislative Fiscal Committee,  the Governor and the Executive Council, the Rainy
Day Fund is available to defray operating  deficits in ensuing years if there is
a shortfall in forecast revenue, in an amount equal to the lesser of the deficit
or revenue  shortfall.  By  statute,  the Rainy Day Fund may not be used for any
other  purpose  except by special  appropriation  approved by two-thirds of each
Legislative chamber and the Governor. As of June 30, 1998 there was a designated
balance of $20 million in the Rainy Day Fund.

The  Department of  Administrative  Services is responsible  for  maintenance of
State  government's   accounting  system,  annual  reports  and  general  budget
oversight.   Expenditures  are  controlled  against  appropriations  through  an
integrated  accounting system,  which compares the amount of an appropriation to
expenditures,  and encumbrances  previously  charged against that  appropriation
before creating an expenditure.  By law, with certain exceptions  unexpended and
unencumbered  balances of appropriations lapse to surplus in the applicable fund
at the end of each fiscal year, along with unappropriated  revenues in excess of
legislative  estimates.  Legislative  financial  controls  involve the Office of
Legislative  Budget  Assistant  ("LBA")  which  acts  under  supervision  of the
Legislative  Fiscal  Committee and Joint  Legislative  Capital  Budget  Overview
Committee.  LBA conducts overall post-audit and review of the budgetary process.
State government  financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are independently audited annually.

During the 1992-1993 biennium,  State revenues began recovering from the decline
that had  characterized  the recession years of 1989, 1990 and 1991. The General
Fund  undesignated  fund balance at June 30, 1994,  was $12.0  Million.  For the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, the General Fund  undesignated fund balance was
zero, after  transferring  $35.1 Million from the Healthcare  Transition Fund to
offset  a  delay  in  receipt  of  federal  funds  from  disproportionate  share
expenditures  under the Medicaid  program.  At June 30,  1996,  the General Fund
undesignated  fund  balance  was ($44.2  Million)  after a net  transfer  to the
Healthcare  Transition Fund of $21.9 Million, and was ($1.2 million) at June 30,
1997.

There is no  constitutional  limit on the State's power to issue  obligations or
incur  indebtedness,   and  no  constitutional  requirement  for  referendum  to
authorize incurrence of indebtedness by the State. Authorization and issuance of
debt is governed  entirely by statute.  New Hampshire  pursues a debt management
program  designed to minimize use of short-term debt for operating  purposes and
to coordinate issuance of tax-exempt securities by the State and its agencies.

State-guaranteed bonded indebtedness is authorized not only for general purposes
of State government,  but also for the New Hampshire Turnpike System, University
System of New Hampshire,  water supply and pollution  control,  water  resources
acquisition and  construction,  School  Building  Authority,  Pease  Development
Authority,  Business  Finance  Authority,  Municipal  Bond Bank and  cleanup  of
municipal  Super Fund sites and  landfills.  In  addition,  the Housing  Finance
Authority and Higher Education and Health Facilities Authority are authorized to
issue bonds that do not constitute debts or obligations of the State.

Procedure for incurrence of bonded indebtedness by individual  municipalities is
governed by State  statutes,  which  prescribe  actions  that must be pursued by
municipalities in incurring bonded indebtedness and limitations on the amount of
such  indebtedness.   In  general,   incurrence  of  bonded  indebtedness  by  a
municipality  must  be for a  statutorily  authorized  purpose  and  requires  a
two-thirds majority vote of the municipality's legislative body.

On December 17, 1997,  the New  Hampshire  Supreme  Court ruled that the State's
system of financing public  elementary and secondary  schools  primarily through
local  property  taxes  violated  the New  Hampshire  Constitution,  because (1)
providing an adequate public education is a duty of State government;  (2) local
school  property  taxes are  levied to  fulfill a State  purpose;  and (3) local
school property taxes,  levied at different rates in different  localities,  are
not proportional  and reasonable  throughout the State. The court also indicated
that  a  State-funded,   constitutionally   adequate  elementary  and  secondary


                                       20
<PAGE>

education is a fundamental  constitutional  right. However, the court stayed all
further proceedings in the case "until the end of the [1998] legislative session
and further order of this court to permit the  legislature to address the issues
involved in this  case." The court  allowed the  present  funding  mechanism  to
remain in effect "during the 1998 tax year" i.e. through March 31, 1999. On June
23, 1998, responding to a request for an advisory opinion from the New Hampshire
Senate,  the court advised that certain  legislation passed by the New Hampshire
House of  Representatives  to address the court's  December 1997 decision  would
violate  State  constitutional  requirements  by failing  to provide  funding of
adequate  public  elementary  and  secondary  education  at a  uniform  tax rate
throughout the State.  On November 25, 1998, the court denied the State's motion
to extend the effective  date of the court's  decision of the previous  December
and confirmed  that  pursuant to that  decision,  in the absence of  legislative
action,  the State's  Commissioner of Revenue  Administration did not have legal
authority to approve local property tax rates for school purposes.  On March 11,
1999, the court ruled that the Legislature could not constitutionally submit the
choice of replacement tax plans to a binding  referendum vote of the people.  On
April 29, 1999, the State enacted Chapter 17 of the Laws of 1999 "establishing a
uniform  education  property  tax and a utility  property  tax,  increasing  the
business  profit and real estate  transfer taxes and including  other sources of
revenue  to provide  funding  for an  adequate  public  education  and making an
appropriation  therefore."  This statute  established  formulae for  determining
distribution  of funds to local school  districts in support of adequate  public
education.  The immediate  effect of the statute was to restore the authority of
New Hampshire  municipalities  to collect  property  taxes for school  purposes.
However,  the statute did not provide revenue  sources  sufficient to defray the
full amount of the authorized  distributions.  Whether and when such  additional
revenue  sources  will  be  enacted  remains  unresolved.  Under  the  statute's
formulae,  some New Hampshire  municipalities  will sustain  increased  property
taxes, and certain of these  municipalities  have initiated legal proceedings to
challenge  the  constitutionality  of the statute.  In addition,  certain  other
municipalities  whose  earlier  litigation  prompted  the  court's  decision  of
December 17, 1997,  have publicly stated their intention to pursue further legal
proceedings  asserting  that the statute  does not comply with the  requirements
established by Court in that decision. The outcome of such proceedings and their
impact on the State's finances cannot be predicted.

                            3. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

For  purposes  of all  investment  policies  of a Fund:  (1) the  term  1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of a Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered
a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental  policy of a Fund and the Fund's investment  objective,  cannot be
changed  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  lesser  of:  (1)  50%  of the
outstanding  shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund present or
represented at a  shareholders  meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented. The Board without
shareholder approval may change a nonfundamental policy of a Fund.



                                       21
<PAGE>



A.       INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND

1.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  and provided that  borrowings do not exceed 33
         1/3%  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the 1933 Act.


MAKING LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase of  commercial  paper or debt  securities  which are otherwise
         permissible investments.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
         commodities,  provided that currencies and  currency-related  contracts
         will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior  securities  except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act
         and  except  that the Fund  may  borrow  money  subject  to  investment
         limitations specified in the Fund's Prospectus.

OIL, GAS & MINERAL EXPLORATION

         Invest  in  interests  in  oil or gas or  interests  in  other  mineral
         exploration or development programs.

DIVERSIFICATION

         With respect to 75% of its assets, purchase securities, other than U.S.
         Government  Securities,  of any one issuer, if: (1) more than 5% of the
         Fund's total assets taken at market value would at the time of purchase
         be invested in the  securities  of that  issuer;  or (2) such  purchase
         would at the time of  purchase  cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of
         the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.

                                       22
<PAGE>

CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

2.       NON-FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

PLEDGING

        Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets,  except to secure permitted
        indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in connection with the
        writing of put and call options,  collateralized loans of securities and
        collateral arrangements with respect to margin for futures contracts are
        not deemed to be pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.

INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and except  that the Fund may  invest in money  market
         funds and  privately-issued  mortgage related  securities to the extent
         permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases and sales of portfolio  securities,  except that the Fund may
         make margin  deposits in  connection  with  permitted  transactions  in
         options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is  outstanding  or borrow for purposes
         other than meeting  redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.

INVESTMENTS IN REAL PROPERTY LEASES

         Purchase or sell real property leases  (including  limited  partnership
         interests,  but excluding readily  marketable  interests in real estate
         investment  trusts or readily  marketable  securities of companies that
         invest in real estate.)

SECURITIES WITH VOTING RIGHTS

         Purchase  securities  having voting  rights except  securities of other
         investment companies.

                                       23
<PAGE>

B.       INVESTORS BOND FUND

1.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  and provided that  borrowings do not exceed 33
         1/3%  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the 1933 Act.


MAKING LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase of  commercial  paper or debt  securities  which are otherwise
         permissible investments.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
         commodities,  provided that currencies and  currency-related  contracts
         will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior  securities  except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act
         and  except  that the Fund  may  borrow  money  subject  to  investment
         limitations specified in the Fund's Prospectus.

OIL, GAS & MINERAL EXPLORATION

         Invest  in  interests  in  oil or gas or  interests  in  other  mineral
         exploration or development programs.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION

         Purchase securities,  other than U.S. Government Securities, of any one
         issuer, if: (1) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market
         value would at the time of purchase  be invested in the  securities  of
         that issuer;  or (2) such purchase  would at the time of purchase cause
         the Fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding  voting securities of
         that  issuer.  Up to 50% of the Fund's  total  assets  may be  invested


                                       24
<PAGE>

         without regard to this  limitation.  These  limitations do not apply to
         securities  of an issuer  payable  solely from the proceeds of escrowed
         U.S. Government Securities.

CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

2.       NON-FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

PLEDGING

         Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
         indebtedness.  The deposit in escrow of securities  in connection  with
         the writing of put and call options, collateralized loans of securities
         and  collateral   arrangements  with  respect  to  margin  for  futures
         contracts  are not  deemed to be  pledges  or  hypothecations  for this
         purpose.

INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and except  that the Fund may  invest in money  market
         funds and  privately-issued  mortgage related  securities to the extent
         permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases and sales of portfolio  securities,  except that the Fund may
         make margin  deposits in  connection  with  permitted  transactions  in
         options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is  outstanding  or borrow for purposes
         other than meeting  redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.

INVESTMENTS IN REAL PROPERTY LEASES

         Purchase or sell real property leases  (including  limited  partnership
         interests,  but excluding readily  marketable  interests in real estate
         investment  trusts or readily  marketable  securities of companies that
         invest in real estate.)

                                       25
<PAGE>

SECURITIES WITH VOTING RIGHTS

         Purchase  securities  having voting  rights except  securities of other
         investment companies.

C.       TAXSAVER BOND FUND

1.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  and provided that  borrowings do not exceed 33
         1/3%  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the 1933 Act.

MAKING LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase of  commercial  paper or debt  securities  which are otherwise
         permissible investments.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
         commodities,  provided that currencies and  currency-related  contracts
         will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior  securities  except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act
         and  except  that the Fund  may  borrow  money  subject  to  investment
         limitations specified in the Fund's Prospectus.

OIL, GAS & MINERAL EXPLORATION

         Invest  in  interests  in  oil or gas or  interests  in  other  mineral
         exploration or development programs.

NON-DIVERSIFICATION

         Purchase securities,  other than U.S. Government Securities, of any one
         issuer, if: (1) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market
         value would at the time of purchase  be invested in the  securities  of
         that issuer;  or (2) such purchase  would at the time of purchase cause
         the Fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding  voting securities of


                                       26
<PAGE>

         that  issuer.  Up to 50% of the Fund's  total  assets  may be  invested
         without regard to this  limitation.  These  limitations do not apply to
         securities  of an issuer  payable  solely from the proceeds of escrowed
         U.S. Government Securities.

CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

For  purposes of the Fund's  diversification  policy,  the District of Columbia,
each state, each political  subdivision,  agency,  instrumentality and authority
thereof,  and each multi-state  agency of which a state is a member is deemed to
be a separate  "issuer."  When the assets and revenues of an agency,  authority,
instrumentality or other political  subdivision are separate from the government
creating  the  subdivision  and the  security  is backed  only by the assets and
revenues of the  subdivision,  such  subdivision  would be deemed to be the sole
issuer. Similarly, in the case of private activity bonds, if only the assets and
revenues of the  nongovernmental  user back the bond, then such  nongovernmental
user would be deemed to be the sole  issuer.  However,  if in either  case,  the
creating  government or some other agency guarantees a security,  that guarantee
would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such
government or other agency.

2.       NON-FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

PLEDGING

        Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets,  except to secure permitted
        indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in connection with the
        writing of put and call options,  collateralized loans of securities and
        collateral arrangements with respect to margin for futures contracts are
        not deemed to be pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.

INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and except  that the Fund may  invest in money  market
         funds and  privately-issued  mortgage related  securities to the extent
         permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases and sales of portfolio  securities,  except that the Fund may
         make margin  deposits in  connection  with  permitted  transactions  in
         options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is  outstanding  or borrow for purposes
         other than meeting  redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within


                                       27
<PAGE>

         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.

INVESTMENTS IN REAL PROPERTY LEASES

         Purchase or sell real property leases  (including  limited  partnership
         interests,  but excluding readily  marketable  interests in real estate
         investment  trusts or readily  marketable  securities of companies that
         invest in real estate.)

SECURITIES WITH VOTING RIGHTS

         Purchase  securities  having voting  rights except  securities of other
         investment companies.


D.       MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

1.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  and provided that  borrowings do not exceed 33
         1/3%  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the 1933 Act.

MAKING LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase of  commercial  paper or debt  securities  which are otherwise
         permissible investments.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
         commodities,  provided that currencies and  currency-related  contracts
         will not be deemed to be physical commodities.


                                       28
<PAGE>

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior  securities  except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act
         and  except  that the Fund  may  borrow  money  subject  to  investment
         limitations specified in the Fund's Prospectus.

OIL, GAS & MINERAL EXPLORATION

         Invest  in  interests  in  oil or gas or  interests  in  other  mineral
         exploration or development programs.

CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.  For
         this purpose, consumer finance companies, industrial finance companies,
         and gas,  electric,  water and  telephone  utility  companies  are each
         considered to be separate industries.

VOTING RIGHTS

         Purchase  securities  having voting  rights except  securities of other
         investment companies.

2.       NON-FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

PLEDGING

         Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
         indebtedness.  The deposit in escrow of securities  in connection  with
         the writing of put and call options, collateralized loans of securities
         and  collateral   arrangements  with  respect  to  margin  for  futures
         contracts  are not  deemed to be  pledges  or  hypothecations  for this
         purpose.

INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and except  that the Fund may  invest in money  market
         funds and  privately-issued  mortgage related  securities to the extent
         permitted by the 1940 Act.

MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases and sales of portfolio  securities,  except that the Fund may
         make margin  deposits in  connection  with  permitted  transactions  in
         options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is  outstanding  or borrow for purposes
         other than meeting  redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets.


                                       29
<PAGE>

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.

INVESTMENTS IN REAL PROPERTY LEASES

         Purchase or sell real property leases (including limited partnership
         interests, but excluding readily


E.       NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND

1.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund may not:

BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  provided that borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3%
         of the Fund's net assets.

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Underwrite  securities of other issuers,  except to the extent that the
         Fund may be  considered  to be acting as an  underwriter  in connection
         with the disposition of portfolio securities.

MAKING LOANS

         Make loans except for loans of portfolio securities, through the use of
         repurchase agreements, and through the purchase of debt securities that
         are otherwise permitted investments.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in debt obligations secured by real estate or interests
         therein or issued by companies  that invest in real estate or interests
         therein.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Invest in  commodities or in commodity  contracts,  except that, to the
         extent  the  Fund is  otherwise  permitted,  the Fund  may  enter  into
         financial  futures contracts and options on those futures contracts and
         may invest in currencies and currency-related contracts.

ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior securities except as appropriate to evidence  indebtedness
         that the Fund is  permitted to incur,  and  provided  that the Fund may
         issue  shares  of  additional  series  or  classes  that the  Board may
         establish.

                                       30
<PAGE>

NON-DIVERSIFICATION

         With  respect to 50% of its  assets,  purchase a security  other than a
         U.S.  Government  Security of any one issuer if, as a result, more than
         5% of the Fund's total assets  would be invested in the  securities  of
         that  issuer or the Fund  would  own more  than 10% of the  outstanding
         voting securities of that issuer.

CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities if, immediately after the purchase,  more than 25%
         of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  would be  invested  in the
         securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the
         same  industry,  provided  there  is no limit  on  investments  in U.S.
         Government  Securities,  municipal  securities or in the  securities of
         domestic financial institutions (not including their foreign branches).
         For  this  purpose,  consumer  finance  companies,  industrial  finance
         companies, and gas, electric, water and telephone utility companies are
         each considered to be separate industries.

2.       NON-FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding;  and if at any time the
         Fund's  borrowings  exceed the Fund's  investment  limitations due to a
         decline in net assets,  such borrowings will be promptly  (within three
         days) reduced to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations.

SECURITIES WITH VOTING RIGHTS

         Purchase securities that have voting rights, except the Fund may invest
         in securities of other investment  companies to the extent permitted by
         the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").

MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven days and in securities  which are not readily  marketable or (ii)
         10% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities that are
         illiquid by virtue of  restrictions  on the sale of such  securities to
         the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

INVESTMENTS IN REAL PROPERTY

         Purchase  or  sell  real  property   (including   limited   partnership
         interests,  but excluding readily  marketable  interests in real estate
         investment  trusts or readily  marketable  securities of companies that
         invest in real estate.)

CONCENTRATION

         No more  than 25% of a  Fund's  total  assets  may be  invested  in the
         securities of one issuer. This limitation,  however,  does not apply to
         securities  of an  issuer  payable  solely  from the  proceeds  of U.S.
         Government Securities.

                                       31
<PAGE>

                       4. PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING


A.       PERFORMANCE DATA

A Fund may quote  performance  in  various  ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

A Fund may compare any of its performance information with:

          o    Data published by  independent  evaluators  such as  Morningstar,
               Inc., Lipper, Inc.,  iMoneyNet,  Inc. (IBC Financial Data, Inc.),
               CDA/Wiesenberger  or other  companies  which track the investment
               performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

          o    The performance of other mutual funds.

          o    The  performance  of recognized  stock,  bond and other  indices,
               including  but not limited to the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index,
               the Russell  2000(R)  Index,  the  Russell  MidcapTM  Index,  the
               Russell  1000(R)  Value Index,  the Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the
               Morgan  Stanley - Europe,  Australia and Far East Index,  the Dow
               Jones  Industrial  Average,  the Salomon Brothers Bond Index, the
               Shearson Lehman Bond Index, U.S.  Treasury bonds,  bills or notes
               and changes in the Consumer  Price Index as published by the U.S.
               Department of Commerce.

Performance  information may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph, or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of a Fund but rather are  standards  by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.

A Fund may refer to: (1) general market performances over past time periods such
as those  published by Ibbotson  Associates (for instance,  its "Stocks,  Bonds,
Bills and Inflation  Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and other
data  published by Fund  Tracking  Companies;  and (3) material and  comparative
mutual  fund data and  ratings  reported  in  independent  periodicals,  such as
newspapers and financial magazines.

A Fund's  performance will fluctuate in response to market  conditions and other
factors.

B.       PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

The Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return.  Table 1
in Appendix C includes performance information for each Fund.

1.       SEC YIELD

Standardized  SEC yields for a Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing
the Fund's interest income (in accordance with specific  standardized rules) for
a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average  number of
shares entitled to receive income distributions during the period, dividing this
figure by the  Fund's  net asset  value per share at the end of the  period  and
annualizing  the  result  (assuming  compounding  of income in  accordance  with
specific standardized rules) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate.

Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

Income  calculated  for the purpose of  determining  a Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield


                                       32
<PAGE>

calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for a  Fund  may  differ  from  the  rate  of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to  investors  in reviewing a
Fund's  performance,  investors  should be aware that a Fund's yield  fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in a Fund fees in  connection  with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

Maine  Municipal  Bond Fund,  New Hampshire Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund may
also quote tax  equivalent  yields,  which show the taxable yields a shareholder
would  have  to earn to  equal  a  fund's  tax-free  yield  after  taxes.  A tax
equivalent  yield is  calculated  by dividing the fund's  tax-free  yield by one
minus a stated Federal, state or combined Federal and state tax rate.

The yields of a Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an investment in a Fund is
not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be used to
compare shares of a Fund with investment alternatives,  which, like money market
instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may
not be  appropriate  to compare a Fund's yield  information  directly to similar
information regarding investment alternatives, which are insured or guaranteed.

Yield  quotations are based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period



2.       TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

A Fund's total return shows its overall  change in value,  including  changes in
share price and assuming all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.

Total  return  figures  may be based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula  prescribed  by the SEC. To  calculate  standard  average  annual  total
returns a Fund:  (1) determines the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical
historical  investment in a Fund over a stated  period;  and (2)  calculates the
annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been  constant  over the period.  For
example,  a  cumulative  return of 100% over ten years would  produce an average
annual  total return of 7.18%.  While  average  annual  returns are a convenient
means of  comparing  investment  alternatives,  investors  should  realize  that
performance  is not constant  over time but changes from year to year,  and that


                                       33
<PAGE>

average  annual  returns  represent  averaged  figures  as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the Fund.

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable  value: ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the applicable period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the applicable period

Because  average  annual  returns  tend to smooth out  variations  in the Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.

         A Fund may quote  unaveraged or cumulative total returns that reflect a
         Fund's performance over a stated period of time.

         Total  returns may be stated in their  components of income and capital
         (including  capital  gains  and  changes  in share  price)  in order to
         illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to
         total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without
taking into consideration a Fund's front-end sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

C.       OTHER MATTERS

A  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in  its  advertising,   sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost


                                       34
<PAGE>

averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual  retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the net
asset value,  net assets or number of shareholders of the Fund as of one or more
dates; and (10) a comparison of the Fund's operations to the operations of other
funds or similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and
scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted average maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies,  and the manner of  calculating  and reporting
performance.

As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,188 at the end
of the second year (an increase of $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of a Fund's performance.

A Fund may advertise  information  regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including  the  principal  of  dollar  cost
averaging.  In a  dollar-cost  averaging  program,  an investor  invests a fixed
dollar amount in a Fund at periodic  intervals,  thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in a Fund the following will be the  relationship  between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

                     SYSTEMATIC               SHARE                SHARES
PERIOD               INVESTMENT               PRICE               PURCHASED
- ------               ----------               -----               ---------
   1                    $100                   $10                  10.00
   2                    $100                   $12                   8.33
   3                    $100                   $15                   6.67
   4                    $100                   $20                   5.00
   5                    $100                   $18                   5.56
   6                    $100                   $16                   6.25
                        ----                   ---                   ----
            TOTAL               AVERAGE                       TOTAL
            INVESTED    $600    PRICE       $15.17            SHARES 41.81

In  connection  with  its  advertisements,  a Fund  may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serve to provide  shareholders  or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices.


                                       35
<PAGE>

                                  5. MANAGEMENT


A.       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  positions  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).
<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS

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

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

Joh Y. Keffer*, Chairman and President       Member and Director, Forum Financial Group, LLC (a mutual fund
Born: July 15, 1942                          services holding company)
Two Portland Square                          Director, Forum Fund Services, LLC (Trust's underwriter)
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California - Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting Professor of Economics, Athens University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing company for small and medium size businesses in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stehpen J. Barrett, Vice President           Manager of Client Services and Senior Relationship Manager, Forum
Born: November 14, 1968                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager, Fidelity Investments, 1994 - 1996
Portland, Maine 04101                        Officer of four other investment companies for which Forum
                                             Financial Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other investment companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born: October 14, 1943                       Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME  040101                         Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.  (brokerage firm) 1993 -
Two Portland Square                          1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       36
<PAGE>


B.       COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund  Complex that  includes all series of the Trust and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999.




<TABLE>
     <S>                             <C>                  <C>                   <C>                      <C>
                                                                                               Total Compensation
                              Compensation from                                                    from Trust
Trustee                           the Trust             Benefits             Retirement         and Fund Complex
John Y. Keffer                       $0                    $0                    $0                    $0
Costas Azariadis                   $11,200                 $0                    $0                  $18,500
James C. Cheng                     $12,700                 $0                    $0                  $20,000
J. Michael Parish                  $12,700                 $0                    $0                  $20,000

</TABLE>

C.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

1.       SERVICES OF ADVISER

The Adviser serves as investment  adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory  agreement (the "Agreement") with the Trust.  Under the Agreement,  the
Adviser  furnishes at its own expense all  services,  facilities  and  personnel
necessary  in  connection  with  managing  a Fund's  investments  and  effecting
portfolio transactions for a Fund.

2.       OWNERSHIP OF ADVISER

The Adviser is 99% owned by Forum Trust LLC and 1% owned by Forum Holdings Corp.
I. Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC is registered as an investment  adviser with
the SEC under the 1940 Act.

3.       FEES

The Adviser's fee is calculated as a percentage of the applicable Fund's average
net assets.  The fee is accrued  daily by each Fund and is paid monthly based on
average net assets for the previous month.

In addition to receiving  its advisory fee from each Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they  invested in a Fund. If you have a separately  managed  account with
the Adviser  with assets  invested in a Fund,  the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

Table 1 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to the Adviser,  the amount of fees waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual fees
received  by the  Adviser.  The data are for the past  three  fiscal  years  (or
shorter period depending on a Fund's commencement of operations).

                                       37
<PAGE>

4.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF ADVISER'S AGREEMENT

The  Agreement  remains in effect for a period of two years from the date of its
effectiveness. Subsequently, the Agreement must be approved at least annually by
the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in  either  case by a
majority of the  Trustees  who are not parties to the  Agreement  or  interested
persons of any such party.

The Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust regarding a Fund on 30
days' written notice when authorized  either by vote of the Fund's  shareholders
or by a majority vote of the Board, or by the Adviser on 90 days' written notice
to the Trust. The Agreement terminates immediately upon assignment.

Under the Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for any mistake of judgment or in
any event whatsoever except for breach of fiduciary duty,  willful  misfeasance,
bad faith or gross  negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.

D.       DISTRIBUTOR

1.       DISTRIBUTOR; SERVICES AND COMPENSATION OF DISTRIBUTOR

FFS, the distributor (also known as principal underwriter) of the shares of each
Fund,  is  located at Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101.  FFS is a
registered  broker-dealer  and  is a  member  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Prior to August 1, 1999, Forum Financial Services, Inc.
("FFSI")  was the  distributor  of each  Fund  pursuant  to  similar  terms  and
compensation.


FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC. John Y. Keffer controls Forum Financial Group, LLC.


Under a distribution  agreement with the Trust (the  "Distribution  Agreement"),
FFS acts as the agent of the Trust in connection  with the offering of shares of
each Fund.  FFS  continually  distributes  shares of each Fund on a best efforts
basis. FFS has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of each Fund.

FFS may enter into  agreements  with selected  broker-dealers,  banks,  or other
financial  institutions for distribution of shares of each Fund. These financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service fees even though shares of each Fund are sold with a sales charge. These
financial  institutions  may  otherwise act as  processing  agents,  and will be
responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to
each Fund.

Investors who purchase  shares in this manner will be subject to the  procedures
of the institution through whom they purchase shares, which may include charges,
investment  minimums,  cutoff  times and other  restrictions  in addition to, or
different  from,  those listed  herein.  Information  concerning  any charges or
services will be provided to customers by the financial  institution.  Investors
purchasing shares of a Fund in this manner should acquaint themselves with their
institution's  procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any
materials  and  information   provided  by  their  institution.   The  financial
institution  and not its customers will be the  shareholder of record,  although
customers  may have the right to vote shares  depending  upon their  arrangement
with the institution.

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, FFS receives, and may reallow to certain
financial  institutions,  the sales charge paid by the purchasers of each Fund's
shares.

                                       38
<PAGE>

Table 2 in Appendix B shows the aggregate sales charges paid to FFSI, the amount
of sales charge  reallowed by FFSI,  and the amount of sales charge  retained by
FFSI.  The data are for the past three years (or shorter  depending  on a Fund's
commencement of operations).

2.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT

The Distribution Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.

The  Distribution  Agreement  is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with
respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice when  authorized  either by vote of
the  Fund's  shareholders  or by a majority  vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60
days' written notice to the Trust.

Under the Distribution Agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders  for any error of judgment or mistake of law,  for any loss arising
out of any  investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its
duties to a Fund, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
in the  performance  of its  duties or by reason of  reckless  disregard  of its
obligations and duties under the agreement.

Under the Distribution Agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's
officers and persons that control FFS) are  indemnified by the Trust against all
claims and expenses in any way related to alleged untrue  statements of material
fact contained in a Fund's  Registration  Statement or any alleged omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FSS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FSS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.

E.       OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1.       ADMINISTRATOR

As administrator,  pursuant to an  administration  agreement with the Trust (the
"Administration  Agreement"),  FAdS is  responsible  for the  supervision of the
overall  management  of the  Trust,  providing  the Trust  with  general  office
facilities and providing persons  satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers
of the Trust.

For its services,  FAdS receives a fee from a Fund at an annual rate of 0.20% of
the average daily net assets of each Fund. The fee is accrued daily by each Fund
and is paid monthly based on average net assets for the previous month.

The Administration  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The  Administration  Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust
or by FAdS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.


Under  the  Administration  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  to the Trust or the
Trust's  shareholders for any act or omission,  except for willful  misfeasance,
bad faith or gross  negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.  Under the
Administration  Agreement,  FAdS and  certain  related  parties  (such as FAdS's
officers and persons who control FAdS) are  indemnified by the Trust against any
and all claims and  expenses  related to FAdS's  actions or  omissions  that are
consistent with FAdS's contractual standard of care.


Table 3 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual fees received by
FAdS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

                                       39
<PAGE>

2.       FUND ACCOUNTANT

As fund  accountant,  pursuant to an  accounting  agreement  with the Trust (the
"Accounting  Agreement"),  FAcS provides fund accounting  services to each Fund.
These services  include  calculating  the NAV per share of each Fund (and class)
and preparing each Fund's financial statements and tax returns.

For its  services,  FAcS  receives  a fee from each  Fund at an  annual  rate of
$36,000  and  certain  surcharges  based  upon the  number  and type of a Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions.  The fee is accrued daily by each Fund and
is paid monthly based on the transactions and positions for the previous month.

The  Accounting  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by
FAcS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS is not liable for any action or inaction in
the  performance of its duties to a Fund,  except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith,  gross  negligence or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement. Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS and certain
related  parties  (such as FAcS's  officers  and persons  who control  FAcS) are
indemnified  by the Trust  against  any and all claims and  expenses  related to
FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's contractual standard
of care.

         Under the Accounting Agreement,  in calculating a Fund's NAV per share,
FAcS is deemed not to have committed an error if the NAV per share it calculates
is within  1/10 of 1% of the actual  NAV per share  (after  recalculation).  The
Accounting Agreement also provides that FAcS will not be liable to a shareholder
for any loss incurred due to an NAV  difference if such  difference is less than
or equal 1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to  $10.00.  In  addition,  FAcS is not
liable for the errors of others,  including the companies that supply securities
prices to FAcS and each Fund.

Table 4 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual fees received by
FAcS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

3.       TRANSFER AGENT


As transfer agent and  distribution  paying agent,  pursuant to a transfer agent
agreement  with the Trust (the  "Transfer  Agent  Agreement"),  FSS maintains an
account  for  each  shareholder  of  record  of a Fund  and is  responsible  for
processing  purchase  and  redemption  requests  and  paying   distributions  to
shareholders of record. FSS is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101 and is registered as a transfer agent with the SEC.

For its  services,  FSS receives  with respect to each Fund 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund, an annual fee of $12,000 plus $18 per  shareholder
account.

The Transfer Agent  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  The Transfer Agent Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust
or by FSS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the Transfer Agent Agreement, FSS is not liable for any act or inaction in
the  performance of its duties to a Fund,  except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith or gross  negligence in the performance of its duties under the agreement.
Under the Transfer Agent  Agreement,  FSS and certain  related  parties (such as
FSS's officers and persons who control FSS) are indemnified by the Trust against
any and all claims and expenses  related to FAdS's actions or omissions that are
consistent with FAdS's contractual standard of care.


                                       40
<PAGE>

Table 5 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to FSS,  the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual  fees  received by
FSS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

4.       CUSTODIAN

As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with the  Trust,  Forum  Trust,  LLC
safeguards and controls each Fund's cash and securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to
provide  custody of a Fund's  domestic  and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian  is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of a Fund. Each Fund also pays an annual  domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction fees. These fees are accrued daily by each
Fund and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions  for the
previous month.

5.       LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20005 passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

6.       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, 14th Floor,  Boston,  Massachusetts,
02116-5022,  independent auditors, have been selected as auditors for each Fund.
The auditors audit the annual financial  statements of each Fund and provide the
Funds with an audit opinion. The auditors also review certain regulatory filings
of each Fund and each Funds tax returns.

                            6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


A.       HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD

Purchases  and  sales of  portfolio  securities  that are debt  securities  (for
instance,  money  market  instruments  and bonds,  notes and bills)  usually are
principal transactions. In a principal transaction, the party from whom the Fund
purchases  or to whom the Fund sells is acting on its own behalf (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected;  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.

Purchases of securities from underwriters of the securities  include a disclosed
fixed  commission  or  concession  paid by the  issuer to the  underwriter,  and
purchases  from dealers  serving as market makers include the spread between the
bid and asked price.

In the case debt and equity securities traded in the  over-the-counter  markets,
there is  generally  no stated  commission,  but the price  usually  includes an
undisclosed commission or markup.

                                       41
<PAGE>

B.       COMMISSIONS PAID

Table 6 in Appendix B shows the aggregate brokerage  commissions with respect to
each Fund.  The data  presented are for the past three fiscal  years.  The table
also  indicates the reason for any material  change in the last two years in the
amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund, if any.

C.       ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES

The Adviser  places orders for the purchase and sale of securities  with brokers
and dealers  selected by and in the  discretion of the Adviser.  No Fund has any
obligation  to deal with any  specific  broker or  dealer  in the  execution  of
portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and
the frequency of transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment
and in a manner  deemed to be in the best  interest  of each Fund rather than by
any formula.

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary  consideration in executing  transactions for a Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.

1.       CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

A Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available.  Rather, in
determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid in
connection with securities transactions,  the Adviser takes into account factors
such as size of the order, difficulty of execution,  efficiency of the executing
broker's  facilities  (including the research services  described below) and any
risk assumed by the executing broker.


Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider   sales  of  shares  of  a  Fund  as  a  factor  in  the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by  brokers  effecting  transactions  for a Fund  (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay.)

2.       OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may  cause a Fund to pay  these  brokers  a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients other than a Fund, and not all research services may be used
by the Adviser in connection  with the Fund.  The Adviser's fees are not reduced
by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts  although a  particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the services  purchased for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal databases.

Occasionally,  the  Adviser may  execute a  transaction  with a broker and pay a
slightly higher commission than another broker may charge. The higher commission
is paid  because of the  Adviser's  need for  specific  research,  for  specific
expertise a firm may have in a particular  type of  transaction  (due to factors
such as size or difficulty), or for speed/efficiency in execution. Since most of
the Adviser's  brokerage  commissions for research are for economic  research on


                                       42
<PAGE>

specific  companies  or  industries,  and since the Adviser is  involved  with a
limited number of securities,  most of the commission dollars spent for industry
and stock research directly benefit the clients.

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser,  some of which  accounts  may have  similar
investment objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could
be  either  advantageous  or  disadvantageous  to  any  one or  more  particular
accounts,  they will be effected  only when the Adviser  believes  that to do so
will be in the best  interest of the  affected  accounts.  When such  concurrent
authorizations  occur,  the  objective  will be to allocate  the  execution in a
manner  equitable  to the accounts  involved.  Clients are  typically  allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.

3.       COUNTERPARTY RISK

The Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to each Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

4.       TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The Adviser may effect brokerage  transactions through affiliates of the Adviser
(or affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.

5.       OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions  for each Fund are made  independently  from those for any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors, including basic suitability for the particular client involved. Thus, a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
clients are  selling  the  security.  In some  instances,  one client may sell a
particular  security  to another  client.  In addition  two or more  clients may
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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that  security.  In addition,  when purchases or sales of the same
security  for a Fund and other  client  accounts  managed by the Adviser  occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

6.       PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The frequency of portfolio  transactions of a Fund (the portfolio turnover rate)
will vary from year to year depending on many factors.  From time to time a Fund
may engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage of price  movements
affecting  individual issues,  groups of issues or markets.  An annual portfolio
turnover  rate of 100%  would  occur  if all of the  securities  in a Fund  were
replaced  once in a period  of one year.  Higher  portfolio  turnover  rates may
result  in  increased  brokerage  costs to a Fund  and a  possible  increase  in
short-term capital gains or losses.

For the fiscal  year ended  March 31,  1999,  Investors  High Grade Bond  Fund's
portfolio  turnover  was  172.60%.  The  turnover  was due to the Fund's  recent
inception  (March 16, 1998) and the maturity of shorter  term  instruments  like
commercial  paper.  The Fund invests a portion of its  portfolio  in  short-term
instruments in order to keep the portfolio maturity at seven years or less.

                                       43
<PAGE>

D.       SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS

From time to time a Fund may acquire and hold securities  issued by its "regular
brokers  and  dealers" or the parents of those  brokers  and  dealers.  For this
purpose,  regular  brokers and dealers are the 10 brokers or dealers  that:  (1)
received the greatest  amount of  brokerage  commissions  during the Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio  transactions  of the Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year;  or (3)
sold the largest amount of the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.
Table 7 in Appendix B lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value of each  Fund's  holdings  of those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.

                     7. PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A.       GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

Each Fund accepts orders for the purchase or redemption of shares on any weekday
except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


B.       ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

Shares of each Fund are sold on a  continuous  basis by the  distributor  at net
asset value ("NAV") per share plus the applicable sales charge.

Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of a
Fund's shares.  The example assumes a purchase of shares of beneficial  interest
aggregating  less than  $100,000  subject to the  schedule of sales  charges set
forth in the Prospectus at a price based on the net asset value per share of the
Fund on March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
                    <S>                              <C>                <C>               <C>
                                               INVESTORS HIGH
                                                 GRADE BOND       INVESTORS BOND    TAXSAVER BOND
                                                    FUND               FUND              FUND
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------

Net Asset Value per Share                           $9.92            $10.32            $10.61
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------

Shares Charge, 3.75% of offering price              $0.39            $0.40             $0.41
(3.90% of net asset value per share)
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------

Offering to Public                                 $10.31            $10.72            $11.02
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------


                                       44
<PAGE>

                                                    MAINE             NEW
                                               MUNICIPAL BOND      HAMPSHIRE
                                                    FUND           BOND FUND
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- -----------------

Net Asset Value per Share                          $11.07            $10.80
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- -----------------

Shares Charge, 3.00% of offering price              $0.34            $0.33
(3.09% of net asset value per share)
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- -----------------

Offering to Public                                 $11.41            $11.13
- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
</TABLE>


Each Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.


Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  a Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that  meet  the  investment
objective  and policies of a Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  A Fund will only
accept securities that: (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and are not
illiquid;  and  (2)  have  a  value  that  is  readily  ascertainable  (and  not
established only by valuation procedures).

1.       IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

2.       UGMAS/UTMAS

If the trustee's name is not in the account  registration  of a gift or transfer
to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the investor must provide a copy of the trust
document.

3.       PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to a Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable when you invest in a Fund directly. When you purchase a Fund's shares
through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of record
and,  subject  to your  institution's  procedures,  you  may  have  Fund  shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold  shares  through a financial  institution,  a Fund may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you  with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.   A  Fund  is  not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.


                                       45
<PAGE>


Investors  purchasing  shares of a Fund through a financial  institution  should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

C.       ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION

A Fund  may  redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares  purchased  by the  shareholder  or to  collect  any charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to a
Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus.

1.       SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock  Exchange,  Inc. is closed (other than  customary
weekend  and holiday  closings)  or during  which the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  determines that trading thereon is restricted;  (2) an emergency (as
determined  by the SEC)  exists as a result of which  disposal  by a Fund of its
securities  is not  reasonably  practicable  or as a  result  of which it is not
reasonably  practicable  for a Fund  fairly  to  determine  the value of its net
assets;  or  (3)  the  SEC  may  by  order  permit  for  the  protection  of the
shareholders of a Fund.

2.       REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental  to the best  interests of a
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
brokerage  costs may be incurred by the shareholder in converting the securities
to cash.  The Trust has filed an election  with the SEC pursuant to which a Fund
may  only  effect  a  redemption  in  portfolio  securities  if  the  particular
shareholder  is  redeeming  more than  $250,000  or 1% of the  Fund's  total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.

D.       NAV DETERMINATION

In determining a Fund's NAV per share,  securities  for which market  quotations
are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported
sales price.  If no sale price is reported,  the average of the last bid and ask
price is used. If no average price is available,  the last bid price is used. If
market quotations are not readily available,  then securities are valued at fair
value as determined by the Board (or its delegate).

E.       DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions  of net  investment  income will be reinvested at a Fund's NAV per
share as of the last day of the period with respect to which the distribution is
paid. Distributions of capital gain will be reinvested at the NAV per share of a
Fund on the payment date for the  distribution.  Cash  payments may be made more
than seven days  following the date on which  distributions  would  otherwise be
reinvested.

F.       SALES CHARGES

1.       REDUCED SALES CHARGES


You may qualify for a reduced  sales  charge on Fund  purchases  under rights of
accumulation  or a letter of intent.  If you qualify for rights of  accumulation
("ROA"), the sales charge you pay is based on the total of your current purchase
and the net asset value (at the end of the previous fund business day) of shares
that you already hold. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, you must inform FSS and
supply  sufficient  information  to verify that each purchase  qualifies for the
privilege  or  discount.  You may also  enter  into a  written  Letter of Intent
("LOI"), which expresses your intent to invest $100,000 or more in a Fund within
a period of 13  months.  Each  purchase  under a LOI will be made at the  public
offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a single transaction of


                                       46
<PAGE>

the dollar  amount  indicated  in the LOI.  If you do not  purchase  the minimum
investment  referenced  in the LOI, you must pay the Fund an amount equal to the
difference  between the dollar value of the sales charges paid under the LOI and
the dollar value of the sales charges due on the aggregate purchases of the Fund
as if such purchases were executed in a single transaction.


2.       ELIMINATION OF SALES CHARGES

No sales charge is assessed on the reinvestment of Fund distributions.  No sales
charge is assessed on purchases made for  investment  purposes or on redemptions
by:

o    any bank, trust company,  savings  association or similar  institution with
     whom the distributor has entered into a share purchase  agreement acting on
     behalf of the  institution's  fiduciary  customer  accounts  or any account
     maintained by its trust department (including a pension,  profit sharing or
     other  employee  benefit trust created  pursuant to a qualified  retirement
     plan)
o    any registered  investment  adviser with whom the  distributor  has entered
     into a share  purchase  agreement  and  which is  acting  on  behalf of its
     fiduciary customer accounts
o    any  broker-dealer  with whom the  distributor has entered into a Fee-Based
     Wrap Account  Agreement or similar  agreement and which is acting on behalf
     of its fee-based program clients
o    Trustees  and  officers of the Trust;  directors,  officers  and  full-time
     employees of the Advisor,  the distributor,  any of their affiliates or any
     organization  with which the distributor has entered into a Selected Dealer
     or similar  agreement;  the  spouse,  sibling,  direct  ancestor  or direct
     descendent  (collectively,  "relatives")  of any such person;  any trust or
     individual  retirement  account or  self-employed  retirement  plan for the
     benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any such person or
     relative
o    any person who has, within the preceding 90 days, redeemed Fund shares (but
     only on  purchases  in amounts not  exceeding  the  redeemed  amounts)  and
     completes a reinstatement form upon investment
o    persons  who  exchange  into a Fund from a mutual fund other than a fund of
     the Trust that participates in the Trust's exchange program
o    employee benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
     Code of 1986, as amended.

The Fund requires  appropriate  documentation  of an investor's  eligibility  to
purchase or redeem Fund shares  without a sales charge.  Any shares so purchased
may not be resold except to the Fund.

                                   8. TAXATION

The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law and assumes that each Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  Such
information is only a summary of certain key federal  income tax  considerations
affecting  each  Fund  and  its  shareholders  that  are  not  described  in the
Prospectus.  No attempt has been made to present a complete  explanation  of the
federal  tax  treatment  of a Fund  or the  implications  to  shareholders.  The
discussions  here and in the  Prospectus  are not  intended as  substitutes  for
careful tax planning.

This  "Taxation"  section  is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in
effect on the date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions may  significantly  change the tax rules  applicable to a Fund and its
shareholders.  Any of these  changes or court  decisions  may have a retroactive
effect.

ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

A.       QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY

Each  Fund  intends  for each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of a Fund.

                                       47
<PAGE>

The tax year end of each Fund is March 31 (the same as the  Fund's  fiscal  year
end).

1.       MEANING OF QUALIFICATION

As a regulated  investment company, a Fund will not be subject to federal income
tax on the portion of its  investment  company  taxable income (that is, taxable
interest,  dividends net short-term  capital gains,  and other taxable  ordinary
income,  net of  expenses)  and net  capital  gain  (that is,  the excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term  capital losses) that it distributes
to  shareholders.  In order to  qualify  to be taxed as a  regulated  investment
company a Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable income for the tax year. (Certain distributions made by a Fund
          after  the  close  of  its  tax  year  are  considered   distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in
          securities.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          government  securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of the  issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

Each Fund  generally  intends to  operate  in a manner  such that it will not be
liable for federal income tax.

2.       FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated  investment  company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. A
portion   of   these   distributions   generally   may  be   eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on a Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that a Fund will not
qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

B.       FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each Fund anticipates  distributing  substantially all of its investment company
taxable  income for each tax year.  These  distributions  are  taxable to you as
ordinary income. These distributions may qualify for the 70%  dividends-received
deduction for corporate shareholders.

Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December,  but a Fund may make  additional  distributions  of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term  capital gain,  regardless of how long you have held shares.  These
distributions do not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.

                                       48
<PAGE>

Each Fund may have capital loss carryovers (unutilized capital losses from prior
years).  These capital loss carryovers (which can be used for up to eight years)
may be used to offset any current  capital gain (whether  short- or  long-term).
All capital loss  carryovers are listed in a Fund's  financial  statements.  Any
such losses may not be carried back.

Distributions  by a Fund that do not  constitute  ordinary  income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduces your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by a Fund will be  treated  in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). If you receive  distribution
in the form of additional shares, it will be treated as receiving a distribution
in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares  received,  determined
as of the reinvestment date.

You may purchase shares whose net asset value at the time reflects undistributed
net investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in
the value of the assets of a Fund. Distributions of these amounts are taxable to
you in the  manner  described  above,  although  the  distribution  economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares  of a Fund  just  prior  to the  ex-dividend  date of a
distribution,  you  will be  taxed  on the  entire  amount  of the  distribution
received,  even though the net asset value per share on the date of the purchase
reflected the amount of the distribution.

Ordinarily, you are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the
year in which they are made.  A  distribution  declared in October,  November or
December  of any year and payable to you on a  specified  date in those  months,
however,  is deemed to be  received by you (and made by the Fund) on December 31
of that  calendar  year if the  distribution  is actually paid in January of the
following year.

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) to them during the year.

C.       CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUNDS TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes,  when put and call options  purchased by a Fund
expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  paid by the Fund  give  rise to  short-  or
long-term  capital losses at the time of expiration  (depending on the length of
the  respective  exercise  periods for the  options).  When put and call options
written by a Fund expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  received by the Fund give
rise  to  short-term  capital  gains  at the  time  of  expiration.  When a Fund
exercises a call, the purchase price of the underlying  security is increased by
the amount of the premium  paid by the Fund.  When a Fund  exercises a put,  the
proceeds from the sale of the  underlying  security are decreased by the premium
paid.  When a put or call written by a Fund is  exercised,  the  purchase  price
(selling  price in the case of a call) of the  underlying  security is decreased
(increased in the case of a call) for tax purposes by the premium received.

Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each tax year are
"marked to market" and treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though sold
for fair market value on the last business day of the tax year.  Gains or losses
realized  by a Fund on  Section  1256  contracts  generally  is  considered  60%
long-term and 40%  short-term  capital  gains or losses.  Each Fund can elect to
exempt its Section  1256  contracts,  which are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option,  futures contract,  or other position entered into or held by a Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, of the  positions  are Section  1256  contracts,  may  constitute a
"mixed  straddle".  In general,  straddles are subject to certain rules that may
affect the  character  and timing of a Fund's  gains and losses with  respect to


                                       49
<PAGE>

straddle positions by requiring, among other things, that: (1) the loss realized
on disposition of one position of a straddle may not be recognized to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with
respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%
short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections  are  available  to a Fund,  which may  mitigate  the  effects  of the
straddle rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the
straddle rules  described above do not apply to any straddles held by a Fund all
of the offsetting positions of which consist of Section 1256 contracts.

If a Fund invests in the securities of foreign issuers, the Fund's income may be
subject to foreign withholding taxes.

D.       FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an amount equal to: (1) 98% of its
ordinary  taxable  income for the calendar year; and (2) 98% of its capital gain
net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of the calendar year. The
balance of the Fund's income must be distributed  during the next calendar year.
A Fund will be treated as having  distributed  any amount on which it is subject
to income tax for any tax year.

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, each Fund: (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year; and (2) excludes foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred after October 31 of any year (or December 31 if it has made the
election  described  above) in determining the amount of ordinary taxable income
for the current  calendar year. The Fund will include foreign currency gains and
losses incurred after October 31 in determining  ordinary taxable income for the
succeeding calendar year.

Each Fund  intends to make  sufficient  distributions  of its  ordinary  taxable
income and capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to
avoid liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that a Fund
might in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

E.       SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

In general,  a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption
of shares of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of
the sale or redemption and the  shareholder's  adjusted tax basis in the shares.
All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the  shareholder
purchases  (for  example,  by  reinvesting  dividends)  other shares of the Fund
within 30 days before or after the sale or redemption (a so called "wash sale").
In general,  any gain or loss arising from the sale or redemption of shares of a
Fund will be considered  capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain
or loss if the  shares  were held for longer  than one year.  Any  capital  loss
arising  from the sale or  redemption  of  shares  held for six  months or less,
however,  is treated as a long-term  capital loss to the extent of the amount of
capital gain  distributions  received on such shares. In determining the holding
period of such shares for this purpose,  any period during which a shareholder's
risk of loss is offset by means of options,  short sales or similar transactions
is not counted.  Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of
capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate  taxpayer,  $3,000 of ordinary
income.

                                       50
<PAGE>


F.       BACKUP WITHHOLDING

A Fund will be  required  in  certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to  any   shareholder:   (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  correct  tax  payer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has failed to certify to a Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding
or that it is a corporation or other "exempt  recipient."  Backup withholding is
not an  additional  tax;  any  amounts so  withheld  may be  credited  against a
shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.

G.       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends  on  whether  the  income  from a Fund  is  "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income  from a Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, ordinary income distributions paid
to a foreign shareholder will be subject to U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution.
The foreign  shareholder  generally would be exempt from U.S. federal income tax
on gain  realized on the sale of shares of a Fund,  capital  gain  distributions
from a Fund and amounts  retained by a Fund that are designated as undistributed
capital gain.

If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income distributions, capital
gain distributions, and any gain realized upon the sale of shares of a Fund will
be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates  applicable to U.S.  citizens
or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a  noncorporate  foreign  shareholder,  a Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty might be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to  distributions  from a Fund can
differ from the U.S.  federal  income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to
consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect to an investment in a Fund.

H.       STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and local  jurisdictions  with
respect to  distributions  from a Fund can differ from the U.S.  federal  income
taxation rules  described  above.  These state and local rules are not discussed
herein.  Shareholders  are  urged  to  consult  their  tax  advisers  as to  the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with  respect to an  investment  in a
Fund.

                                       51
<PAGE>


                                9. OTHER MATTERS


A.       THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:

Austin Global Equity Fund                         Investors Equity Fund
BIA Growth Equity Fund                            Investors Growth Fund
BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund                         Investors High Grade Bond Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                         Maine Municipal Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                   New Hampshire Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)       Payson Balanced Fund
Daily Asset Municipal Fund(1)                     Payson Value Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)         Polaris Global Value Fund
Equity Index Fund                                 TaxSaver Bond Fund
Investors Bond Fund

(1)  The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in an  institutional,
     institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Funds' investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities  that may be purchased or held by the Fund.  The Board will  consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' invesmtent
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Fund reserves the right to invest in one or more other investment  companies
in a Core and Gateway(R) structure.

The Trust and each Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

2.       SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a  different  expense  ratio and its
expenses will affect each class' performance.  For more information on any other
class of shares of the Fund, you may contact FSS.


3.       SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne
solely  by those  shares.  Each  class  votes  separately  with  respect  to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,
shares will be voted separately by individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act
requires shares to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual  series;  and
(2) when the Trustees determine that the matter affects more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only  affects  certain  classes  of the Trust and thus only  those  classes  are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold


                                       52
<PAGE>

annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

A  shareholder  or  shareholders  representing  33 1/3% or more the  outstanding
shares entitled to vote may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings
of the Trust (or  series)  for any  purpose  related  to the Trust (or  series),
including,  in the case of a meeting  of the  Trust,  the  purpose  of voting on
removal of one or more Trustees.

4.       CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or a Fund.  The  Trustees  may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder vote, cause the Trust or certain series to merge or consolidate into
one or more  trusts,  partnerships  or  corporations  or cause  the  Trust to be
incorporated under Delaware law, so long as the surviving entity is an open-end,
management  investment  company  that  will  succeed  to or assume  the  Trust's
registration statement.

B.       FUND OWNERSHIP

As of July 1, 1999,  the percentage of shares owned by all officers and trustees
of the Trust as a group was as follows.  To the extent officers and trustees own
less than 1% of the shares of each class of shares of a Fund (or of the  Trust),
the table reflects "N/A" for not applicable.

                                                      PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
FUND (OR TRUST)                                               OWNED
The Trust                                                      N/A
Investors High Grade Bond Fund                                 N/A
Investors Bond Fund                                            N/A
TaxSaver Fund                                                  N/A
Maine Municipal Bond Fund                                      N/A
New Hampshire Bond Fund                                        N/A

Also as of that date, certain shareholders of record owned 5% or more of a class
of shares of a Fund. Shareholders known by a Fund to own beneficially 5% or more
of a class of shares of the Fund are listed in Table 8 in Appendix B.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder  vote. As of July 1, 1999, the following
persons beneficially owned 25% or more of the shares of a Fund (or of the Trust)
and may be deemed to control  the Fund (or the Trust).  For each  person  listed
that is a  company,  the  jurisdiction  under the laws of which the  company  is
organized (if applicable) and the company's parents are listed.

                                       53
<PAGE>

CONTROLLING PERSON INFORMATION
<TABLE>
               <S>                                          <C>                              <C>
                                                                                       PERCENTAGE OF
FUND (OR TRUST)                           SHAREHOLDER                                  SHARES OWNED

Investors High Grade Bond Fund            Babb  &  Co.   (incorporated   in  New
                                          Hampshire)
                                          C/O Bank of New hampshire
                                          PO Box 477                                      98.81%
                                          Concord, NH 03302

Investors Bond Fund                       FirsTrust (incorporated in Indiana)
                                          National City Bank Trust Dept.
                                          227 Main Street
                                          Evansville, IN 47708                            40.21%

                                          FirsTrust (incorporated in Indiana)
                                          National City Bank Trust Dept.
                                          227 Main Street
                                          Evansville, IN 47708                            28.05%

TaxSaver Fund                             FirsTrust (incorporated in Indiana)
                                          National City Bank Trust Dept.
                                          227 Main Street
                                          Evansville, IN 47708                            35.43%

New Hampshire Bond Fund                   Independence  Trust  (organized in New
                                          Hampshire)
                                          The Atrium Building
                                          1001 Elm Street Suite 205                       40.21%
                                          Manchester, NH 03101
</TABLE>

Bank of New Hampshire is the parent company of Babb & Co.  National City Bank of
Evansville is the parent company of FirsTrust.

C.       LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations for profit. In the past, the 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.  The Forum  Funds'  Trust  Instrument  (the
document  that  governs  the  operations  of  the  Trust)  contains  an  express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities,  obligations and
expenses of the Trust and requires that a disclaimer be given in each bond, note
or contract,  or other undertaking  entered into or executed by the Trust or the
Trustees.  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 if held to be  personally  liable solely by reason of
being or having  been a  shareholder  of a 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,  no  contractual  limitation  of  liability  was in
effect, and the portfolio is unable to meet its obligations. FAdS believes that,
in view of the above, there is no risk of personal liability to shareholders.

                                       54
<PAGE>

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

D.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are qualified by, the copy of such contract or other documents filed as exhibits
to the registration statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial  statements of each of Investors  High Grade Bond Fund,  Investors
Bond Fund, TaxSaver Fund, Maine Municipal Bond Fund, and New Hampshire Bond Fund
for the year ended March 31, 1999,  which are  included in the Annual  Report to
Shareholders of each Fund, are incorporated herein by reference. These financial
statements  include  the  schedules  of  investments,  statements  of assets and
liabilities,  statements  of  operations,  statements  of changes in net assets,
financial highlights, notes and independent auditors' reports.


                                       55
<PAGE>

                 APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS


A.       CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION

AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which
         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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

         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment
         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

3.       DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,       A- Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,       B- Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD       Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
         and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

4.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC, C    High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD, D    Default.  Securities are not meeting current obligations and are
         extremely  speculative.  `DDD' designates the  highest  potential for
         recovery  of amounts outstanding on any  securities involved. For  U.S.
         corporates,  for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
         of such outstandings, and `D' the lowest recovery potential, i.e. below
         50%.

B.       PREFERRED STOCK

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated  "aa" is  considered  a  high-grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.

C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

2.       STANDARD & POOR'S

AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB
B, CCC   Preferred  stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded,  on balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.

C.       SHORT TERM RATINGS

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1  Issuers  rated  Prime-1 (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-1
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset  protection.
          o    Broad  margins in  earnings coverage  of fixed  financial charges
               and high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2  Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to
         a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may
         be more subject to  variation.  Capitalization  characteristics,  while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3  Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial  leverage.  Adequate  alternate  liquidity is
         maintained.

NOT
PRIME  Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the  Prime  rating
categories.

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S

A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

3.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.

F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely repayment may be susceptible to adverse changes
         in business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.

                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                                       B-7
                        APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES



TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES

The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to the Adviser with
respect to each Fund.

INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND
                                                   ADVISORY FEE

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $140,442
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                        $5,970

INVESTORS BOND FUND                                ADVISORY FEE
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $328,113
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $171,777
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $100,163

TAXSAVER BOND FUND                                 ADVISORY FEE
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $157,824
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $102,003
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $70,634

MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                          ADVISORY FEE
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $119,844
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $107,471
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $101,549

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND                            ADVISORY FEE
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $57,031
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $43,782
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $31,774







                                      B-1
<PAGE>


TABLE 2 - SALES CHARGES

                                             INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND
<TABLE>
               <S>                         <C>                          <C>                         <C>
 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

            1999                          $150                         $150                          $0
            1998                           $0                           $0                           $0
            1997                           N/A                          N/A                          N/A

                                                  INVESTORS BOND FUND

 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

            1999                          $119                         $119                          $0
            1998                           $0                           $0                           $0
            1997                         $1,951                        $274                        $1,677

                                                   TAXSAVER BOND FUND

 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

            1999                           $8                           $8                           $0
            1998                          $162                         $162                          $0
            1997                           $16                          $2                           $14

                                               MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

            1999                         $19,170                       $146                        $19,024
            1998                         $16,890                       $376                        $16,514
            1997                        $117,032                      $10,264                     $106,768

                                                NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND

 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

            1999                          $771                         $141                         $630
            1998                         $4,041                         $0                         $4,041
            1997                         $54,094                      $4,557                       $49,537
</TABLE>




                                      B-2
<PAGE>


TABLE 3 - ADMINISTRATION FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAdS with respect
to each Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAdS, if any, and the actual
fee received by FAdS.

<TABLE>
               <S>                                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND                      PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $70,221                   $70,221                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $2,985                   $2,985                     $0


                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
INVESTORS BOND FUND                                 PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $164,056                 $164,056                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $108,198                 $180,198                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                      $75,122                   $75,122                    $0


                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
TAXSAVER BOND FUND                                  PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $78,912                   $78,912                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $66,898                   $66,898                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                      $52,975                   $52,975                    $0


                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                           PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $59,922                   $59,922                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $73,724                   $73,164                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                      $76,162                   $76,162                    $0


                                                ADMINISTRATION FEE       ADMINISTRATION FEE      ADMINISTRATION FEE
NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND                              PAYABLE                   WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $28,516                  $28,516                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $29,727                  $29,727                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $23,831                  $23,831                    $0



                                      B-3
<PAGE>


TABLE 4 - ACCOUNTING FEES

The following  able shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAcS with respect
to each Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAcS, if any, and the actual
fee received by FAcS.

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
       INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND                                                                RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $40,000                    $0                   $40,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                        $3,548                  $3,548                    $0

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
            INVESTORS BOND FUND                                                                      RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $40,000                    $0                   $40,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $41,000                    $0                   $41,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $41,000                    $0                   $41,000

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
             TAXSAVER BOND FUND                                                                      RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $38,000                    $0                   $38,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $41,000                    $0                   $41,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
         MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                                                                   RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $48,000                 $48,000                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $48,000                    $0                   $48,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $48,000                 $48,000                 $48,000

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED   ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE
          NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $37,000                 $37,000                    $0
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $37,000                    $0                   $37,000




                                      B-4
<PAGE>


TABLE 5 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES


The following table shows the dollar amount of shareholder  service fees payable
to FSS with respect to Shares of each Fund.


      INVESTORS HIGH GRADE BOND FUND         TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
                                                   PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $99,845                 $76,092                  $23,753
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $4,248                  $3,731                   $517

                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
           INVESTORS BOND FUND                     PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $218,175                $96,856                 $121,319
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $120,533                $102,298                 $18,235
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $76,562                 $58,271                  $18,291

                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
            TAXSAVER BOND FUND                     PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $111,354                $97,734                  $13,620
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $76,553                 $59,098                  $17,455
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $57,010                 $40,248                  $16,762

                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
        MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND                  PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $96,618                 $74,804                  $21,814
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $86,179                 $43,753                  $42,426
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $82,456                 $39,581                  $42,875

                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
         NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND                   PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $50,028                 $36,422                  $13,606
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $40,793                 $11,618                  $29,175
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $33,317                  $6,539                  $26,778
</TABLE>




                                      B-5
<PAGE>


TABLE 6 - COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
each Fund that incurred  brokerage costs. The data are 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>                <C>
                         INVESTORS HIGH                                           MAINE MUNICIPAL     NEW HAMPSHIRE
                         GRADE BOND FUND  INVESTORS BOND FUND    TAXSAVER BOND       BOND FUND          BOND FUND
YEAR ENDED                                                           FUND
March 31, 1999                 $0                 $0                  $0                 $0                $0
March 31, 1998                 $0                 $0                  $0                 $0                $0
March 31, 1997                 $0                 $0                  $0                 $0                $0
</TABLE>

TABLE 7 - SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS

The  following  table lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year  and the  aggregate  value  of a  Fund's  holdings  of  those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.
<TABLE>
          <S>                                <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>
                                         INVESTORS                                          MAINE            NEW
                                         HIGH GRADE    INVESTORS BOND     TAXSAVER     MUNICIPAL BOND     HAMPSHIRE
REGULAR BROKER OR DEALER                 BOND FUND          FUND          BOND FUND         FUND          BOND FUND

BankAmerica Corp.                         $528,000           $0              $0              $0              $0
Dean Witter Discover                      $504,000           $0              $0              $0              $0
Dreyfus Cash Management                   $815,000        $257,000           $0              $0              $0
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.           $2,145,000      $2,529,000          $0              $0              $0
Paine Webber, Inc.                           $0           $536,000           $0              $0              $0
JP Morgan & Co.                              $0          $1,530,000          $0              $0              $0
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.                   $0           $548,000           $0              $0              $0
Merrill Lynch & Co.                          $0          $1,220,000          $0              $0              $0
Morgan Stanley Group, Inc.                   $0           $515,000           $0              $0              $0
Bear Stearns Cos., Inc.                      $0           $508,000           $0              $0              $0
</TABLE>





                                      B-6
<PAGE>


TABLE 8 - 5% SHAREHOLDERS

The following  table lists (1) the persons who owned of record 5% or more of the
outstanding  shares of a class of shares of a Fund and (2) any person known by a
Fund to own  beneficially  5% or more of a class of shares of a Fund, as of July
1, 1999.
<TABLE>
          <S>                                <C>                                <C>               <C>
                                                                                                 % OF
FUND/CLASS OF SHARES            NAME AND ADDRESS                               SHARES            FUND

Investors Bond Fund             SEI Trust Company
                                C/O Irwin Union Bank & Trust
                                One Freedom Valley Drive
                                Oaks, PA 19456                              752,395.509         11.55%

                                SEI Trust Company
                                C/O Irwin Union Bank & Trust
                                One Freedom Valley Drive
                                Oaks, PA 19456                              671,765.332         10.32%

TaxSaver Bond Fund              SEI Trust Company
                                C/O Irwin Union Bank & Trust
                                One Freedom Valley Drive
                                Oaks, PA 19456                              675,398.441         20.48%

                                Leonore Zusman Living Trust
                                6439 Woodacre Ct
                                Englewood, OH 45322                         208,406.472         6.77%

                                SEI Trust Company
                                C/O Irwin Union Bank & Trust
                                One Freedom Valley Drive
                                Oaks, PA 19456                              208,406.472         6.32%

                                Lawrence L Zusman Living Trust
                                6439 Woodacre Ct
                                Englewood, OH 45322                         171,775.276         5.21%

                                Mitchell Singer
                                5045 North Main Street
                                Suite 250
                                Dayton, OH 45415                            165,128.915         5.01%
</TABLE>



                                      B-7
<PAGE>

                          APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA


TABLE 1 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITHOUT SALES CHARGES)

The average  annual  total  return  without  sales  charges of each Fund for the
period ended March 31, 1999, was as follows.
<TABLE>
       <S>               <C>        <C>             <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>              <C>
                                               CALENDAR YEAR
                        ONE        THREE         TO DATE         ONE       THREE       FIVE       TEN         SINCE INCEPTION
                       MONTH       MONTHS                        YEAR      YEARS       YEARS     YEARS          (ANNUALIZED)
  INVESTORS HIGH
  GRADE BOND FUND      0.57%       (0.82)%        (0.82)%        6.12%      N/A        N/A         N/A            5.70%

INVESTORS BOND FUND    1.04%       (0.28)%        (0.28)%        4.45%      7.50%      7.36%       N/A            8.66%

TAXSAVER BOND FUND    (0.09)%       0.45%          0.45%         4.95%      5.94%      6.27%       N/A            7.16%

  MAINE MUNICIPAL
     BOND FUND        (0.08)%       0.54%          0.54%         5.19%      6.03%      6.34%       N/A            6.62%

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND
       FUND           (0.10)%       0.49%          0.49%         5.61%      6.32%      6.53%       N/A            6.20%
</TABLE>

TABLE 2 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITH SALES CHARGES)

The average  annual total return with sales  charges of each Fund for the period
ended March 31, 1999, was as follows.
<TABLE>
          <S>            <C>        <C>              <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>
                                               CALENDAR YEAR
                        ONE        THREE          TO DATE        ONE       THREE      FIVE         TEN       SINCE INCEPTION
                       MONTH       MONTHS                        YEAR      YEARS      YEARS        YEARS      (ANNUALIZED)
  INVESTORS HIGH
       GRADE
     BOND FUND        (3.20)%      (4.54)%        (4.54)%        2.14%      N/A        N/A         N/A            1.90%

INVESTORS BOND FUND   (2.75)%      (4.02)%        (4.02)%        0.53%      6.14%      6.55%       N/A            8.22%

TAXSAVER BOND FUND    (3.84)%      (3.31)%        (3.31)%        1.01%      4.60%      5.46%       N/A            6.73%

  MAINE MUNICIPAL
     BOND FUND        (2.58)%      (1.98)%        (1.98)%        2.56%      5.14%      5.81%       N/A            6.25%

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND
       FUND           (2.60)%      (2.02)%        (2.02)%        2.97%      5.43%      5.99%       N/A            5.77%
</TABLE>



                                      C-1
<PAGE>


                  APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS


                             TEXT OF FORUM BROCHURE

In connection with its  advertisements,  a Fund may provide a description of the
Fund's investment adviser and its affiliates, which are service providers to the
Fund. Text, which is currently in use, is set forth below.

"FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP OF COMPANIES

Forum Financial  Group of Companies  represent more than a decade of diversified
experience  with every  aspect of mutual  funds.  The Forum  Family of Funds has
benefited from the informed,  sharply  focused  perspective on mutual funds that
experience makes possible.

The Forum Family of Funds has been created and managed by  affiliated  companies
of Portland-based  Forum Financial Group, among the nation's largest mutual fund
administrators  providing clients with a full line of services for every type of
mutual fund.

The Forum  Family of Funds is designed to give  investment  representatives  and
investors a broad choice of carefully  structured  and  diversified  portfolios,
portfolios  that can satisfy a wide  variety of  immediate  as well as long-term
investment goals.

Forum  Financial Group has developed its "brand name" family of mutual funds and
has made them available to the investment public and to institutions on both the
national and regional levels.

For more than a decade Forum has had direct  experience with mutual funds from a
different  perspective,  a perspective  made  possible by Forum's  position as a
leading designer and full-service  administrator  and manager of mutual funds of
all types.

Today Forum  Financial  Group  administers  and  provides  services for over 181
mutual  funds for 17  different  fund  managers,  with more than $70  billion in
client assets. Forum has its headquarters in Portland, Maine, and has offices in
Seattle, Bermuda, and Warsaw, Poland. In a joint venture with Bank Handlowy, the
largest  and  oldest  commercial  bank  in  Poland,   Forum  operates  the  only
independent  transfer agent and mutual fund accounting business in Poland. Forum
directs an off-shore and hedge fund administration  business through its Bermuda
office. It employs more than 390 professionals worldwide.

From the  beginning,  Forum  developed a plan of action that was effective  with
both start-up funds, and funds that needed  restructuring  and improved services
in order to live up to their potential.  The success of its innovative  approach
is  evident  in  Forum's  growth  rate over the  years,  a growth  rate that has
consistently outstripped that of the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as
that of the fund service outsource industry.

Forum has worked with both  domestic  and  international  mutual fund  sponsors,
designing  unique  mutual  fund  structures,  positioning  new funds  within the
sponsors' own corporate planning and targeted markets.

Forum's staff of experienced lawyers, many of whom have been associated with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  have  been  available  to work with fund
sponsors to customize  fund  components and to evaluate the potential of various
fund structures.

Forum has introduced fund sponsors to its unique proprietary Core and Gateway(R)
partnership,  helping them to take advantage of this full-service  master/feeder
structure.

                                      D-1
<PAGE>

Fund sponsors  understand that even the most efficiently and creatively designed
fund can disappoint  shareholders  if it is inadequately  serviced.  That is the
reason why fund  sponsors  have relied on Forum to meet all of a fund's  complex
compliance, regulatory, and filing needs.

Forum's full service commitment includes providing  state-of-the-art  accounting
support (Forum has 7 CPAs on staff, as well as senior  accountants who have been
associated with Big 6 accounting firms).  Forum's proprietary  accounting system
is continually upgraded and can provide custom-built modules to satisfy a fund's
specific  requirements.   This  service  is  joined  with  transfer  agency  and
shareholder  service  groups that draw their strength both from the high caliber
of the people staffing each unit and from Forum's  advanced  technology  support
system.

More than a decade of  experience  with mutual  funds has given Forum  practical
hands-on  experience and knowledge of how mutual funds function "from the inside
out."

Forum has put that  experience to work by creating the Forum Family of Funds,  a
family where each member is designed  and  positioned  for your best  investment
advantage,  and where each fund is  serviced  with the utmost  attention  to the
delivery of timely, accurate, and comprehensive shareholder information.

INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC offers the services of portfolio  managers with
the highest  qualifications--because without such direction, a comprehensive and
goal-oriented  investment  program  and  ongoing  investment  strategy  are  not
possible.  Serving  as  portfolio  managers  for the  Forum  Family of Funds are
individuals wit decades of experience with some of the country's major financial
institutions.

Individual  funds in the Forum Family of Funds invest in portfolios that have as
their investment adviser nationally recognized institutions,  including Schroder
Capital Management International, Inc., a major figure in worldwide mutual funds
that, with its affiliates, managed over $175 billion as of September 30, 1997.

Forum Funds are also  managed by the  portfolio  managers of H.M.  Payson & Co.,
founded in Portland, Maine in 1854 and one of the oldest investment firms in the
country. Payson has approximately $1.25 billion in assets under management, with
clients that include  pension plans,  endowment  funds,  and  institutional  and
individual accounts.

FORUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC is the largest Maine based  investment  adviser
with  approximately  $1.95  billion in assets under  management.  The  portfolio
managers have decades of combined experience in a cross section of the country's
financial  markets.  The managers have  specific,  day-to-day  experience in the
asset class  portfolios  they manage,  bringing  critical  focus to meeting each
fund's explicit investment objectives. The portfolio managers have been involved
in investing the assets of large  insurance  companies,  banks,  pension  plans,
individuals,  and of course mutual funds. Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC has a
staff of analysts and investment  administrators  to meet the demands of serving
shareholders in our funds.

FORUM FAMILY OF FUNDS

It has been said that  mutual  fund  investment  offerings--of  which  there are
nearly  10,000,  with assets spread across stock,  bond,  and money market funds
worth  more  than  $4  trillion--come  in  a  rainbow  of  varieties.  A  better
description  would be a "spectrum" of varieties,  the spectrum graded from green
through  amber  and on to red.  In  simpler  terms,  from low risk  investments,
through moderate to high risk. The lower the risk, the lower the possible reward
- -- the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.

                                      D-2
<PAGE>

The Forum Family of Funds provides  conservative  investment  opportunities that
reduce the risk of loss of capital,  using underlying  money market  investments
U.S. Government  securities  (although the shares of the Forum Funds are neither
insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies),  thus cushioning
the investment  against  market  volatility.  These funds offer regular  income,
ready access to your money, and flexibility to buy or sell at any time.

In the less  conservative  but still not  aggressive  category  are funds in the
Forum Family that seek to provide steady income and, in certain cases,  tax-free
earnings.  Such investments  provide important  diversification to an investment
portfolio.

Growth funds in the Forum Family more  aggressively  pursue a high return at the
risk of market volatility.  These funds include domestic and international stock
mutual funds."




                                      D-3
<PAGE>


                      TEXT OF PEOPLES HERITAGE NEWS RELEASE

Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHBK) announced today that it has
formed an alliance with a major mutual fund provider and an investment  advisory
firm to expand its mutual fund  offerings.  The  alliance  with Forum  Financial
Group and H.M.  Payson & Company will result in 18 funds,  including  the unique
Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New Hampshire Bond Fund, being offered through the
branches  of Peoples'  affiliate  banks in Maine,  New  Hampshire  and  northern
Massachusetts and the Company's trust and investment subsidiaries

'There is no secret to where  financial  services  are moving,  under one roof,"
said William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples
Heritage.   "One  only  has  to  watch  the  virtually  daily  announcements  of
consolidations  in  the  financial  sector  to  understand  that  customers  are
demanding and receiving 'one-stop' financial services.

 "We think we are adding the additional  competitive advantage of funds that are
managed and administered close to home."

Eighteen  Forum funds will be offered  including two Payson funds.  The tax-free
Maine and New Hampshire  state bond funds are the only two such funds  available
and usually  invest 80% of total  assets in  municipal  securities.  Other funds
being provided by the alliance include money market, debt and equity funds.

Forum Financial, based in Portland, Maine since 1987, administers 124 funds with
more than $29 billion in assets.  Forum  manages  mutual  funds for  independent
investment advisers such as Payson and for banks. Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
an affiliate,  is the largest Maine-based  investment adviser with approximately
$1.95 billion in fund assets under management.

"We are providing a great product set to the customers served by Peoples' nearly
200 branches in northern New  England,"  said John Y.  Keffer,  Forum  Financial
president,  "The key today is to link a wide variety of investment  options with
convergent, easy access for customers. I believe this alliance does just that."

H.M.  Payson & Co.,  founded in 1854, is one of the nation's  oldest  investment
firms with nearly $1.25 billion in assets under  management  and $412 million in
non-managed  custodial accounts.  The Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund
are among the 18 offerings.

"I believe we have all the  ingredients  of a  tremendous  alliance,"  said John
Walker,  Payson President and Managing  Director.  "We have the region's premier
community banking company,  a community-based  investment  adviser,  and a local
mutual fund company that operates  nationally  and  specializes  in working with
banks. We are poised to provide solid investment performance and service."

Peoples Heritage Financial Group is a $10 billion multi-state bank and financial
services  holding company  headquartered  in Portland,  Maine. Its Maine banking
affiliate,  Peoples Heritage Bank, has the state's leading deposit market share.
Its New Hampshire  banking  affiliate,  Bank of New  Hampshire,  has the state's
leading deposit market share. Family Bank, the Company's  Massachusetts  banking
subsidiary,  has the state's tenth largest  deposit market share and the leading
market  share  in many of the  northern  Massachusetts  communities  it  serves.
Peoples  affiliate  banks  also  operate  subsidiaries  in  leasing,  trust  and
investment services and insurance.



                                      D-4
<PAGE>


FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP:

Headquarters:  Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101

President:  John Y. Keffer

Offices:  Portland, Seattle, Warsaw, Bermuda

*Established  in 1986 to  administer  mutual  funds for  independent  investment

advisers and banks *Among the nation's largest  third-party fund  administrators

*Uses proprietary in-house systems and custom programming capabilities

         *Administration and Distribution  Services:  Regulatory,  compliance,

          expense  accounting,  budgeting for all funds

         *Fund Accounting Services:  Portfolio valuation, accounting, dividend

          declaration, and tax advice

         *Shareholder  Services:  Preparation  of  statements,  distribution

          support,  inquiries and processing of trades

*Client Assets under Administration and Distribution:  $70.4 billion

*Client Assets Processed by Fund Accounting:  $53 billion
*Client Funds under Administration and Distribution:  181 mutual funds with 89

 share classes

*International Ventures:

         Joint  venture  with Bank  Handlowy in Warsaw,  Poland,  using  Forum's

         proprietary   transfer  agency  and  distribution   systems   Off-shore

         investment  fund  administration,  using  Bermuda as Forum's  center of

         operations

*Forum Employees:  United States -215, Poland - 180, Bermuda - 4


FORUM  CONTACTS:John  Burns,  Director,  Forum Investment  Advisers,  LLC, (207)
879-1900 X 6132
Tony Santaniello, Director of Marketing, (207) 879-1900 X 6175




                                      D-5
<PAGE>


H.M. PAYSON & CO.:

Headquarters:  One Portland Square, Portland, Maine

President and Managing Director: John Walker

Quality investment services and conservative wealth management since 1854

*Assets under Management: $1.25 Billion

*Non-managed Custody Assets: $412 Million

*Client Base: 85% individuals; 15% institutional

*Owned by 11 shareholders; 10 managing directors

*Payson Balanced Fund and Payson Value Fund  (administrative  and shareholder

services provided by Forum Financial Group)

*Employees: 45


H.M. PAYSON & CO. CONTACT:

Joel Harris, Marketing Coordinator, (207) 772-3761







                                      D-6
<PAGE>



                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                  JUNE 15, 1999

                            AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000





                            BIA SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
                             BIA GROWTH EQUITY FUND


FUND INFORMATION:

         BIA Funds
         Two Portland Square
         Portland, Maine 04101
         (800) 540-6807

INVESTMENT ADVISER:

         Brown Investment Advisory & Trust Company
         Furness House
         19 South Street
         Baltimore, Maryland 21202

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (207) 879-0001
         (800) 540-6807



This  Statement of Additional  Information or "SAI"  supplements  the Prospectus
dated June 15, 1999, as amended March 1, 2000,  offering shares of BIA Small-Cap
Growth Fund and BIA Growth Equity Fund,  two separate  series of Forum Funds,  a
registered, open-end management investment company. This SAI is not a prospectus
and should only be read in conjunction  with the Prospectus.  You may obtain the
Prospectus without charge by contacting Forum Shareholder  Services,  LLC at the
address or telephone number listed above.

Certain  information  for the Funds included in the  Prospectus is  incorporated
into this SAI by reference.



<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



1.   GLOSSARY.................................................................1


1.  INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS.............................................2


2.  INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS...................................................10


3.  PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING.........................................13


4.  MANAGEMENT...............................................................18


5.  PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...................................................25


6.  PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION......................................28


7.  TAXATION.................................................................31


8.  OTHER MATTERS............................................................36


APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS..............................A-1






<PAGE>


1

                                   1. GLOSSARY

As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.


         "Adviser" means Brown Investment Advisory & Trust Company.

         "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "Custodian" means the custodian of each Fund's assets.

         "FAcS" means Forum  Accounting  Services,  LLC, the fund  accountant of
          each Fund.

         "FAdS" means Forum Administrative  Services,  LLC, the administrator of
          each Fund.

         "FFS" means Forum Fund  Services,  LLC, the  distributor of each Fund's
          shares.

         "Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.

         "FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the transfer agent of each
          Fund.

         "Fund" means BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund or BIA Growth Equity Fund.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

         "NAV" means net asset value per share.

         "NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

         "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "S&P"  means  Standard & Poor's  Corporation,  A Division of the McGraw
          Hill Companies.

         "Trust" means Forum Funds.

         "U.S.Government  Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by
          the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

         "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.






                                       1
<PAGE>


39

                        1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS




Each  Fund is a  diversified  series  of the  Trust.  The  following  discussion
supplements  the  disclosure  in  the  Prospectus  for  each  Fund's  investment
objectives, principal investment strategies and principal risks.


A.       EQUITY SECURITIES

1.       COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

GENERAL.  Common stock represents an equity  (ownership)  interest in a company,
and usually  possesses  voting rights and earns  dividends.  Dividends on common
stock are not fixed but are  declared at the  discretion  of the issuer.  Common
stock generally  represents the riskiest  investment in a company.  In addition,
common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation  potential
because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's
stock price.

Preferred  stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to
the payment of  dividends  and the  recovery of  investment  should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of
the issuer.  Preferred  stock  typically  does not possess voting rights and its
market value may change based on changes in interest rates.


RISKS.  The  fundamental  risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the
risk that the value of the stock  might  decrease.  Stock  values  fluctuate  in
response to the  activities of an  individual  company or in response to general
market and/or  economic  conditions.  Historically,  common stocks have provided
greater  long-term  returns  and have  entailed  greater  short-term  risks than
preferred  stocks,  debt and money market  investments.  The market value of all
securities,  including common and preferred  stocks,  is based upon the market's
perception  of value and not  necessarily  the book  value of an issuer or other
objective  measures of a company's worth. If you invest in a Fund, you should be
willing  to  accept  the  risks of the  stock  market  and  should  consider  an
investment in the Fund only as a part of your overall investment portfolio.


2.       CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

GENERAL.  Convertible  securities  include debt  securities,  preferred stock or
other  securities  that may be converted into or exchanged for a given amount of
common stock of the same or a different  issuer during a specified period and at
a specified price in the future. A convertible  security  entitles the holder to
receive  interest  on  debt  or  the  dividend  on  preferred  stock  until  the
convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a company's  capital structure but are
usually  subordinated  to  comparable  nonconvertible  securities.   Convertible
securities have unique investment  characteristics  in that they generally:  (1)
have  higher  yields  than  common  stocks,  but lower  yields  than  comparable
non-convertible  securities;  (2) are less subject to  fluctuation in value than
the  underlying  stocks  since they have fixed income  characteristics;  and (3)
provide  the  potential  for  capital  appreciation  if the market  price of the
underlying  common stock  increases.  A  convertible  security may be subject to


                                       2
<PAGE>

redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible
security's  governing  instrument.  If a  convertible  security  is  called  for
redemption, a Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security,
convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.


RISKS.  Investment in convertible securities generally entails less risk than an
investment in the issuer's  common stock.  Convertible  securities are typically
issued by smaller  capitalized  companies  whose  stock  price may be  volatile.
Therefore,  the price of a  convertible  security may reflect  variations in the
price of the underlying common stock in a way that nonconvertible debt does not.
The extent to which such risk is reduced, however, depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the  convertible  security  sells  above its value as a debt
security.


3.       WARRANTS

GENERAL.  Warrants are  securities,  typically  issued with  preferred  stock or
bonds,  that give the holder the right to  purchase a given  number of shares of
common  stock at a specified  price and time.  The price  usually  represents  a
premium over the applicable  market value of the common stock at the time of the
warrant's  issuance.  Warrants  have no voting rights with respect to the common
stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
issuer.

RISKS.  Investments in warrants  involve  certain risks,  including the possible
lack of a  liquid  market  for  the  resale  of the  warrants,  potential  price
fluctuations  due to adverse  market  conditions or other factors and failure of
the price of the common stock to rise.  If the warrant is not  exercised  within
the specified time period, it becomes worthless.

4.       DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS


GENERAL.  Each Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored  American Depositary
Receipts  ("ADRs").  ADRs  typically are issued by a U.S. bank or trust company,
evidence ownership of underlying  securities issued by a foreign company and are
designed for use in U.S. securities markets.  Each Fund may invest in depositary
receipts in order to obtain exposure to foreign securities markets.

RISKS.  Unsponsored depositary receipts may be created without the participation
of the foreign issuer. Holders of these receipts generally bear all the costs of
the depositary receipt facility,  whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain
costs in a sponsored depositary receipt. The bank or trust company depositary of
an  unsponsored  depositary  receipt may be under no  obligation  to  distribute
shareholder  communications  received from the foreign issuer or to pass through
voting rights. Accordingly,  available information concerning the issuer may not
be  current  and the  prices  of  unsponsored  depositary  receipts  may be more
volatile than the prices of sponsored depositary receipts.




                                       3
<PAGE>



B.       SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION


Each Fund's  investments in convertible and other debt securities are subject to
credit risk relating to the financial condition of the issuers of the securities
that each Fund holds. To limit credit risk, each Fund invests its assets in debt
securities that are considered investment grade. Investment grade means rated in
the top four long-term rating categories or top two short-term rating categories
by an NRSRO,  or unrated  and  determined  by the  Adviser  to be of  comparable
quality.

The lowest long-term ratings that are investment grade for convertible bonds are
"Baa" in the  case of  Moody's  and  "BBB"  in the  case of S&P and  Fitch;  for
preferred  stock are "Baa" in the case of  Moody's  and "BBB" in the case of S&P
and Fitch; and for short-term debt,  including  commercial  paper, are "Prime-2"
(P-2) in the case of Moody's,  "A-2" in the case of S&P and "F-2" in the case of
Fitch.


Unrated securities may not be as actively traded as rated securities. A Fund may
retain  securities  whose rating has been lowered  below the lowest  permissible
rating  category  (or that are  unrated and  determined  by the Adviser to be of
comparable  quality to securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible  rating  category) if the Adviser  determines  that  retaining  such
security is in the best interests of the Fund. Because a downgrade often results
in a reduction  in the market  price of the  security,  the sale of a downgraded
security may result in a loss.

Moody's,  S&P and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description of the range of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other
securities by several  NRSROs is included in Appendix A. Each Fund may use these
ratings to determine whether to purchase,  sell or hold a security.  Ratings are
general and are not  absolute  standards  of quality.  Securities  with the same
maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. If an issue
of  securities  ceases  to be  rated or if its  rating  is  reduced  after it is
purchased by a Fund, the Adviser will determine whether the Fund should continue
to hold the  obligation.  To the extent that the  ratings  given by an NRSRO may
change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, the
Adviser will attempt to substitute comparable ratings. Credit ratings attempt to
evaluate the safety of principal  and interest  payments and do not evaluate the
risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Also,  rating agencies may fail to make
timely changes in credit ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be
better or worse than a rating indicates.

C.       TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION


A Fund may hold  cash or cash  equivalents  such as high  quality  money  market
instruments,   pending   investment  and  to  provide   flexibility  in  meeting
redemptions and paying  expenses.  A Fund may also assume a temporary  defensive
position and may invest without limit in commercial paper and other money market
instruments  that are of prime  quality.  Prime  quality  instruments  are those
instruments  that  are  rated  in one  of  the  two  highest  short-term  rating
categories  by an NRSRO or, if not  rated,  determined  by the  Adviser to be of
comparable quality.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of return. The money market instruments in which a Fund may invest include
U.S. Government Securities,  time deposits, bankers acceptances and certificates
of deposit, corporate notes, short-term bonds and money market mutual funds. The
money market  instruments  in which a Fund may invest have variable and floating
rates of interest.


D.       ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL


The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which a Fund has valued the  securities.  Illiquid  securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days; (2) purchased over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;   and  (4)  securities  subject  to  contractual  or  legal
restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act,
except as otherwise determined by the Adviser ("restricted securities").


2.       RISKS


Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and a Fund might also have to register a  restricted  security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting  in expense and delay.  A Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and  might  thereby  experience  losses  or  difficulty   satisfying  redemption
requests.  There can be no  assurance  that a liquid  market  will exist for any
security at any particular time. Any security,  including securities  determined
by the Adviser to be liquid, can become illiquid.


3.       DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

                                       5
<PAGE>

E.       FOREIGN SECURITIES

Each Fund may invest in foreign  securities.  Investments  in the  securities of
foreign issuers may involve risks in addition to those normally  associated with
investments  in the  securities of U.S.  issuers.  All foreign  investments  are
subject to risks of: (1) foreign political and economic instability; (2) adverse
movements  in foreign  exchange  rates;  (3) the  imposition  or  tightening  of
exchange controls or other  limitations on repatriation of foreign capital;  and
(4)  changes in  foreign  governmental  attitudes  towards  private  investment,
including  potential  nationalization,  increased  taxation or confiscation of a
Fund's assets.

Dividends  payable on foreign  securities may be subject to foreign  withholding
taxes, thereby reducing the income available for distribution to you. Commission
rates payable on foreign  transactions  are generally  higher than in the United
States.  Foreign  accounting,  auditing and financial reporting standards differ
from those in the United States and therefore, less information may be available
about foreign  companies  than is available  about  issuers of  comparable  U.S.
companies.  Foreign  securities  also may trade less  frequently  and with lower
volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than U.S. securities.

Changes  in foreign  exchange  rates will  affect the U.S.  dollar  value of all
foreign  currency-denominated  securities  held by a Fund.  Exchange  rates  are
influenced  generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency
markets and by numerous other  political and economic events  occurring  outside
the  United  States,  many of which  may be  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to
predict.

Income  from  foreign  securities  will be  received  and  realized  in  foreign
currencies  and a Fund is  required  to compute  and  distribute  income in U.S.
dollars.  Accordingly,  a decline in the value of a particular  foreign currency
against the U.S.  dollar  after a Fund's  income has been earned and computed in
U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate  portfolio  securities to acquire
sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution.  Similarly, if the exchange rate
declines  between the time a Fund incurs  expenses in U.S.  dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional foreign
securities to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

F.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES

1.       GENERAL

A Fund may purchase or sell (write) put and call options, futures and options on
futures  to: (1)  enhance  the  Fund's  performance;  or (2) to hedge  against a
decline in the value of securities owned by the Fund or an increase in the price
of securities that the Fund plans to purchase.

A Fund may purchase or write  options on securities in which it may invest or on
market indices based in whole or in part on such securities.  Options  purchased
or written by a Fund must be traded on an exchange or over-the-counter.

                                       6
<PAGE>

A Fund may invest in futures  contracts on market  indices  based in whole or in
part on  securities  in which the Fund may invest.  A Fund may also  purchase or
write put and call options on these futures contracts.

Options and futures  contracts are  considered to be  derivatives.  Use of these
instruments  is  subject to  regulation  by the SEC,  the  options  and  futures
exchanges on which  futures and options are traded or by the CFTC.  No assurance
can be given that any  hedging or income  strategy  will  achieve  its  intended
result.


Currently,  each Fund has no  intention  of  investing in options or futures for
purposes other than hedging.  If a Fund will be  financially  exposed to another
party due to its  investments  in options  or  futures,  the Fund will  maintain
either: (1) an offsetting  ("covered") position in the underlying security or an
offsetting option or futures contract; or (2) cash,  receivables and liquid debt
securities  with a  value  sufficient  at  all  times  to  cover  its  potential
obligations.  A Fund will comply with SEC guidelines with respect to coverage of
these  strategies and, if the guidelines  require,  will set aside cash,  liquid
securities and other permissible  assets  ("Segregated  Assets") in a segregated
account with the Custodian in the prescribed amount. Segregated Assets cannot be
sold or  closed  out while the  hedging  strategy  is  outstanding,  unless  the
Segregated  Assets are replaced  with similar  assets.  As a result,  there is a
possibility that the use of cover or segregation involving a large percentage of
a Fund's assets could impede portfolio  management or the Fund's ability to meet
redemption requests or other current obligations.


2.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES.  A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of
the call option, in return for a premium paid, has the right to buy the security
underlying  the option at a  specified  price at any time during the term of the
option.  The  writer of the call  option,  who  receives  the  premium,  has the
obligation  upon  exercise  of the option to  deliver  the  underlying  security
against  payment of the exercise  price.  A put option gives its  purchaser,  in
return for a premium,  the right to sell the underlying  security at a specified
price  during the term of the option.  The writer of the put,  who  receives the
premium,  has the obligation to buy, upon exercise of the option, the underlying
security at the exercise price.  The amount of a premium received or paid for an
option  is  based  upon  certain  factors,  including  the  market  price of the
underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price,
the historical  price volatility of the underlying  security,  the option period
and interest rates.

OPTIONS ON STOCK  INDICES.  A stock index assigns  relative  values to the stock
included  in the  index,  and the index  fluctuates  with  changes in the market
values of the stocks  included in the index.  Stock index options operate in the
same way as the more traditional  options on securities  except that stock index
options  are  settled  exclusively  in  cash  and do  not  involve  delivery  of
securities.  Thus,  upon exercise of stock index  options,  the  purchaser  will
realize and the writer will pay an amount based on the  differences  between the
exercise price and the closing price of the stock index.

                                       7
<PAGE>

OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES.  Options on futures  contracts  are  similar to options on
securities  except that an option on a futures  contract gives the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract rather than to purchase or sell stock, at a specified exercise price at
any time during the period of the  option.  Upon  exercise  of the  option,  the
delivery of the futures position to the holder of the option will be accompanied
by transfer to the holder of an accumulated  balance  representing the amount by
which the market price of the futures contract  exceeds,  in the case of a call,
or is less than,  in the case of a put, the exercise  price of the option on the
future.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is a bilateral
agreement where one party agrees to accept,  and the other party agrees to make,
delivery of cash,  an  underlying  security or a currency,  as called for in the
contract, at a specified date and at an agreed upon price. A bond or stock index
futures contract involves the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified
dollar amount times the difference  between the bond or stock index value at the
close of trading of the  contract  and at the price  designated  by the  futures
contract.  No physical delivery of the securities  comprising the index is made.
Generally,  these futures  contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date
of the contracts.

3.       RISKS

There  are  certain   investment  risks  associated  with  options  and  futures
transactions.  These risks include:  (1) dependence on the Adviser's  ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect  correlations between movements in the
prices of options and  movements  in the price of the  securities  (or  indices)
hedged or used for  cover  which may  cause a given  hedge  not to  achieve  its
objective;  (3) the fact that the skills and  techniques  needed to trade  these
instruments  are different from those needed to select the securities in which a
Fund invest; and (4) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist
for any particular instrument at any particular time, which, among other things,
may hinder a Fund's  ability to limit  exposures by closing its  positions.  The
potential loss to a Fund from investing in certain types of futures transactions
is unlimited.

Other  risks  include the  inability  of a Fund,  as the writer of covered  call
options, to benefit from any appreciation of the underlying securities above the
exercise  price,  and the possible  loss of the entire  premium paid for options
purchased by the Fund. In addition,  the futures  exchanges may limit the amount
of fluctuation  permitted in certain futures  contract prices or related options
during a single  trading day. A Fund may be forced,  therefore,  to liquidate or
close out a futures contract  position at a disadvantageous  price.  There is no
assurance that a counterparty in an over-the-counter  option transaction will be
able to perform its obligations.  A Fund may use various futures  contracts that
are relatively  new  instruments  without a significant  trading  history.  As a
result,  there  can be no  assurance  that an active  secondary  market in those
contracts will develop or continue to exist. A Fund's  activities in the futures
and options markets may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and additional
brokerage costs, which could reduce a Fund's yield.

                                       8
<PAGE>

G.       BORROWING

1.       GENERAL


The Fund may  borrow  money  from a bank in  amounts up to 33 1/3% of the Fund's
total assets for, among other things, the purchase of securities.  The Fund will
generally  borrow  money to  increase  its  returns.  Typically,  if a  security
purchased  with  borrowed  funds  increases  in  value,  the  Fund  may sell the
security, repay the loan and secure a profit.


2.       RISKS


The use of borrowing involves special risks, including magnified capital losses.
If a Fund buys  securities  with borrowed  funds and the value of the securities
declines,  the Fund may be required to provide the lender with additional  funds
or liquidate its position in these securities to continue to secure or repay the
loan. A Fund may also be obligated to liquidate other portfolio  positions at an
inappropriate  time  in  order  to pay off the  loan  or any  interest  payments
associated with the loan.


To the extent that the  interest  expense  involved  in a borrowing  transaction
approaches  the net  return on a Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the  benefit of
borrowing  will  be  reduced.  If  the  interest  expense  due  to  a  borrowing
transaction  exceeds the net return on a Fund's investment  portfolio,  a Fund's
use of borrowing would result in a lower rate of return than if the Fund did not
borrow.  The size of any loss incurred by a Fund due to borrowing will depend on
the amount borrowed.  The greater the percentage borrowed, the greater potential
of gain or loss to a Fund.

H.       CORE AND GATEWAY(R)

Each Fund may seek to achieve its  investment  objective by converting to a Core
and Gateway(R) structure. A Fund operating under a Core and Gateway(R) structure
holds,  as its only  investment,  shares of another  investment  company  having
substantially  the same  investment  objective and policies.  The Board will not
authorize  conversion to a Core and Gateway(R)  structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.

I.       OTHER INVESTMENTS

Although  neither Fund currently plans to invest in securities  other than those
referenced in the  Prospectus  and this SAI, it may invest in a variety of other
investments.


J.       YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and each Fund's  administrator  have addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems.  Each Fund's other service  providers  have informed the Fund that they
are taking similar measures.  Services provided to each Fund or any companies in
which it invests  could still be adversely  affected by a computer's  failure to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or each  Fund's  administrator,  there is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.


                                       9
<PAGE>

                            2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS


For  purposes of all  investment  policies  of each Fund:  (1) the term 1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of a Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered
a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental  policy of a Fund and the Fund's  investment  objective  cannot be
changed  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  lesser  of:  (1)  50%  of the
outstanding  shares of the Fund or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund  present or
represented at a  shareholders  meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented.  A nonfundamental
policy of a Fund may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

A.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

Each  Fund  has  adopted  the  following  investment   limitations,   which  are
fundamental policies of the Fund.

1.       ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

A Fund may not issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940
Act.

2.       BORROWING MONEY

A Fund may not borrow money if, as a result, outstanding borrowings would exceed
an amount equal to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets.

3.       UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

A Fund may not  underwrite  securities  issued by other persons  except,  to the
extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund
may be deemed to be an underwriter.



                                       10
<PAGE>

4.       CONCENTRATION


A Fund may not 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 tax-exempt
securities issued by the states, territories or possessions of the United States
("municipal securities") or in foreign government securities; or (2) investments
in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding  anything to the
contrary,  to the extent  permitted by the 1940 Act, a Fund may invest in one or
more investment companies;  provided that, except to the extent the Fund invests
in other investment companies pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) or (F) 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.


5.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

A Fund may not  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  backed by real  estate  or  securities  of
companies engaged in the real estate business).

6.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

A Fund may not 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).

7.       MAKING LOANS

A Fund may not 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.

8.       DIVERSIFICATION


A Fund is "diversified" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. A Fund may not,
with  respect  to 75% of its  assets,  purchase a  security  (other  than a U.S.
Government  Security or security of an investment  company) if, as a result: (1)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of a
single issuer; or (2) the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer.


B.       NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

Each  Fund has  adopted  the  following  investment  limitations,  which are not
fundamental policies of the Fund.

                                       11
<PAGE>

1.       SHORT SALES


A Fund may not 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.


2.       PURCHASES ON MARGIN

A Fund may not  purchase  securities  on  margin,  except  that the Fund may use
short-term  credit for the  clearance of the Fund'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.

3.       ILLIQUID SECURITIES


A Fund may not invest  more than 15% of its net assets in  illiquid  assets such
as:  (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.
Each  Fund may  treat  certain  restricted  securities  as  liquid  pursuant  to
guidelines adopted by the Board.


4.       BORROWING

A Fund may not  purchase  or  otherwise  acquire any  security  if, the total of
borrowings would exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.

5.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS


A Fund may not invest in options contracts regulated by the CFTC except for: (1)
bona fide hedging  purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; and (2)
for other  purposes  if, as a result,  no more than 5% of the  Fund's net assets
would  be  invested  in  initial   margin  and   premiums   (excluding   amounts
"in-the-money") required to establish the contracts.

A Fund: (1) will not hedge more than 50% of its total assets by selling  futures
contracts,  buying put  options  and  writing  call  options  (so called  "short
positions");  (2) will not buy  futures  contracts  or write put  options  whose
underlying  value exceeds 25% of the Fund's total  assets;  and (3) will not buy
call options with a value exceeding 5% of the Fund's total assets.


6.       EXERCISING CONTROL OF ISSUERS

A Fund may not make  investments  for the  purpose of  exercising  control of an
issuer.  Investments  by a 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.

                                       12
<PAGE>

7.       SECURITIES OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES

A Fund may not invest in the securities of any investment  company except to the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

                       3. PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING


A.       PERFORMANCE DATA

A Fund may quote  performance  in  various  ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

A Fund may compare any of its performance information with:


     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").


     o    The performance of other mutual funds.


     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to the  Standard & Poor's  500(R)  Index,  the Russell
          2000(R) Index,  the Russell  MidcapTM Index, the Russell 1000(R) Value
          Index,  the  Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the  Morgan  Stanley  - Europe,
          Australia and Far East Index,  the Dow Jones Industrial  Average,  the
          Salomon Smith Barney Bond Indices,  the Lehman Brothers Indices,  U.S.
          Treasury bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index
          as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.


Performance  information  may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of a Fund but rather are  standards  by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.


A Fund may refer to: (1) general market performances over past time periods such
as those  published by Ibbotson  Associates (for instance,  its "Stocks,  Bonds,
Bills and Inflation  Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and other
data  published by Fund  Tracking  Companies;  and (3) material and  comparative
mutual  fund data and  ratings  reported  in  independent  periodicals,  such as
newspapers and financial magazines.


A Fund's  performance will fluctuate in response to market  conditions and other
factors.

                                       13
<PAGE>

B.       PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

A Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return.

1.       SEC YIELD


Standardized  SEC yields for a Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing
the Fund's interest income (in accordance with specific  standardized rules) for
a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average  number of
shares entitled to receive income distributions during the period, dividing this
figure by the Fund's NAV at the end of the  period  and  annualizing  the result
(assuming  compounding of income in accordance with specific standardized rules)
in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate.


Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

Income  calculated  for the purpose of  determining  a Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield
calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for a  Fund  may  differ  from  the  rate  of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to  investors  in reviewing a
Fund's  performance,  investors  should be aware that a Fund's yield  fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in a Fund fees in  connection  with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

The yields of a Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an investment in a Fund is
not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be used to
compare shares of a Fund with investment alternatives,  which, like money market
instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may
not be  appropriate  to compare a Fund's yield  information  directly to similar
information regarding investment alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.

Yield  quotations are based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation  that takes into account payment of sales charges.  Neither
Fund charges a sales charges.


                                       14
<PAGE>

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period

2.       TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

A Fund's total return shows its overall  change in value,  including  changes in
share price, and assumes all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.

Total  return  figures  may be based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation  that takes into account payment of sales charges.  Neither
Fund charges a sales charge.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula prescribed by the SEC. To calculate standard average annual total return
a Fund:  (1)  determines  the  growth  or  decline  in value  of a  hypothetical
historical  investment in a Fund over a stated  period;  and (2)  calculates the
annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been  constant  over the period.  For
example,  a  cumulative  return of 100% over ten years would  produce an average
annual  total  return  of  7.18%.  While  average  annual  total  returns  are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,  investors should realize
that  performance  is not constant over time but changes from year to year,  and
that average annual total returns  represent  averaged figures as opposed to the
actual year-to-year performance of a fund.

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable value:  ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the  applicable period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the applicable period

Because  average  annual total returns tend to smooth out variations in a Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

                                       15
<PAGE>

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.

         A Fund may quote  unaveraged or cumulative  total returns which reflect
         the Fund's performance over a stated period of time.

         Total  returns may be stated in their  components of income and capital
         (including  capital  gains  and  changes  in share  price)  in order to
         illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to
         total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions over any time period.

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

C.       OTHER MATTERS


A  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in  its  advertising,   sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost
averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the NAV,
net assets or number of  shareholders  of the Fund as of one or more dates;  and
(10) a comparison of the Fund's  operations to the  operations of other funds or
similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and scope of


                                       16
<PAGE>

regulation  of  the  products  and  the  products'  weighted  average  maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies  and the manner of  calculating  and  reporting
performance.


As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,118 at the end
of the second year (an increase in $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of a Fund's performance.

A Fund may advertise  information  regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including  the  principal  of  dollar  cost
averaging.  In a  dollar-cost  averaging  program,  an investor  invests a fixed
dollar amount in a Fund at periodic  intervals,  thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in a fund the following will be the  relationship  between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

                        SYSTEMATIC                 SHARE                SHARES
PERIOD                  INVESTMENT                 PRICE               PURCHASED
- ------                  ----------                 -----               ---------
   1                       $100                     $10                  10.00
   2                       $100                     $12                   8.33
   3                       $100                     $15                   6.67
   4                       $100                     $20                   5.00
   5                       $100                     $18                   5.56
   6                       $100                     $16                   6.25
                           ----                     ---                   ----
            TOTAL                        AVERAGE               TOTAL
          INVESTED        $600           PRICE    $15.17       SHARES    41.81


In  connection  with  its  advertisements,  a Fund  may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serve to provide  shareholders  or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices.





                                       17
<PAGE>





                                  4. MANAGEMENT


A.       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS


The names of the  Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  position  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).

<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

John Y. Keffer*, Chairman and President      Member and Director, Forum Financial Group, LLC (a
Born: July 15, 1942                          mutual fund services holding company)
Two Portland Square                          Director, Forum Fund Services, LLC (Trust's Underwriter)
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of sixe other investment companies for which
                                             Forum Financial Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California-Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting Professor of Economics, Athens University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing company for small and medium size businesses in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stephen  J.  Barrett,  Vice  President       Manager  of Client  Services  and Senior Relationship  Manager,
Born: November 14, 1968                      Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager, Fidelity Investments, 1994 - 1996
Portland, Maine 04101                        Officer of foru other investment companies for which
                                             Forum Financial Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other investment companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services

Portland, ME 04101
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       18
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing  Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales,
Born:  October 14, 1943                      Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other investment companies for which
                                             Forum Financial Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.  (brokerage firm) 1993 -
Two Portland Square                          1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

B.       COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS


Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund  Complex that  includes all series of the Trust and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
          <S>                      <C>              <C>             <C>                    <C>
                             Compensation                                    Total Compensation from Trust
         Trustee              from Trust        Benefits       Retirement           And Fund Complex
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------- -------------------------------
John Y. Keffer             $0                 $0             $0              $0
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------- -------------------------------
Costas Azariadis           $13,300            $0             $0              $23,800
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------- -------------------------------
James C. Cheng             $14,800            $0             $0              $25,300
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------- -------------------------------
J. Michael Parish          $14,800            $0             $0              $25,300
- -------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------- -------------------------------
</TABLE>

C.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

1.       SERVICES


The Adviser serves as investment  adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory agreement with the Trust.  Under its agreement,  the Adviser furnishes,
at its  own  expense,  all  services,  facilities  and  personnel  necessary  in
connection  with  managing  a  Fund's   investments   and  effecting   portfolio
transactions for the Fund.



                                       19
<PAGE>

2.       OWNERSHIP

The Adviser is a fully owned subsidiary of Brown Capital Holdings  Incorporated,
a holding company  incorporated  under the laws of Maryland in 1998. The Adviser
is a trust company operating under the laws of Maryland.

3.       FEES


The  Adviser's  fees are  calculated  as a  percentage  of a Fund's  average net
assets.  The fee is  accrued  daily by each  Fund and is paid  monthly  based on
average net assets for the previous month.


In addition to receiving  its advisory fee from each Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they  invested in a Fund. If you have a separately  managed  account with
the Adviser  with assets  invested in a Fund,  the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

4.       OTHER


The  Adviser's  agreement  remains  in effect for a period of two years from the
date of its  effectiveness.  The Adviser's  agreement  must be approved at least
annually by the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either
case by a majority  of the  Trustees  who are not  parties to the  agreement  or
interested persons of any such party ("Disinterested Trustees").

The agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust with respect to a Fund
on 60  days'  written  notice  when  authorized  either  by vote  of the  Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by the Adviser on 60 days'
written  notice  to  the  Trust.  The  agreement  terminates   immediately  upon
assignment.

Under its  agreement,  the  Adviser  is not  liable to the Trust or the  Trust's
shareholders  for  any  error  of  judgment,  mistake  of law,  or in any  event
whatsoever except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement.


D.       DISTRIBUTOR

1.       SERVICES


FFS serves as the  distributor  (also  known as  principal  underwriter)  of the
shares of each Fund pursuant to a distribution  agreement  with the Trust.  FFS,
located  at  Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101,  is  a  registered
broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.

                                       20
<PAGE>

FFS acts as the  representative  of the Trust in connection with the offering of
shares of each Fund. FFS continually  distributes  shares of each Fund on a best
efforts  basis.  FFS has no  obligation  to sell any  specific  quantity of Fund
shares.

2.       OWNERSHIP

FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC, which is controlled by John Y. Keffer.

3.       FEES

FFS does not receive a fee for its distribution  services.  Shares are sold with
no sales commission;  accordingly,  FFS receives no sales  commissions.  FFS may
enter into arrangements with various  financial  institutions  through which you
may purchase or redeem shares of each Fund. FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of each Fund.


4.       OTHER


FFS's  distribution  agreement  with respect to a Fund must be approved at least
annually by the Board or by majority vote of the  shareholders of that Fund, and
in either case by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.


FFS's  agreement is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with respect to a
Fund on 60 days'  written  notice when  authorized  either by vote of the Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60 days' written
notice to the Trust.

Under its agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders
for any error of  judgment  or mistake of law,  for any loss  arising out of any
investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its duties to a
Fund,  except for  willful  misfeasance,  bad faith or gross  negligence  in the
performance of its duties or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement.


Under its agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's officers and
persons that control FFS) are  indemnified  by the Trust  against all claims and
expenses  in any way  related to alleged  untrue  statements  of  material  fact
contained in the Trust's  Registration  Statement  or any alleged  omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FFS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FFS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.



                                       21
<PAGE>


E.       ADMINISTRATOR

1.       SERVICES

FAdS serves as administrator  pursuant to an  administration  agreement with the
Trust.  Under its  agreement,  FAdS is  responsible  for the  supervision of the
overall  management  of the  Trust,  providing  the Trust  with  general  office
facilities and providing persons  satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers
of the Trust.

2.       FEES


FAdS  receives a fee from each Fund at an annual rate as  follows:  (1) 0.10% of
the  average  daily net  assets of the Fund for the first  $100  million of Fund
assets and (2) 0.075% of the average  daily net assets of the Fund for remaining
fund assets. FAdS charges a minimum fee of $40,000 for its services.  The fee is
accrued  daily by each Fund and is paid monthly  based on average net assets for
the previous month.


3.       OTHER

FAdS's administration agreement with respect to a Fund must be approved at least
annually by the Board or by majority vote of the  shareholders of that Fund, and
in either case by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.  FAdS's agreement is
terminable  without penalty by the Trust or by FAdS with respect to a Fund on 60
days' written notice.

Under its agreement, FAdS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders
for action or inaction in the absence of bad faith,  willful misconduct or gross
negligence  in the  performance  of its duties.  Under the  agreement,  FAdS and
certain  related  parties (such as FAdS's officers and persons who control FAdS)
are indemnified by the Trust against any and all claims and expenses  related to
FAdS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAdS's contractual standard
of care.

F.       FUND ACCOUNTANT

1.       SERVICES

FAcS serves as fund  accountant  pursuant to an  accounting  agreement  with the
Trust.  FAcS  provides fund  accounting  services to each Fund.  These  services
include  calculating  the NAV of each Fund and  preparing  the Fund's  financial
statements and tax returns.

2.       FEES


FAcS  receives  a fee from each Fund at an annual  rate of $39,000  ($3,000  for
preparation  of tax  returns) and certain  surcharges  based upon the number and
type of the Fund's  portfolio  transactions  and  positions.  The fee is accrued
daily by each Fund and is paid monthly based on the  transactions  and positions
for the previous month.

                                       22
<PAGE>


3.       OTHER

FAcS's  accounting  agreement  with  respect to a Fund must be approved at least
annually by the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either
case by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. FAcS's agreement is terminable
without  penalty  by the  Trust or by FAcS  with  respect  to a Fund on 60 days'
written notice.

Under the agreement, FAcS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders
for any action or omission in the  performance  of its duties to a Fund,  except
for willful  misfeasance,  bad faith,  gross negligence or by reason of reckless
disregard  of  its  obligations  and  duties  under  the  agreement.  Under  the
agreement, FAcS and certain related parties (such as FAcS's officers and persons
who control  FAcS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any and all claims and
expenses  related to FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's
contractual standard of care.

Under its  agreement,  in  calculating  a Fund's NAV, FAcS is deemed not to have
committed an error if the NAV it  calculates  is within 1/10 of 1% of the actual
NAV (after  recalculation).  The  agreement  also provides that FAcS will not be
liable to a shareholder  for any loss incurred due to an NAV  difference if such
difference  is less than or equal to 1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to  $10.00.
In  addition,  FAcS is not  liable  for the  errors  of  others,  including  the
companies that supply securities prices to FAcS and each Fund.

G.       TRANSFER AGENT

1.       SERVICES

FSS serves as  transfer  agent and  distribution  paying  agent  pursuant  to an
agreement with the Trust. Under its agreement, FSS maintains an account for each
shareholder of record of a Fund and is responsible  for processing  purchase and
redemption  requests and paying  distributions to shareholders of record. FSS is
located at Two Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101 and is  registered as a
transfer agent with the SEC.

2.       FEES


FSS  receives  a fee from  each Fund at an annual  rate of  $18,000  and $25 per
shareholder account. The fee is accrued daily by each Fund and is paid monthly.


3.       OTHER

FFS's transfer agent  agreement with respect to a Fund must be approved at least
annually by the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either
case by a majority of the Disinterested Trustees.  FFS's agreement is terminable
without  penalty  by the  Trust  or by FFS  with  respect  to a Fund on 60 days'
written notice.

                                       23
<PAGE>

Under the agreement,  FSS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders
for any act in the  performance  of its  duties to a Fund,  except  for  willful
misfeasance,  bad faith or gross  negligence  in the  performance  of its duties
under the agreement.  Under the agreement, FSS and certain related parties (such
as FSS's  officers  and persons who control  FSS) are  indemnified  by the Trust
against any and all claims and  expenses  related to FSS's  actions or omissions
that are consistent with FSS's contractual standard of care.

H.       SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT

Pursuant to a Shareholder  Service Plan (the "Plan")  between the Trust and FAdS
effective  March 1, 2000,  FAdS is  authorized  to  perform,  or arrange for the
performance of, certain activities  relating to the servicing and maintenance of
shareholder  accounts  not  otherwise  provided by FSS  ("Shareholder  Servicing
Activities"). Under the Plan, FAds may enter into shareholder service agreements
with financial  institutions or other persons who provide Shareholder  Servicing
Activities for their clients invested in a Fund.

Shareholder Servicing Activities shall include one or more of the following: (a)
establishing  and maintaining  accounts and records for  shareholders of a Fund;
(b)  answering  client  inquiries  regarding  the  manner  in  which  purchases,
exchanges  and  redemptions  of shares of the  Trust may be  effected  and other
matters pertaining to the Trust's services;  (c) providing  necessary  personnel
and  facilities  to establish  and  maintain  client  accounts and records;  (d)
assisting clients in arranging for processing purchase,  exchange and redemption
transactions;   (e)  arranging  for  the  wiring  of  funds;   (f)  guaranteeing
shareholder  signatures in connection with  redemption  orders and transfers and
changes in shareholder-designated  accounts; (g) integrating periodic statements
with other  shareholder  transactions;  and (h)  providing  such  other  related
services as the shareholder may request.

As compensation  for FAdS's  Shareholder  Servicing  Activities,  the Trust pays
FAdS,  with respect to each Fund, a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of that
Fund's  average  daily net  assets.  Any fees paid to FAdS by the Trust  will be
limited to amounts paid by FAdS to service providers with respect to each Fund.

Any material  amendment  to the Plan must be approved by the Board,  including a
majority  of the  Disinterested  Trustees.  The Plan may be  terminated  without
penalty  at any  time:  (1) by vote of a  majority  of the  Board,  including  a
majority of Disinterested Trustees; or (2) by Forum.

I.       CUSTODIAN


As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with  the  Trust,  Forum  Trust  LLC
safeguards and controls each Fund's cash and securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to
provide  custody of a Fund's  domestic  and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian  is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of a Fund. Each Fund also pays an annual  domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction fees. These fees are accrued daily by each


                                       24
<PAGE>

Fund and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions  for the
previous month.


J.       LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 pass upon legal
matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

K.       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  125  Summer  Street,  Boston,  Massachusetts,  02110,
independent auditors,  have been selected as independent auditors for each Fund.
The auditor  audits the annual  financial  statements  of each Fund and provides
each Fund with an audit  opinion.  The auditors  also review the tax returns and
certain regulatory filings of each Fund.


                            5. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


A.       HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD


Purchases  and  sales of  portfolio  securities  that are debt  securities  (for
instance,  money  market  instruments  and bonds,  notes and bills)  usually are
principal transactions.  In a principal transaction,  the party from whom a Fund
purchases  or to whom a Fund sells is acting on its own  behalf  (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected:  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.


The price of securities  purchased from underwriters  includes a disclosed fixed
commission or  concession  paid by the issuer to the  underwriter.  The purchase
price of securities purchased from dealers serving as market makers reflects the
spread between the bid and asked price.


In the  case  of debt  and  equity  securities  traded  in the  over-the-counter
markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes
an undisclosed commission or markup.


B.       ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES


The  Adviser  places  orders  for  the  purchase  and  sale of  securities  with
broker-dealers  selected by and in the  discretion of the Adviser.  Neither Fund
has any obligation to deal with a specific  broker or dealer in the execution of


                                       25
<PAGE>

portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and
the frequency of transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment
and in a manner  deemed to be in the best  interest  of each Fund rather than by
any formula.

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary  consideration in executing  transactions for a Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.


1.       CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

A Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available.  Rather, in
determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid in
connection with securities transactions,  the Adviser takes into account factors
such as size of the order, difficulty of execution,  efficiency of the executing
broker's  facilities  (including the research services  described below) and any
risk assumed by the executing broker.

Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider   sales  of  shares  of  a  Fund  as  a  factor  in  the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by  brokers  effecting  transactions  for a Fund  (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay).

2.       OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may  cause a Fund to pay  these  brokers  a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients other than a Fund, and not all research services may be used
by the Adviser in connection  with the Fund.  The Adviser's fees are not reduced
by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts,  although a particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the  services  obtained for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal data bases.

Occasionally,  the Adviser may effect a  transaction  through a broker and pay a
slightly higher  commission than another might charge.  If this is done, it will
be because of the Adviser's need for specific research, for specific expertise a
firm may have in a particular  type of transaction  (due to factors such as size


                                       26
<PAGE>

or  difficulty),  or  for  speed/efficiency  in  execution.  Since  most  of the
Adviser's  brokerage  commissions  for  research  are for  economic  research on
specific companies or industries, and since the Adviser follows a limited number
of  securities,  most of the  commission  dollars  spent for  industry and stock
research directly benefit the clients.

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser.  Although  such  concurrent  authorizations
potentially could be either  advantageous or  disadvantageous to any one or more
particular  accounts,  they will be effected only when the Adviser believes that
to do so will be in the  best  interest  of the  affected  accounts.  When  such
concurrent authorizations occur, the objective will be to allocate the execution
in a manner equitable to the accounts involved.  Clients are typically allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.

3.       COUNTERPARTY RISK

The Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to each Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

4.       TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The  Adviser  may effect  transactions  through  affiliates  of the  Adviser (or
affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.

5.       OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER


Investment  decisions for a Fund are made independently from those for any other
account or investment company that is or may in the future become advised by the
Adviser or its affiliates. Investment decisions are the product of many factors,
including  basic  suitability  for  the  particular  client  involved.  Thus,  a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
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  which,  in the
Adviser'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
a  portfolio  security  for one client  could have an adverse  effect on another
client that has a position in that  security.  In  addition,  when  purchases or
sales of the same security for a Fund and other client  accounts  managed by the
Adviser occurs contemporaneously,  the purchase or sale orders may be aggregated
in order  to  obtain  any  price  advantages  available  to  large  denomination
purchases or sales.



                                       27
<PAGE>

6.       PORTFOLIO TURNOVER


The frequency of portfolio  transactions of a Fund (the portfolio turnover rate)
will vary from year to year depending on many factors. From time to time, a Fund
may engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage of price  movements
affecting  individual  issues,  groups of issues or  markets.  Higher  portfolio
turnover rates may result in increased  brokerage costs to a Fund and a possible
increase in short-term capital gains or losses.


C.       SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS


From time to time, a Fund may acquire and hold securities issued by its "regular
brokers  and  dealers" or the parents of those  brokers  and  dealers.  For this
purpose,  regular  brokers and dealers means the 10 brokers or dealers that: (1)
received  the  greatest  amount of  brokerage  commissions  during a Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio transactions of a Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year; or (3) sold
the largest amount of a Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.


                     6. PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A.       GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

Each Fund  accepts  orders  for the  purchase  or  redemption  of shares on each
weekday except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


B.       ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION


Shares of each Fund are sold on a  continuous  basis by the  distributor  at net
asset  value  ("NAV")  per share  without  any sales  charge.  Accordingly,  the
offering price per share is the same as the NAV.


Each Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  a Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that  meet  the  investment
objective  and policies of a Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  A Fund will only
accept securities that: (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and are not
illiquid;  and  (2)  have a  value  which  is  readily  ascertainable  (and  not
established only by valuation procedures).

                                       28
<PAGE>

1.       IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

2.       UGMAS/UTMAS


If the custodian's name is not in the account registration of a gift or transfer
to minor ("UGMA/UTMA") account, the custodian must sign instructions in a manner
indicating trustee capacity.

3.       PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS


You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to a Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable when you invest in a Fund directly. When you purchase a Fund's shares
through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of record
and,  subject  to your  institution's  procedures,  you  may  have  Fund  shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your financial institution for
further information.  If you hold shares through a financial  institution,  each
Fund may confirm purchases and redemptions to the financial  institution,  which
will  provide you with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.  A Fund is not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.


A financial institution may charge a client an account based fee for acting as a
custodian,  investment manager,  nominee, agent or other fiduciary. This fee may
be based on a  percentage  of the assets  maintained  in the  client's  account,
including  assets  invested  in  a  Fund.  To  the  extent  that  the  financial
institutional also provides investment advisory,  transfer agency,  distribution
or other services to the Fund, the  institution may also receive a fee from that
Fund based on the average  annual net asset value of its client assets  invested
therein.  The financial  institution may elect to offset all or a portion of any
account  based fees  attributable  to an investment in a Fund with fees received
directly from the Fund.


Investors  purchasing  shares of a Fund through a financial  institution  should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

                                       29
<PAGE>

C.       ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A Fund may redeem  shares  involuntarily  to (1) reimburse the Fund for any loss
sustained due to a  shareholder's  failure to pay for shares  purchased;  or (2)
collect  any charge  relating  to  transactions  effected  for the  benefit of a
shareholder  which  is  applicable  to the  Fund's  shares  as  provided  in the
Prospectus.

1.       SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTION RIGHT


The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary  weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the SEC determines that trading thereon is
restricted;  (2) an emergency  (as  determined by the SEC) exists as a result of
which disposal by a Fund of its securities is not reasonably practicable or as a
result of which it is not reasonably  practicable for a Fund fairly to determine
the  value  of its  net  assets;  or (3) the SEC  may by  order  permit  for the
protection of the shareholders of a Fund.

2.       REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental  to the best  interests of a
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
you may incur  brokerage  costs in converting  the securities to cash. The Trust
has filed an  election  with the SEC  pursuant to which a Fund may only effect a
redemption in portfolio  securities if the  particular  shareholder is redeeming
more than  $250,000  or 1% of the Fund's  total net assets,  whichever  is less,
during any 90-day period.

D.       NAV DETERMINATION

In determining a Fund's NAV,  securities for which market quotations are readily
available  are valued at current  market  value  using the last  reported  sales
price.  If no sale price is reported,  the average of the last bid and ask price
is used. If no average price is available, the last bid price is used. If market
quotations are not readily  available,  then securities are valued at fair value
as determined by the Board (or its delegate).

E.       DISTRIBUTIONS


Distributions  of net  investment  income  will be  reinvested  at a Fund's  NAV
(unless you elect to receive  distributions in cash) as of the last business day
of the period with respect to which the  distribution is paid.  Distributions of
capital  gain will be  reinvested  at a Fund's NAV  (unless you elect to receive
distributions in cash) on the payment date for the  distribution.  Cash payments
may be made more than seven days following the date on which distributions would
otherwise be reinvested.


                                       30
<PAGE>

                                   7. TAXATION



The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law and assumes that each Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  This
information is only a summary of certain key federal  income tax  considerations
affecting each Fund and its shareholders and not described in the Prospectus. No
attempt  has been made to  present a complete  explanation  of the  federal  tax
treatment of a Fund or the tax  implications  to  shareholders.  The discussions
here and in the  Prospectus  are not  intended  as  substitutes  for careful tax
planning.


This section is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in effect on the
date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may
significantly  change the tax rules  applicable to a Fund and its  shareholders.
Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.


The tax year end of each  Fund is May 31 (the  same as the  Fund's  fiscal  year
end).


ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

A.       QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY


Each  Fund  intends  for each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of a Fund.



1.       MEANING OF QUALIFICATION


As a regulated  investment company, a Fund will not be subject to federal income
tax on the portion net investment income (that is, taxable interest,  dividends,
net short-term capital gains and other taxable ordinary income, net of expenses)
and net capital gain (that is, the excess of net  long-term  capital  gains over
net short-term capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders.  In order to
qualify to be taxed as a regulated  investment  company a Fund must  satisfy the
following requirements:


     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable income for the tax year.  (Certain  distributions  made by the
          Fund  after  the  close of its tax year are  considered  distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in
          securities.

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<PAGE>

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          Government  Securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of an  issuer  and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  Securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

2.       FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated  investment  company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. A
portion   of   these   distributions   generally   may  be   eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on a Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that a Fund will not
qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

B.       FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each Fund anticipates  distributing  substantially all of its investment company
taxable  income for each tax year.  These  distributions  are  taxable to you as
ordinary  income.  A portion  of these  distributions  may  qualify  for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.

Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December,  but a Fund may make  additional  distributions  of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term  capital gain  regardless  of how long you have held shares.  These
distributions do not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.

Distributions  by a Fund that do not  constitute  ordinary  income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduce  your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by a Fund will be  treated  in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional  shares of the Fund.  If you  receive a  distribution  in the form of
additional  shares, you will be treated as receiving a distribution in an amount
equal to the fair  market  value of the shares  received,  determined  as of the
reinvestment date.

                                       32
<PAGE>


You may  purchase  shares  whose  NAV at the  time  reflects  undistributed  net
investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in the
value of the assets of a Fund. Distributions of these amounts are taxable to you
in  the  manner   described  above,   although  the  distribution   economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares  of a Fund  just  prior  to the  ex-dividend  date of a
distribution,  you will pay the full  price for the  shares  and then  receive a
portion of the price back as a taxable distribution.


Ordinarily, you are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the
year in which they are made.  A  distribution  declared in October,  November or
December of any year and payable to  shareholders  of record on a specified date
in those months, however, is deemed to be received by you (and made by the Fund)
on December 31 of that  calendar  year if the  distribution  is actually paid in
January of the following year.

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.

C.       CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUNDS' TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes,  when put and call options  purchased by a Fund
expire unexercised, the premiums paid by a Fund give rise to short- or long-term
capital  losses  at the  time of  expiration  (depending  on the  length  of the
respective exercise periods for the options).  When a Fund exercises a call, the
purchase  price of the  underlying  security is  increased  by the amount of the
premium paid by a Fund.  When a Fund exercises a put, the proceeds from the sale
of the underlying security are decreased by the premium paid. When a put or call
written by a Fund is exercised, the purchase price (selling price in the case of
a call) of the  underlying  security is  decreased  (increased  in the case of a
call) for tax purposes by the premium received.


Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each tax year are
"marked to market" and treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though sold
for fair market value on the last business day of the tax year.  Gains or losses
realized  by a Fund on Section  1256  contracts  generally  are  considered  60%
long-term and 40%  short-term  capital  gains or losses.  Each Fund can elect to
exempt  its  Section  1256  contracts  that are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option,  futures contract,  or other position entered into or held by a Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, the positions are Section 1256  contracts,  may constitute a "mixed
straddle."  In general,  straddles  are subject to certain rules that may affect
the  character  and timing of a Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle
positions by  requiring,  among other  things,  that:  (1) the loss  realized on
disposition  of one position of a straddle may not be  recognized  to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with


                                       33
<PAGE>

respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%
short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections are available to a Fund which may mitigate the effects of the straddle
rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the straddle
rules described above do not apply to any straddles held by a Fund if all of the
offsetting positions consist of Section 1256 contracts.


D.       FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an amount equal to: (1) 98% of its
ordinary  taxable  income for the calendar year; and (2) 98% of its capital gain
net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of the calendar year. The
balance of a Fund's income must be distributed during the next calendar year.


For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, each Fund: (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year; and (2) excludes foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred  after  October  31 of any year in  determining  the  amount of
ordinary  taxable  income for the current  calendar  year.  A Fund will  include
foreign  currency  gains and losses  incurred  after  October 31 in  determining
ordinary taxable income for the succeeding calendar year.

Each Fund  intends to make  sufficient  distributions  of its  ordinary  taxable
income and capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to
avoid liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that a Fund
may in certain  circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio  investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

E.       SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES


In general,  you will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares
of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference  between the proceeds of the sale
or redemption and your adjusted tax basis in the shares. All or a portion of any
loss  so  recognized  may  be  disallowed  if  you  purchase  (for  example,  by
reinvesting  dividends)  other shares of the Fund within 30 days before or after
the sale or redemption (a so called "wash sale").  If disallowed,  the loss will
be reflected in an upward  adjustment to the basis of the shares  purchased.  In
general,  any gain or loss  arising from the sale or  redemption  of shares of a
Fund will be considered  capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain
or loss if the  shares  were held for longer  than one year.  Any  capital  loss
arising  from the sale or  redemption  of  shares  held for six  months or less,
however,  is treated as a long-term  capital loss to the extent of the amount of
capital gain  distributions  received on such shares. In determining the holding
period of such shares for this  purpose,  any period  during  which your risk of
loss is offset by means of options,  short sales or similar  transactions is not


                                       34
<PAGE>

counted. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital
gains plus, in the case of a non-corporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.

F.       BACKUP WITHHOLDING

A Fund will be  required  in  certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to any  shareholder:  (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  its  correct  taxpayer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has failed to certify to a Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding
or that it is a corporation or other "exempt  recipient."  Backup withholding is
not an  additional  tax;  any  amounts so  withheld  may be  credited  against a
shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.


G.       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS


Taxation  of  a  shareholder  who,  under  the  Code,  is  a  nonresident  alien
individual,  foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation or foreign partnership
("foreign  shareholder"),   depends  on  whether  the  income  from  a  Fund  is
"effectively  connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign
shareholder.


If the income  from a Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business carried on by a foreign  shareholder,  distributions of ordinary income
(and short-term capital gains) paid to a foreign  shareholder will be subject to
U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable  treaty rate) upon
the gross amount of the distribution. The foreign shareholder generally would be
exempt from U.S.  federal income tax on gain realized on the sale of shares of a
Fund and distributions of net capital gain from a Fund.

If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income distributions, capital
gain distributions, and any gain realized upon the sale of shares of a Fund will
be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates  applicable to U.S.  citizens
or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a non-corporate  foreign  shareholder,  a Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to  distributions  from a Fund can
differ from the U.S.  federal  income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to
consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect to an investment in a Fund.

                                       35
<PAGE>

H.       STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with  respect  to  distributions  from a Fund can differ  from the U.S.  federal
income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These  state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with  respect to an  investment  in a
Fund.

                                8. OTHER MATTERS


A.       THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:


Investors Bond Fund                           Payson Value Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund                            Payson Balanced Fund
Investors High Grade Bond Fund                Austin Global Equity Fund
Maine Municipal Bond Fund                     Polaris Global Value Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund                       Investors Equity Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)               Equity Index Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)     Investors Growth Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                     BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)   BIA Growth Equity Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund(1)

(1)  The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in an  institutional,
institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Funds' investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities that may be be purchased or held by the Fund. The Board will consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' investment
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Trust and each Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.


                                       36
<PAGE>

2.       SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a different  expense  ratio and each
class' performance will be affected by its expenses. For more information on any
other class of shares of the Fund, investors may contact FSS.


3.       SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne
solely by those  shares  and each class  votes  separately  with  respect to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,
shares will be voted separately by individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act
requires shares to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual  series;  and
(2) when the Trustees determine that the matter affects more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only affects  certain  classes of the Trust and thus only those such classes are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold
annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

Shareholders  representing 10% or more of the Trust's (or a series') outstanding
shares may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or
series) for any purpose related to the Trust (or series), including, in the case
of a meeting  of the  Trust,  the  purpose  of voting on  removal of one or more
Trustees.

4.       CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally,  the termination
of the Trust must be  approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority of the
outstanding  shares of the Trust. The Trustees,  may, however,  terminate a Fund
without seeking  shareholder  consent.  In addition,  the Trustees may,  without
prior  shareholder  approval,  change the form of  organization  of the Trust by
merger, consolidation or incorporation. Under the Trust Instrument, the Trustees
may also, without shareholder vote, cause the Trust or certain series, including
a Fund,  to  merge  or  consolidate  into one or more  trusts,  partnerships  or
corporations or cause the Trust to be  incorporated  under Delaware law, so long


                                       37
<PAGE>

as the surviving entity is an open-end,  management investment company that will
succeed to or assume the Trust's registration statement.

B        FUND OWNERSHIP

As of June 14,  1999,  the  officers  and trustees of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the shares of each Fund.


From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder  vote. As of June 14, 1999, and prior to
the public offering of each Fund,  Forum Financial Group, LLC or its affiliates,
beneficially  owned  100% of and may be deemed to  control  each  Fund.  John Y.
Keffer, a trustee of the Trust,  controls Forum Financial Group, LLC.  "Control"
for this purpose is the ownership of 25% or more of a Fund's voting  securities.
It is not expected that Forum Financial Group, LLC will continue to control each
Fund after its public offering.


C.       LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations  for profit.  The Trust believes that the securities  regulators of
some states,  however,  have  indicated that they and the courts in their states
may decline to apply  Delaware law on this point.  The Trust's Trust  Instrument
(the  document  that  governs the  operation  of the Trust)  contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for the debts, liabilities,  obligations and
expenses of the Trust. The Trust's 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,  no  contractual  limitation  of  liability  was in
effect, and the portfolio is unable to meet its obligations. FAdS believes that,
in view of the above, there is no risk of personal liability to shareholders.

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

D.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. The registration statement,  including
the  exhibits  filed  therewith,  may be  examined  at the  office of the SEC in
Washington, D.C.

                                       38
<PAGE>

Statements  contained  herein and in the  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are  qualified  by,  reference to the copy of such  contract or other  documents
filed as exhibits to the registration statement.








                                       39
<PAGE>



                 APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS


A.       CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

1.       MOODY'S


AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

CAA      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.


2.       S&P


AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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


         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment
         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.


3.       DUFF & PHELPS

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,A-     Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,B-     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD       Defaulted  debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
         and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

4.       FITCH

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC,C     High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD,D     Default.  Securities  are  not  meeting  current  obligations  and are
         extremely  speculative.  `DDD'  designates  the highest  potential for
         recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities  involved.  For U.S.
         corporates, for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
         of such outstanding  amounts,  and `D' the lowest recovery  potential,
         i.e. below 50%.




                                      A-5
<PAGE>


B.       PREFERRED STOCK

1.       MOODY'S


AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated "aa" is  considered  a high-  grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.


C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>


2.       S&P


AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB, B
CCC      Preferred  stock  rated  BB, B, and CCC is  regarded,  on  balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>


C.       SHORT TERM RATINGS

1.       MOODY'S

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1       Issuers  rated   Prime-1  ( or  supporting  institutions)  have  a
          superior ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt obligations.
          Prime-1  repayment  ability  will  often be  evidenced  by many of the
          following characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative  capitalization  structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset protection.
          o    Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and
               high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established  access  to a range  of  financial  markets  and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2  Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to
         a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may
         be more subject to  variation.  Capitalization  characteristics,  while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3  Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial  leverage.  Adequate  alternate  liquidity is
         maintained.

NOT
PRIME  Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the  Prime  rating
categories.


2.       S&P


A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

                                      A-8
<PAGE>

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

3.       FITCH


F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.


F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely  repayment may be susceptible to adverse change
         sin business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

                                      A-9
<PAGE>

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.








                                      A-10
<PAGE>





                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 AUGUST 1, 1999

                            AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000






                              INVESTORS GROWTH FUND



INVESTMENT ADVISER:


         Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
         Two Portland Square
         Portland, Maine 04101

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (800) 94FORUM
         (800) 943-6786
         (207) 879-0001



This Statement of Additional  Information (the "SAI") supplements the Prospectus
dated August 1, 1999,  as may be amended from time to time,  offering  shares of
Investors  Growth  Fund  (the  "Fund"),  a  separate  series of Forum  Funds,  a
registered,  open-end management  investment company (the "Trust").  This SAI is
not a prospectus and should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. You
may  obtain  the  Prospectus  without  charge by  contacting  Forum  Shareholder
Services at the address or telephone number listed above.

Financial Statements for the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1999, included in
the Annual Report to shareholders,  are incorporated into this SAI by reference.
Copies of the Annual  Report may be obtained,  without  charge,  upon request by
contacting Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC at the address or telephone number
listed above.


<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


Glossary......................................................................1


1.  Investment Policies And Risks.............................................2


2.  Investment Limitations....................................................8


3.  Performance Data And Advertising.........................................10



4.  Management...............................................................15


5.  Portfolio Transactions...................................................20


6.  Purchase And Redemption Information......................................22


7.  Taxation.................................................................24


8.  Other Matters............................................................29



Appendix A - Description Of Securities Ratings..............................A-1


Appendix B - Miscellaneous Tables...........................................B-1


Appendix C - Performance Data...............................................C-1


Appendix D - Additional Advertising Materials...............................D-1



<PAGE>

                                    GLOSSARY


As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.

         "Adviser" means Forum Investment Advisors, LLC.

         "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "Custodian" means Forum Trust, LLC, the custodian of the Fund's assets.


         "FAcS" means Forum Accounting Services, LLC, the fund accountant of the
          Fund.


         "FAdS" means Forum Administrative  Services,  LLC, the administrator of
          the Fund.

         "Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.


          "FFS" means Forum Fund  Services,  LLC, the  distributor of the Fund's
          shares.


         "FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the transfer agent of each
          Fund.

          "FFSI" means Forum Financial  Services,  Inc., the distributor of each
          Fund's shares prior to August 1,1999.

         "Fund" means Investors Growth Fund.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

         "NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

         "NAV" means net asset value per share.

         "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, A Division of the McGraw Hill Companies.

         "Trust" means Forum Funds.

         "U.S. Government  Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by
          the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

         "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.



                                       1
<PAGE>


                        1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS


The Fund is a diversified  series of the Trust. The section discusses in greater
detail than the Fund's Prospectus certain investments that the Fund may make.

A.       SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION

The Fund's  investments  in  convertible  securities  are subject to credit risk
relating to the financial  condition of the issuers of the  securities  that the
Fund  holds.  To limit  credit  risk,  the Fund may only  invest in  convertible
securities that are considered investment grade. Investment grade securities are
rated in the top four long-term rating categories or the two highest  short-term
rating  categories by an NRSA or are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be
of comparable quality. The Fund may purchase unrated convertible  securities if,
at the time of  purchase,  the  Adviser  believes  that  they are of  comparable
quality to rated securities that the Fund may purchase.

The lowest rated convertible security bond in which the Fund may invest is "Baa"
in the case of Moody's and "BBB" in the case of S&P and Fitch.  The lowest rated
preferred  stock in which the Fund may invest is "baa" in the case of Mood's and
"BBB" in the case of S&P.  Unrated  securities may not be as actively  traded as
rated securities.

The Fund may retain  securities  whose rating has been lowered  below the lowest
permissible  rating  category (or that are unrated and determined by the Adviser
to be of comparable  quality to  securities  whose rating has been lowered below
the lowest permissible rating category) if the Adviser determines that retaining
such security is in the best  interests of the Fund.  Because a downgrade  often
results in a reduction in the market price of the security, sale of a downgraded
security may result in a loss.

B.       EQUITY SECURITIES

1.       COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK


GENERAL.  The Fund may  invest in  common  and  preferred  stock.  Common  stock
represents an equity  (ownership)  interest in a company,  and usually possesses
voting rights and earns  dividends.  Dividends on common stock are not fixed but
are declared at the discretion of the issuer.  Common stock generally represents
the riskiest  investment in a company.  In addition,  common stock generally has
the greatest  appreciation  and  depreciation  potential  because  increases and
decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.


Preferred  stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to
the payment of  dividends  and the  recovery of  investment  should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of
the issuer.  Preferred  stock  typically  does not possess voting rights and its
market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

RISKS.  The  fundamental  risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the
risk that the value of the stock  might  decrease.  Stock  values  fluctuate  in
response to the  activities of an  individual  company or in response to general
market and/or  economic  conditions.  Historically,  common stocks have provided
greater  long-term  returns  and have  entailed  greater  short-term  risks than
preferred stocks, fixed-income and money market investments. The market value of
all  securities,  including  common  and  preferred  stocks,  is based  upon the
market's  perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or
other  objective  measure of a company's  worth.  If you invest in the Fund, you
should be willing to accept the risks of the stock market and should consider an
investment in the Fund only as a part of your overall investment portfolio.

2.       CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

GENERAL.  The Fund may invest in investment  grade  convertible debt securities.
Investment  grade  securities are those securities rated in the top four highest
rating  categories  by an NRSRO or if,  unrated,  are judged to be of comparable
quality  by  the  adviser.   Convertible  securities  include  debt  securities,


                                       2
<PAGE>

preferred stock or other  securities that may be converted into or exchanged for
a given  amount  of  common  stock of the same or a  different  issuer  during a
specified period and at a specified price in the future. A convertible  security
entitles  the holder to receive  interest on debt or the  dividend on  preferred
stock  until the  convertible  security  matures or is  redeemed,  converted  or
exchanged.  Convertible  securities  rank senior to common  stock in a company's
capital  structure but are usually  subordinated  to  comparable  nonconvertible
securities.  Convertible  securities have unique investment  characteristics  in
that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields
than comparable non-convertible  securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation
in  value  than  the   underlying   stocks   since   they  have   fixed   income
characteristics;  and (3) provide the potential for capital  appreciation if the
market price of the underlying common stock increases.

A convertible  security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.  If a
convertible  security  is called for  redemption,  the Fund will be  required to
permit the issuer to redeem the security,  convert it into the underlying common
stock or sell it to a third party.

RISKS.  Investment in convertible securities generally entails less risk than an
investment in the issuer's  common stock.  Convertible  securities are typically
issued by smaller  capitalized  companies  whose  stock  price may be  volatile.
Therefore,  the price of a  convertible  security may reflect  variations in the
price of the underlying common stock in a way that nonconvertible debt does not.
The extent to which such risk is reduced, however, depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the  convertible  security  sells above its value as a fixed
income security.

3.       WARRANTS & STOCK RIGHTS

GENERAL.  Warrants are  securities,  typically  issued with  preferred  stock or
bonds,  that give the holder the right to  purchase a given  number of shares of
common  stock at a specified  price and time.  The price  usually  represents  a
premium over the applicable  market value of the common stock at the time of the
warrant's  issuance.  Warrants  have no voting rights with respect to the common
stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
issuer. The Fund will limit its purchases of warrants to not more than 5% of the
value of its total assets.  The Fund may also invest up to 5% of its total asset
in stock  rights.  A stock  rights is an option  given to a  shareholder  to buy
additional shares at a predetermined price during a specified time.

RISKS.  Investments in warrants  involve  certain risks,  including the possible
lack of a  liquid  market  for  the  resale  of the  warrants,  potential  price
fluctuations  due to adverse  market  conditions or other factors and failure of
the price of the common stock to rise.  If the warrant is not  exercised  within
the specified time period, it becomes worthless.

4.       DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

GENERAL. A depositary receipt is a receipt for shares of a foreign-based company
that entitles the holder to distributions on the underlying security. Depositary
receipts  include  sponsored  and  unsponsored   American   Depositary  Receipts
("ADRs"),  European  Depositary  Receipts  ("EDRs")  and  other  similar  global
instruments. ADRs typically are issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, evidence
ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company, and are designed
for  use  in  U.S.  securities  markets.   EDRs  (sometimes  called  Continental
Depositary  Receipts) are receipts  issued by a European  financial  institution
evidencing an  arrangement  similar to that of ADRs, and are designed for use in
European securities markets. The Fund invests in depositary receipts in order to
obtain exposure to foreign securities markets.

RISKS.  Unsponsored depositary receipts may be created without the participation
of the foreign issuer. Holders of these receipts generally bear all the costs of
the depositary receipt facility,  whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain
costs in a sponsored depositary receipt. The bank or trust company depositary of
an  unsponsored  depositary  receipt may be under no  obligation  to  distribute
shareholder  communications  received from the foreign issuer or to pass through
voting rights. Accordingly,  available information concerning the issuer may not
be  current  and the  prices  of  unsponsored  depositary  receipts  may be more
volatile than the prices of sponsored depositary receipts.

                                       3
<PAGE>

C.       FOREIGN SECURITIES

The Fund may invest in foreign  securities  but expects to limit  investments in
foreign  issuers  to less  than  15% of its  total  assets.  Investments  in the
securities of foreign  issuers may involve  risks in addition to those  normally
associated  with  investments  in the  securities of U.S.  issuers.  All foreign
investments  are  subject  to risks  of:  (1)  foreign  political  and  economic
instability; (2) adverse movements in foreign exchange rates; (3) the imposition
or tightening  of exchange  controls or other  limitations  on  repatriation  of
foreign  capital;  and (4)  changes in foreign  governmental  attitudes  towards
private investment,  including potential nationalization,  increased taxation or
confiscation of your assets.

Dividends  payable on foreign  securities may be subject to foreign  withholding
taxes, thereby reducing the income available for distribution to you. Commission
rates payable on foreign  transactions  are generally  higher than in the United
States.  Foreign  accounting,  auditing and financial reporting standards differ
from  those  in the  United  States,  and  therefore,  less  information  may be
available about foreign  companies than is available about issuers of comparable
U.S. companies. Foreign securities also may trade less frequently and with lower
volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than United States securities.

Changes  in foreign  exchange  rates will  affect the U.S.  dollar  value of all
foreign  currency-denominated  securities  held by the Fund.  Exchange rates are
influenced  generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency
markets and by numerous other  political and economic events  occurring  outside
the  United  States,  many of which  may be  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to
predict.

Income  from  foreign  securities  will be  received  and  realized  in  foreign
currencies,  and the Fund is required to compute and  distribute  income in U.S.
dollars.  Accordingly,  a decline in the value of a particular  foreign currency
against the U.S.  dollar after the Fund's income has been earned and computed in
U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate  portfolio  securities to acquire
sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution.  Similarly, if the exchange rate
declines  between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional foreign
securities to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

D.       REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

1.       GENERAL

The Fund  may  enter  into  repurchase  agreements.  Repurchase  agreements  are
transactions  in which the Fund purchases  securities  from a bank or securities
dealer and simultaneously commits to resell the securities to the bank or dealer
at an  agreed-upon  date and at a price  reflecting  a market  rate of  interest
unrelated to the purchased security.  During the term of a repurchase agreement,
the Fund's custodian  maintains  possession of the purchased  securities and any
underlying  collateral,  which  is  maintained  at not  less  than  100%  of the
repurchase  price.  Repurchase  agreements  allow the Fund to earn income on its
uninvested  cash  for  periods  as  short  as  overnight,  while  retaining  the
flexibility to pursue longer-term investments.

2.       RISKS

The Fund may be  exposed to the risks of  financial  failure  or  insolvency  of
another party. To help reduce those risks,  the Adviser,  subject to the Board's
supervision,  monitors and evaluates the  creditworthiness  of counterparties to
the Fund's  transactions  and intend to enter  into a  transaction  only when it
believes that the  counterparty  presents  minimal credit risks and the benefits
from the transaction justify the attendant risks.


                                       4
<PAGE>

E.       LEVERAGE

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may use  leverage  to increase  potential  returns.  Leverage  involves
special risks and may involve speculative investment techniques. Leverage exists
when cash made available to the Fund through an investment  technique is used to
make additional Fund investments.  Lending portfolio securities are transactions
involving  leverage.  The Fund uses these  investment  techniques  only when the
Adviser believes that the leveraging and the returns  available to the Fund from
investing the cash will provide investors a potentially higher return.

2.       SECURITIES LENDING

The Fund may lend portfolio  securities or participate in repurchase  agreements
in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total  assets to  brokers,  dealers  and other
financial institutions. Securities loans must be continuously collateralized and
the collateral  must have market value at least equal to the value of the Fund's
loaned  securities,  plus accrued interest.  In a portfolio  securities  lending
transaction, 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 as well as the interest on the collateral  securities,  less any fees (such
as 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.  The  terms of a Fund's  loans  permit  the Fund to  reacquire  loaned
securities  on five  business  days' notice or in time to vote on any  important
matter. Loans are subject to termination at the option of a Fund or the borrower
at any time,  and the  borrowed  securities  must be  returned  when the loan is
terminated.

3.       RISKS

Leverage  creates the risk of magnified  capital  losses.  Borrowings  and other
liabilities  that exceed the equity base of the Fund may magnify losses incurred
by a Fund. Leverage may involve the creation of a liability that requires a Fund
to pay interest (for instance, reverse repurchase agreements) or the creation of
a  liability  that does not entail any  interest  costs (for  instance,  forward
commitment costs).

The risks of leverage include a higher  volatility of the net asset value of the
Fund's  securities and the  relatively  greater effect on the net asset value of
the securities caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as
a Fund is able to  realize a net  return  on its  investment  portfolio  that is
higher than interest expense  incurred,  if any,  leverage will result in higher
current net investment  income for the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged.
Changes  in  interest  rates  and  related  economic  factors  could  cause  the
relationship  between  the cost of  leveraging  and the  yield to change so that
rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative
to the yield on the  obligations  in which the proceeds of the  leveraging  have
been invested.  To the extent that the interest  expense  involved in leveraging
approaches  the net  return on a Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the  benefit of
leveraging will be reduced,  and, if the interest  expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to investors, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a
lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if
a Fund's  current  investment  income were not  sufficient  to meet the interest
expense of leveraging,  it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate  certain
of its investments at an inappropriate time.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. In order to attempt to reduce the risks involved in various
transactions  involving  leverage,  each  Fund's  custodian  will set  aside and
maintain,  in a segregated  account,  cash and liquid securities.  The account's
value,  which is  marked  to market  daily,  will be at least  equal to a Fund's
commitments under these transactions.

                                       5
<PAGE>

F.       ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may not acquire securities or invest in repurchase  agreements if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be
invested in illiquid securities.

The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which the Fund has valued the securities.  Illiquid securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days; (2) purchased over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;  and (4) except as  otherwise  determined  by the  Adviser,
securities  subject to contractual or legal  restrictions on resale because they
have not been registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities").

2.       RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and the Fund might also have to register a restricted security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting in expense and delay. The Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions.  There can be no
assurance  that a liquid  market will exist for any  security at any  particular
time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to be liquid,
can become illiquid.

3.       DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

G.       U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

U.S. Government Securities include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and by
U.S. Government agencies and  instrumentalities.  U.S. Government Securities may
be  supported  by the  full  faith  and  credit  of  the  United  States  (e.g.,
mortgage-related securities and certificates of the Government National Mortgage
Association and securities of the Small Business  Administration);  by the right
of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.  Treasury  (e.g.,  Federal  Home Loan Bank
securities);  by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the
issuer (e.g.,  Fannie Mai (formerly the Federal National  Mortgage  Association)
securities); or solely by the creditworthiness of the issuer (e.g., Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation securities).

2.       RISKS

Holders of U.S. Government Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing
the  obligation  for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the


                                       6
<PAGE>

United States in the event that the agency or instrumentality  does not meet its
commitment.  No assurance  can be given that the U.S.  Government  would provide
support if it is not obligated to do so by law. Neither the U.S.  Government nor
any of its  agencies or  instrumentalities  guarantees  the market  value of the
securities they issue.

H.       BANK OBLIGATIONS

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may invest in  obligations  of U.S.  banks  including  certificates  of
deposit,  bankers'  acceptances,  having total assets at the time of purchase in
excess of $1  billion.  Such banks must also be members of the  Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Corporation or the Federal  Savings and Loan  Insurance  Corporation.
Certificates  of deposit  represent an  institution's  obligation to repay funds
deposited  with it that  earn a  specified  interest  ate  over a given  period.
Bankers'  acceptances are negotiable  obligations of a bank to pay a draft which
has been drawn by a customer  and are usually  backed by goods in  international
trade. Certificates of deposit which are payable at the stated maturity date and
bear a fixed rate of interest,  generally may be withdrawn on demand by the Fund
but may be subject to early  withdrawal  penalties which could reduce the Fund's
performance.

The Fund also may invest in  certificates  of deposit  issued by foreign  banks,
denominated in any major foreign  currency.  The Fund will invest in instruments
issued by foreign  bands which,  in the view of its  investment  adviser and the
Trust's  Trustees,  are of  credit-worthiness  and  financial  stature  in their
respective countries comparable to U.S. banks in which the Fund invests.

2.       RISKS

Obligations  of banks  are debt  securities.  The value of debt  securities  may
fluctuate  in  response to charges in  interest  rates.  An increase in interest
rates  typically  cause a fall in the value of the debt  securities in which the
Fund may invest.  Debt securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer's
financial  condition may change. The issuer, for example,  may default or become
unable to pay interest or principal due on the security.

I.       CORE AND GATEWAY(R)

The Fund may seek to achieve its  investment  objective by  converting to a Core
and  Gateway(R)  structure.  The  Fund  operating  under a Core  and  Gateway(R)
structure holds, as its only investment,  shares of another  investment  company
having substantially the same investment objective and policies.  The Board will
not  authorize  conversion  to a  Core  and  Gateway(R)  structure  if it  would
materially increase costs to the Fund's shareholders. The Board will not convert
a Fund to a Core and Gateway(R) structure without notice to the shareholders.

J.       TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION

The Fund may assume a temporary  defensive position and may invest without limit
in  commercial  paper  and  other  money  market  instruments  that are of prime
quality.  Prime quality  instruments are those instruments that are rated in one
of the two highest  short-term  rating  categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated,
determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of  return.  The money  market  instruments  in which the Fund may  invest
include U.S.  Government  Securities,  time deposits,  bankers  acceptances  and
certificates of deposit of depository  institutions  (such as banks),  corporate
notes and  short-term  bonds and money market  mutual  funds.  The Fund may only
invest in money market mutual funds to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

The money market  instruments  in which the Fund may invest may have variable or
floating rates of interest.  These obligations  include master demand notes that
permit  investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant
to direct arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. These obligations often
include the right,  after a given period,  to prepay the  outstanding  principal


                                       7
<PAGE>

amount  of the  obligations  upon a  specified  number  of days'  notice.  These
obligations  generally  are not traded,  nor  generally is there an  established
secondary  market for these  obligations.  To the extent a demand  note does not
have a 7-day or shorter demand feature and there is no readily  available market
for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.


K.       YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and the Fund's  administrator  have  addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems. The Fund's other service providers have informed the Fund that they are
taking similar measures. Services provided to the Fund or any companies in which
it  invests  could  still be  adversely  affected  by a  computer's  failure  to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or the  Fund's  administrator,  there  is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.



                            2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

For  purposes  of all  investment  policies  of the Fund:  (1) the term 1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of the  Fund's  assets  or  purchases  and  redemptions  of  shares  will not be
considered a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental policy of the Fund,  including the Fund's investment  objective of
long-term capital  appreciation,  cannot be changed without the affirmative vote
of the lesser of: (1) 50% of the  outstanding  shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of
the shares of the Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which
the holders of more than 50% of the  outstanding  shares of the Fund are present
or represented.  A nonfundamental policy of the Fund may be changed by the Board
without shareholder approval.

A.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

         The Fund has adopted the following  investment  limitations,  which are
         fundamental policies of the Fund.

         The Fund:

1.       DIVERSIFICATION


         May not, with respect to 75% of its assets, purchase a security if as a
         result:  (1)  more  than 5% of its  assets  would  be  invested  in the
         securities  of any single  issuer;  or (2) the Fund would own more than
         10% of the  outstanding  voting  securities of any single issuer.  This
         restriction does not apply to securities issued by the U.S. Government,
         its  agencies  or  instrumentalities.  The Fund  reserves  the right to
         invest up to 100% of its investable assets in one investment companies.


2.       CONCENTRATION

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

                                       8
<PAGE>


3.       UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Will 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.


4.       BORROWING

         May borrow money for  temporary or emergency  purposes,  including  the
         meeting  of  redemption  requests,  but not in excess of 33 1/3% of the
         value of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).

5.       MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         May not  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. The Fund
         may not sell securities short.

6.       INVESTING FOR CONTROL

         May not make  investments  for the  purpose  of  exercising  control or
         management.

7.       REAL ESTATE

         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.

8.       LENDING

         Will not 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;  the Fund
         may also make loans of portfolio  securities and enter into  repurchase
         agreements.

9.       SENIOR SECURITIES

         Will not issue senior  securities  except pursuant to Section 18 of the
         Investment  Company Act of 1940  ("1940  Act") and except that the Fund
         may borrow money  subject to  investment  limitations  specified in the
         Fund's Prospectus.

10.      PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Will not 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).

11.      OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS

         May not  purchase or write puts or calls  except as permitted by any of
         its other fundamental investment policies.

                                       9
<PAGE>


B.       NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitation that may
be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:


1.       ILLIQUID SECURITIES


         Invest more than 15% of its net assets in "illiquid securities",  which
         are  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 the Federal securities laws;
         and (2)  securities  of  issuers  having  a record  (together  with all
         predecessors) of less than three years of continuous operation.


2.       WARRANTS


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


3.       PLEDGING


         Purchase  securities  in  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.



                       3. PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING


A.       PERFORMANCE DATA

The Fund may quote  performance  in various ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

The Fund may compare any of its performance information with:

     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

     o    The performance of other mutual funds.

     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to the  Standard & Poor's  500(R)  Index,  the Russell
          2000(R) Index,  the Russell  MidcapTM Index, the Russell 1000(R) Value
          Index,  the  Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the  Morgan  Stanley  - Europe,
          Australia,  Far East  Index,  the Dow Jones  Industrial  Average,  the
          Salomon  Brothers  Bond Index,  the Shearson  Lehman Bond Index,  U.S.
          Treasury bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index
          as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Performance  information may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph, or
similar illustration.

                                       10
<PAGE>

Indices are not used in the  management  of the Fund but rather are standards by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.

The Fund may refer to: (1) general  market  performances  over past time periods
such as those  published  by Ibbotson  Associates  (for  instance,  its "Stocks,
Bonds, Bills and Inflation Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and
other  data  published  by  Fund  Tracking  Companies;   and  (3)  material  and
comparative  mutual fund data and ratings  reported in independent  periodicals,
such as newspapers and financial magazines.

The Fund's performance will fluctuate in response to market conditions and other
factors.

B.       PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

The Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return.  Table 1
in Appendix C includes performance information for the Fund.

1.       SEC YIELD

Standardized  SEC  yields  for the Fund  used in  advertising  are  computed  by
dividing the Fund's interest  income (in accordance  with specific  standardized
rules) for a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average
number of shares  entitled to receive  income  distributions  during the period,
dividing  this  figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming  compounding of income in accordance
with  specific  standardized  rules) in order to arrive at an annual  percentage
rate.

Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

Income  calculated for the purpose of determining  the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield
calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for the  Fund  may  differ  from  the rate of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's  performance,  investors should be aware that the Fund's yield fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in the Fund fees in connection with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

The yields of the Fund are not fixed or  guaranteed,  and an  investment  in the
Fund is not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be
used to compare shares of the Fund with  investment  alternatives,  which,  like
money market instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest.
Also, it may not be appropriate to compare the Fund's yield information directly
to similar information  regarding  investment  alternatives which are insured or
guaranteed.

Yield quotations are based on amounts invested in the Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.

                                       11
<PAGE>

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period

2.       TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

The Fund's total return shows its overall change in value,  including changes in
share price and assuming all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.

Total return  figures may be based on amounts  invested in the Fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula  prescribed  by the SEC. To  calculate  standard  average  annual  total
returns  the  Fund:  (1)  determines  the  growth  or  decline  in  value  of  a
hypothetical  historical  investment in the Fund over a stated  period;  and (2)
calculates the annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the
same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the
period. For example, a cumulative return of 100% over ten years would produce an
average  annual  total  return of 7.18%.  While  average  annual  returns  are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,  investors should realize
that  performance  is not constant over time but changes from year to year,  and
that average annual returns represent  averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the Fund.

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable value:  ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the  applicable period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the applicable period

Because  average  annual  returns  tend to smooth out  variations  in the Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.

         The Fund may quote unaveraged or cumulative total returns which reflect
         the Fund's performance over a stated period of time.

         Total  returns may be stated in their  components of income and capital
         (including  capital  gains  and  changes  in share  price)  in order to
         illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to
         total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without


                                       12
<PAGE>

taking  into  consideration  the Fund's  front-end  sales  charge or  contingent
deferred sales charge (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

C.       OTHER MATTERS

The  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in its  advertising,  sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost
averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual  retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the net
asset value,  net assets or number of shareholders of the Fund as of one or more
dates; and (10) a comparison of the Fund's operations to the operations of other
funds or similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and
scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted average maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies,  and the manner of  calculating  and reporting
performance.

As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,188 at the end
of the second year (an increase of $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of the Fund's performance.

The Fund may advertise information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including  the  principal  of  dollar  cost
averaging.  In a  dollar-cost  averaging  program,  an investor  invests a fixed
dollar amount in the Fund at periodic intervals, thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in the Fund the following will be the relationship between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

                                       13
<PAGE>

                        SYSTEMATIC                    SHARE            SHARES
PERIOD                  INVESTMENT                    PRICE           PURCHASED
- ------                  ----------                    -----           ---------
   1                       $100                        $10              10.00
   2                       $100                        $12               8.33
   3                       $100                        $15               6.67
   4                       $100                        $20               5.00
   5                       $100                        $18               5.56
   6                       $100                        $16               6.25
                           ----                        ---               ----
        TOTAL                               AVERAGE              TOTAL
        INVESTED          $600              PRICE    $15.17      SHARES 41.81

In  connection  with its  advertisements,  the Fund may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serve to provide  shareholders  or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices

                                       14
<PAGE>

                                  4. MANAGEMENT

A.       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  positions  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).
<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>

NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS

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

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

John Y. Keffer*,  Chairman and President     Member and Director,  Forum  Financial Group,  LLC (a mutual fund
Born:  July 15, 1942                         services  holding  company)
Two Portland  Square                         Director,  Forum  Fund  Services,  LLC  (Trust's  underwriter)
Portland,  ME 04101                          Officer of six other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California-Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting Professor of Economics, Athens University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing company for small and medium size businesses in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stephen  J.  Barrett,  Vice  President       Manager  of Client  Services and Senior Relationship  Manager, Forum
Born: November 14, 1968                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager,  Fidelity  Investments,  1994 - 1996
Portland,  Maine 04101                       Officer of four other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other investment companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing  Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born:  October 14, 1943                      Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998 Portland,
ME 04101                                     Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.  (brokerage firm) 1993 -
Two Portland Square                          1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       15
<PAGE>



B.       COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.


The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund  Complex that  includes all series of the Trust and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
          <S>                 <C>            <C>            <C>                      <C>
                        Compensation                                      Total Compensation from Trust
       Trustee           from Trust      Benefits       Retirement               and Fund Complex

- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------ ----------------- -------------------------------------
John Y. Keffer               $0             $0              $0                          $0
- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------ ----------------- -------------------------------------

Costas Azariadis           $11,200          $0              $0                       $18,500

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

James C. Cheng             $12,700          $0              $0                       $20,000

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

J. Michael Parish          $12,700          $0              $0                       $20,000

- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------ ----------------- -------------------------------------
</TABLE>

C.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

1.       SERVICES OF ADVISER

The Adviser  serves as investment  adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory  agreement (the "Agreement") with the Trust.  Under the Agreement,  the
Adviser  furnishes at its own expense all  services,  facilities  and  personnel
necessary in  connection  with  managing the Fund's  investments  and  effecting
portfolio transactions for the Fund.

2.       OWNERSHIP OF ADVISER

The  Adviser  is 99% owned by Forum  Trust,  LLC and 1% owned by Forum  Holdings
Corp. I, both of which are mutual fund services holding companies  controlled by
John Y. Keffer,  Chairman and President of the Trust. Forum Investment Advisors,
LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the 1940 Act.

3.       FEES

The Adviser's fee is calculated as a percentage of the applicable Fund's average
net assets.  The fee is accrued  daily by the Fund and is paid monthly  based on
average net assets for the previous month.

In addition to receiving  its  advisory fee from the Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they invested in the Fund. If you have a separately  managed account with
the Adviser with assets  invested in the Fund, the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

Table 1 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
the  Adviser,  the amount of fees  waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual  fees
received by the Adviser. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

                                       16
<PAGE>

4.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF ADVISER'S AGREEMENT

The  Agreement  remains in effect for a period of two years from the date of its
effectiveness. Subsequently, the Agreement must be approved at least annually by
the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in  either  case by a
majority of the  Trustees  who are not parties to the  agreement  or  interested
persons of any such party.

The Agreement is terminable  without  penalty by the Trust regarding the Fund on
30  days'  written  notice  when  authorized   either  by  vote  of  the  Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by the Adviser on 90 days'
written  notice  to  the  Trust.  The  Agreement  terminates   immediately  upon
assignment.

Under the Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for any mistake of judgment or in
any event whatsoever except for breach of fiduciary duty,  willful  misfeasance,
bad faith or gross  negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.

D.       DISTRIBUTOR

1.       DISTRIBUTOR; SERVICES AND COMPENSATION OF DISTRIBUTOR

Forum Fund  Services,  LLC  (FFS),  the  distributor  (also  known as  principal
underwriter)  of the  shares of the Fund,  is located  at Two  Portland  Square,
Portland,  Maine 04101. FFS is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. Prior to August 1, 1999, Forum
Financial  Services,  Inc. was the  distributor of each Fund pursuant to similar
terms and compensation.


FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC. Forum Financial Group, LLC is controlled by John Y. Keffer.


Under a distribution  agreement with the Trust (the  "Distribution  Agreement"),
FFS acts as the agent of the Trust in connection  with the offering of shares of
the Fund.  FFS  continually  distributes  shares  of the Fund on a best  efforts
basis. FFS has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of the Fund.

FFS may enter into  agreements  with selected  broker-dealers,  banks,  or other
financial  institutions  for distribution of shares of the Fund. These financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service fees even though shares of the Fund are sold with a sales charge.  These
financial  institutions  may  otherwise act as  processing  agents,  and will be
responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to
the Fund.

Investors who purchase  shares in this manner will be subject to the  procedures
of the institution through whom they purchase shares, which may include charges,
investment  minimums,  cutoff  times and other  restrictions  in addition to, or
different  from,  those listed  herein.  Information  concerning  any charges or
services will be provided to customers by the financial  institution.  Investors
purchasing  shares of the Fund in this manner should  acquaint  themselves  with
their  institution's  procedures  and should read the  Prospectus in conjunction
with any materials and information provided by their institution.  The financial
institution  and not its customers will be the  shareholder of record,  although
customers  may have the right to vote shares  depending  upon their  arrangement
with the institution.

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, FFS receives, and may reallow to certain
financial  institutions,  the sales charge paid by the  purchasers of the Fund's
shares.  Table 2 in Appendix B shows the  aggregate  sales charges paid to FFSI,
the amount of sales  charge  reallowed  by FFSI,  and the amount of sales charge
retained by FFSI. The data are for the past three years (or shorter depending on
a Fund's commencement of operations).

                                       17
<PAGE>

2.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT

The Distribution Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.

The  Distribution  Agreement  is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with
respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by vote of
the  Fund's  shareholders  or by a majority  vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60
days' written notice to the Trust.

Under the Distribution Agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders  for any error of judgment or mistake of law,  for any loss arising
out of any  investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its
duties  to the  Fund,  except  for  willful  misfeasance,  bad  faith  or  gross
negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of reckless  disregard
of its obligations and duties under the agreement.

Under the Distribution Agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's
officers and persons that control FFS) are  indemnified by the Trust against all
claims and expenses in any way related to alleged untrue  statements of material
fact contained in the Fund's Registration Statement or any alleged omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FSS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FSS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.

E.       OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1.       ADMINISTRATOR

As administrator,  pursuant to an  administration  agreement with the Trust (the
"Administration  Agreement"),  Forum  Administrative  Services,  LLC  (FAdS)  is
responsible  for  the  supervision  of the  overall  management  of  the  Trust,
providing  the Trust  with  general  office  facilities  and  providing  persons
satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the Trust.

For its  services,  FAdS receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate of 0.20%
of the  average  daily net assets of the Fund.  The fee is accrued  daily by the
Fund and is paid monthly based on average net assets for the previous month.

The Administration  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The  Administration  Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust
or by FAdS with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Administration  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  to the Trust or the
Trust's  shareholders for any act or omission,  except for willful  misfeasance,
bad faith or gross  negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.  Under the
Administration  Agreement,  FAdS and  certain  related  parties  (such as FAdS's
officers and persons who control FAdS) are  indemnified by the Trust against any
and all claims and  expenses  related to FAdS's  actions or  omissions  that are
consistent with FAdS's contractual standard of care.

Table 3 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual  fees  received  by
FAdS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

2.       FUND ACCOUNTANT

As fund  accountant,  pursuant to an  accounting  agreement  with the Trust (the
"Accounting  Agreement"),  Forum Accounting  Services,  LLC (FAcS) provides fund
accounting  services to the Fund. These services include calculating the NAV per
share of the Fund and preparing the Fund's financial statements and tax returns.

                                       18
<PAGE>

For its services, FAcS receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate of $36,000
with certain  surcharges  based upon the number and type of the Fund's portfolio
transactions  and  positions.  The fee is accrued  daily by the Fund and is paid
monthly based on the transactions and positions for the previous month.

The  Accounting  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by
FAcS with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS is not liable for any action or omission in
the performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith,  gross  negligence or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement. Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS and certain
related  parties  (such as FAcS's  officers  and persons  who control  FAcS) are
indemnified  by the Trust  against  any and all claims and  expenses  related to
FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's contractual standard
of care.

Under the Accounting Agreement, in calculating the Fund's NAV per share, FAcS is
deemed not to have  committed an error if the NAV per share it calculates is (1)
within  1/10  of 1% of the  actual  NAV per  share  (after  recalculation).  The
Accounting Agreement also provides that FAcS will not be liable to a shareholder
for any loss incurred due to an NAV  difference if such  difference is less than
or equal 1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to  $10.00.  In  addition,  FAcS is not
liable for the errors of others,  including the companies that supply securities
prices to FAcS and the Fund.

Table 4 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual  fees  received  by
FAcS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

3.       TRANSFER AGENT


As transfer agent and  distribution  paying agent,  pursuant to a transfer agent
agreement  with the Trust (the  "Transfer  Agent  Agreement"),  FSS maintains an
account  for each  shareholder  of  record  of the Fund and is  responsible  for
processing  purchase  and  redemption  requests  and  paying   distributions  to
shareholders of record. FSS is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101 and is registered as a transfer agent with the SEC.

For its  services,  FSS  receives  0.25% of the average  daily net assets of the
Fund, an annual fee of $12,000 and $18 per shareholder account.

The Transfer Agent  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  The Transfer Agent Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust
or by FSS with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Transfer  Agent  Agreement,  FSS is not  liable  for  any act in the
performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the agreement.  Under
the Transfer Agent  Agreement,  FSS and certain  related  parties (such as FSS's
officers and persons who control FSS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any
and all claims and  expenses  related to FAdS's  actions or  omissions  that are
consistent with FAdS's contractual standard of care.


Table 5 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
FSS, the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual fees  received by FSS.
The data are for the past three fiscal years.

4.       CUSTODIAN

As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with the  Trust,  Forum  Trust,  LLC
safeguards and controls the Fund's cash and  securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to


                                       19
<PAGE>

provide  custody of the Fund's  domestic and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of the Fund. The Fund also pays an annual domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction  fees. These fees are accrued daily by the
Fund and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions  for the
previous month.

5.       LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20005, passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

6.       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, 14th Floor,  Boston,  Massachusetts,
02116-5022,  independent auditors,  have been selected as auditors for the Fund.
The auditors audit the annual  financial  statements of the Fund and provide the
Fund with an audit opinion.  The auditors also review certain regulatory filings
of the Fund and the Fund's tax returns.

                            5. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


A.       HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are fixed income  securities
(for instance,  money market instruments and bonds, notes and bills) usually are
principal transactions. In a principal transaction, the party from whom the Fund
purchases  or to whom the Fund sells is acting on its own behalf (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected:  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.

Purchases of securities from underwriters of the securities  include a disclosed
fixed  commission  or  concession  paid by the  issuer to the  underwriter,  and
purchases  from dealers  serving as market makers include the spread between the
bid and asked price.

In the case of fixed income and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes
an undisclosed commission or markup.

B.       COMMISSIONS PAID

Table 6 in Appendix B shows the aggregate brokerage  commissions with respect to
the Fund.  The data  presented  are for the past three  fiscal  years or shorter
period if the Fund has been in operation for a shorter period.

C.       ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES

The Adviser  places orders for the purchase and sale of securities  with brokers
and dealers selected by and in the discretion of the Adviser.  The Fund does not
have any obligation to deal with any specific  broker or dealer in the execution
of portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of  transactions to brokers and dealers
and the  frequency of  transactions  are  determined  by the Adviser in its best


                                       20
<PAGE>

judgment  and in a manner  deemed to be in the best  interest of the Fund rather
than by any formula.

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary consideration in executing transactions for the Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.

1.       CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread  available.  Rather,
in determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid
in  connection  with  securities  transactions,  the Adviser  takes into account
factors such as size of the order,  difficulty of  execution,  efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities  (including the research services described below)
and any risk assumed by the executing broker.

Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider  sales  of  shares  of  the  Fund  as a  factor  in  the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by brokers  effecting  transactions  for the Fund (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay.)

2.       OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may cause  the Fund to pay these  brokers a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients  other than the Fund,  and not all research  services may be
used by the Adviser in  connection  with the Fund.  The  Adviser's  fees are not
reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts  although a  particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the services  purchased for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal data bases.

Occasionally,  the Adviser may execute a transaction  through a broker and pay a
slightly  higher  commission  than  another  broker  might  charge.  The  higher
commission  is paid because of the  Adviser's  need for specific  research,  for
specific  expertise a firm may have in a particular type of transaction  (due to
factors such as size or difficulty), or for speed/efficiency in execution. Since
most of the  Adviser's  brokerage  commissions  for  research  are for  economic
research on specific companies or industries,  and since the Adviser is involved
with a limited  number of securities,  most of the commission  dollars spent for
industry and stock research directly benefit the clients.

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser,  some of which  accounts  may have  similar
investment objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could
be  either  advantageous  or  disadvantageous  to  any  one or  more  particular
accounts,  they will be effected  only when the Adviser  believes  that to do so
will be in the best  interest of the  affected  accounts.  When such  concurrent
authorizations  occur,  the  objective  will be to allocate  the  execution in a
manner  equitable  to the accounts  involved.  Clients are  typically  allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.

                                       21
<PAGE>

3.       COUNTERPARTY RISK

The  Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to the Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

4.       TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The Adviser may effect brokerage  transactions through affiliates of the Adviser
(or affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.

5.       OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions  for the Fund are made  independently  from  those for any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors, including basic suitability for the particular client involved. Thus, a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
clients are  selling  the  security.  In some  instances,  one client may sell a
particular  security  to another  client.  In addition  two or more  clients may
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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that  security.  In addition,  when purchases or sales of the same
security for the Fund and other client  accounts  managed by the Adviser  occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

6.       PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The  frequency of portfolio  transactions  of the Fund (the  portfolio  turnover
rate) will vary from year to year  depending on many factors.  From time to time
the Fund may  engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage  of price
movements  affecting  individual issues,  groups of issues or markets. An annual
portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of the securities in the Fund
were replaced once in a period of one year. Higher portfolio  turnover rates may
result in  increased  brokerage  costs to the Fund and a  possible  increase  in
short-term capital gains or losses.

D.       SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS


From  time to time the Fund  may  acquire  and  hold  securities  issued  by its
"regular  brokers and dealers" or the parents of those brokers and dealers.  For
this  purpose,  regular  brokers and dealers are the 10 brokers or dealers that:
(1) received the greatest amount of brokerage commissions during the Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio  transactions  of the Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year;  or (3)
sold the largest amount of the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.
Table 7 in Appendix B lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Fund's  holdings  of those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.


                     6. PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A.       GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.


                                       22
<PAGE>

The Fund accepts  orders for the purchase or redemption of shares on any weekday
except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.


Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


B.       ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

The distributor  sells shares of the Fund on a continuous basis. Set forth below
is an  example  of the  method of  computing  the  offering  price of the Fund's
shares.  The  example  assumes  a  purchase  of shares  of  beneficial  interest
aggregating  less than  $100,000  subject to the  schedule of sales  charges set
forth in the Prospectus at a price based on the net asset value per share of the
Fund on March 31, 1999.


          Net Asset Value Per Share                          $11.60

          Sales Charge, 4.00% of offering price
          (4.17% of net asset value per share)               $0.48

          Offering to Public                                 $12.08

The Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  the Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that meet the  investment
objective  and  policies of the Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  The Fund will
only accept  securities  that:  (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and
are not illiquid;  and (2) have a value which is readily  ascertainable (and not
established only by valuation procedures).

1.       IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

2.       UGMAS/UTMAS

If the trustee's name is not in the account  registration  of a gift or transfer
to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the investor must provide a copy of the trust
document.

3.       PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to the Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable  when you invest in the Fund  directly.  When you purchase the Fund's
shares through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of
record and, subject to your institution's  procedures,  you may have Fund shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

                                       23
<PAGE>

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold shares through a financial  institution,  the Fund may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you  with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.  The  Fund  is not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.

Investors  purchasing shares of the Fund through a financial  institution should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

C.       ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION

The Fund may redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares  purchased  by the  shareholder  or to  collect  any charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a  shareholder  which is applicable to
the Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus.

1.       SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary  weekend
and holiday  closings) or during which the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission
determines that trading  thereon is restricted;  (2) an emergency (as determined
by the SEC) exists as a result of which  disposal by the Fund of its  securities
is not  reasonably  practicable  or as a result  of  which it is not  reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3)
the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the shareholders of the Fund.

2.       REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental to the best interests of the
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
brokerage  costs may be incurred by the shareholder in converting the securities
to cash. The Trust has filed an election with the SEC pursuant to which the Fund
may  only  effect  a  redemption  in  portfolio  securities  if  the  particular
shareholder  is  redeeming  more than  $250,000  or 1% of the  Fund's  total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.

D.       NAV DETERMINATION

In determining the Fund's NAV per share,  securities for which market quotations
are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported
sales price.  If no sale price is reported,  the average of the last bid and ask
price is used. If no average price is available,  the last bid price is used. If
market quotations are not readily available,  then securities are valued at fair
value as determined by the Board (or its delegate).

E.       DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions of net investment  income will be reinvested at the Fund's NAV per
share as of the last day of the period with respect to which the distribution is
paid.  Distributions  of capital gain will be reinvested at the NAV per share of
the Fund on the payment  date for the  distribution.  Cash  payments may be made
more than seven days following the date on which  distributions  would otherwise
be reinvested.

                                   7. TAXATION

The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S.  federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  Such


                                       24
<PAGE>

information is only a summary of certain key federal  income tax  considerations
affecting  the  Fund  and  its  shareholders  that  are  not  described  in  the
prospectus.  No attempt has been made to present a complete  explanation  of the
federal tax  treatment  of the Fund or the  implications  to  shareholders.  The
discussions  here and in the  prospectus  are not  intended as  substitutes  for
careful tax planning.

This  "Taxation"  section  is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in
effect on the date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions  may  significantly  change the tax rules  applicable  to the Fund and
their  shareholders.  Any  of  these  changes  or  court  decisions  may  have a
retroactive effect.

ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

A.       QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY

The  Fund  intends  for  each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of the Fund.

The tax year end of the Fund is March 31 (the  same as the  Fund's  fiscal  year
end).

1.       MEANING OF QUALIFICATION

As a  regulated  investment  company,  the Fund will not be  subject  to federal
income  tax on the  portion  of its net  investment  income  (that  is,  taxable
interest,  dividends and other  taxable  ordinary  income,  net of expenses) and
capital  gain net income (that is, the excess of  long-term  capital  gains over
long-term  capital  losses) that it  distributes  to  shareholders.  In order to
qualify as a regulated  investment  company the Fund must satisfy the  following
requirements:

     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable  income (that is, net  investment  income and capital gain net
          income)  for the tax  year.  (Certain  distributions  made by the Fund
          after  the  close  of  its  tax  year  are  considered   distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income derived with respect to its business of investing.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          government  securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of the  issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

2.       FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits.
A  portion  of  these   distributions   generally   may  be  eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

                                       25
<PAGE>

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on the Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that the Fund will
not qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

B.       FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net investment income
for each tax year.  These  distributions  are taxable to you as ordinary income.
These  distributions  may qualify for the 70%  dividends-received  deduction for
corporate shareholders.

The Fund anticipates distributing  substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December,  but the Fund may make additional  distributions of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held shares.

The Fund may have capital loss carryovers  (unutilized capital losses from prior
years).  These capital loss carryovers (which can be used for up to eight years)
may be used to offset any current  capital gain (whether  short- or  long-term).
All capital loss carryovers are listed in the Fund's financial  statements.  Any
such losses may not be carried back.

Distributions  by the Fund that do not constitute  ordinary income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduces your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by the Fund will be treated in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional  shares  of  the  Fund  (or  of  another  Fund).  If  you  receive  a
distribution in the form of additional shares, it will be treated as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the reinvestment date.

You may purchase shares whose net asset value at the time reflects undistributed
net investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in
the value of the assets of the Fund.  Distributions of these amounts are taxable
to you in the manner  described above,  although the  distribution  economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares of the Fund  just  prior to the  ex-dividend  date of a
distribution,  you  will be  taxed  on the  entire  amount  of the  distribution
received,  even though the net asset value per share on the date of the purchase
reflected the amount of the distribution.

If you hold  shares  for six  months or less and  redeem  shares at a loss after
receiving a capital gain  distribution,  the loss will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of the distribution.

Ordinarily,  you are required to take  distributions by the Fund into account in
the year in which they are made. A distribution declared in October, November or
December  of any year and payable to you on a  specified  date in those  months,
however,  is deemed to be  received by you (and made by the Fund) on December 31
of that  calendar  year if the  distribution  is actually paid in January of the
following year.

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) to them during the year.

C.       CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUND'S TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes, when put and call options purchased by the Fund
expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  paid by the Fund  give  rise to  short-  or
long-term  capital losses at the time of expiration  (depending on the length of
the  respective  exercise  periods for the  options).  When put and call options
written by the Fund expire  unexercised,  the premiums received by the Fund give


                                       26
<PAGE>

rise to  short-term  capital  gains  at the  time of  expiration.  When the Fund
exercises a call, the purchase price of the underlying  security is increased by
the amount of the premium paid by the Fund.  When the Fund  exercises a put, the
proceeds from the sale of the  underlying  security are decreased by the premium
paid.  When a put or call written by the Fund is exercised,  the purchase  price
(selling  price in the case of a call) of the  underlying  security is decreased
(increased in the case of a call) for tax purposes by the premium received.

Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256  contracts  held by the Fund at the end of each tax year
are "marked to market" and  treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though
sold for fair market value on the last  business  day of the tax year.  Gains or
losses  realized by the Fund on Section 1256  contracts  generally is considered
60% long-term and 40% short-term  capital gains or losses. The Fund can elect to
exempt its  Section  1256  contracts  which are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option, futures contract, or other position entered into or held by the Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, the positions are Section 1256  contracts,  may constitute a "mixed
straddle".  In general,  straddles  are subject to certain rules that may affect
the character and timing of the Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle
positions by  requiring,  among other  things,  that:  (1) the loss  realized on
disposition  of one position of a straddle may not be  recognized  to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with
respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%
short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections  are  available  to the Fund  which may  mitigate  the  effects of the
straddle rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the
straddle  rules  described  above do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund
all of the offsetting positions of which consist of Section 1256 contracts.

D.       FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an  amount  equal  to:  (1) 98% of
ordinary its taxable  income for the calendar  year;  and (2) 98% of its capital
gain net  income for the  one-year  period  ended on October 31 of the  calendar
year. If the Fund changes its tax year end to November 30 or December 31, it may
elect  to  use  that  date  instead  of the  October  31  date  in  making  this
calculation.  The balance of the Fund's  income must be  distributed  during the
next calendar year. The Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on
which it is subject to income tax for any tax year ending in a calendar year.

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, the Fund:  (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year; and (2) excludes foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred  after October 31 of any year (or November 30 or December 31 if
it has made the election  described above) in determining the amount of ordinary
taxable  income for the current  calendar  year.  The Fund will include  foreign
currency  gains and losses  incurred  after October 31 in  determining  ordinary
taxable income for the succeeding calendar year.

The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions of its ordinary taxable income
and  capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to avoid
liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that the Fund may
in certain  circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to make
sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

                                       27
<PAGE>

E.       SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

In general,  a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption
of shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the difference  between the proceeds
of the  sale or  redemption  and the  shareholder's  adjusted  tax  basis in the
shares.  All or a portion of any loss so  recognized  may be  disallowed  if the
shareholder  purchases  other  shares of the Fund within 30 days before or after
the sale or redemption (a so called "wash sale").  In general,  any gain or loss
arising  from the sale or  redemption  of shares of the Fund will be  considered
capital  gain or loss and will be  long-term  capital gain or loss if the shares
were held for longer than one year.  Any capital  loss  arising from the sale or
redemption  of shares  held for six  months or less,  however,  is  treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain distributions
received on such shares.  For this purpose,  the special holding period rules of
Code Section 246(c) (3) and (4) generally will apply in determining  the holding
period of shares.  Capital losses in any year are deductible  only to the extent
of  capital  gains  plus,  in the case of a  noncorporate  taxpayer,  $3,000  of
ordinary income.

F.       WITHHOLDING TAX

The Fund will be  required in certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to  any   shareholder:   (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  correct  tax  payer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has  failed  to  certify  to the  Fund  that  it is not  subject  to  backup
withholding or that it is a corporation or other "exempt recipient."

G.       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends on  whether  the  income  from the Fund is  "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income from the Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, ordinary income distributions paid
to a foreign shareholder will be subject to U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution.
The foreign  shareholder  generally would be exempt from U.S. federal income tax
on gain realized on the sale of shares of the Fund,  capital gain  distributions
from  the  Fund  and  amounts  retained  by the  Fund  that  are  designated  as
undistributed capital gain.

If the  income  from  the Fund is  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business   carried  on  by  a  foreign   shareholder,   then   ordinary   income
distributions,  capital gain distributions,  and any gain realized upon the sale
of shares of the Fund will be  subject to U.S.  federal  income tax at the rates
applicable to U.S. citizens or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a noncorporate foreign  shareholder,  the Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to distributions from the Fund can
differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to
consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect  to an  investment  in the  Fund,  distributions  from  the Fund and the
applicability of foreign taxes and related matters.

                                       28
<PAGE>

H.       STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with respect to  distributions  from the Fund can differ from the rules for U.S.
federal income  taxation  described  above.  These state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with respect to an  investment in the
Fund, distributions from the Fund and the applicability of state and local taxes
and related matters.

                                8. OTHER MATTERS

A.       THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:

Investors Bond Fund                                Payson Value Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund                                 Payson Balanced Fund
Investors High Grade Bond Fund                     Austin Global Equity Fund
Maine Municipal Bond Fund                          Polaris Global Value Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund                            Investors Equity Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                    Equity Index Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)          Investors Growth Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                          BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)        BIA Growth Equity Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund(1)

(1)The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial   interest  in  an  institutional,
institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Fund's investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities that may be be purchased or held by the Fund. The Board will consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' investment
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Trust and the Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

2.       SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a different  expense  ratio and each
class' performance will be affected by its expenses. For more information on any
other class of shares of the Fund, investors may contact FSS.


3.       SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne
solely  by those  shares.  Each  class  votes  separately  with  respect  to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,


                                       29
<PAGE>

shares will be voted separately by individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act
requires shares to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual  series;  and
(2) when the Trustees determine that the matter affects more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only affects  certain  classes of the Trust and thus only those such classes are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold
annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

Shareholders  representing 10% or more of the Trust's (or a series') outstanding
shares may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or
series) for any purpose related to the Trust (or series), including, in the case
of a meeting  of the  Trust,  the  purpose  of voting on  removal of one or more
Trustees.

4.       CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or the Fund.  The Trustees may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder  vote,  cause  the  Trust to merge or  consolidate  into one or more
trusts, partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to be incorporated under
Delaware  law,  so long  as the  surviving  entity  is an  open-end,  management
investment  company  that will  succeed  to or assume the  Trust's  registration
statement.

B.       FUND OWNERSHIP

As of July 1, 1999,  the  Trustees  and  officers of the Trust in the  aggregate
owned less than 1% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund.

Also as of that date,  certain  shareholders  of record  owned 5% or more of the
Fund.  These  shareholders  and  any  shareholder  known  by  the  Fund  to  own
beneficially 5% or more of the Fund are listed in Table 8 in Appendix B.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of the Fund.  Accordingly,  those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if
not  determine)  the  outcome of a  shareholder  vote.  As of July 1, 1999,  the
following persons  beneficially owned 25% or more of the shares of a Fund (or of
the Trust) and may be deemed to control the Fund (or the Trust). For each person
listed that is a company,  the jurisdiction  under the laws of which the company
is organized (if applicable) and the company's parents are listed.


CONTROLLING PERSON INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER                                    PERCENTAGE OF
                                                SHARES OWNED

FirsTrust Co (incorporated in Indiana)
National City Bank Trust Dept
227 Main Street

Evansville,  Indiana 47708                        85.66%
National City Bank of Evansville is the parent company of FirsTrust.


                                       30
<PAGE>

C.       LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations  for profit.  In the past,  the Trust  believes that the 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.  The Forum Funds'
Trust  Instrument (the document that governs the operation of the Trust 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, no contractual limitation of
liability  was in effect and the  portfolio  is unable to meet its  obligations.
FAdS believes that, in view of the above, there is no risk of personal liability
to shareholders.

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

D.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are  qualified  by,  reference to the copy of such  contract or other  documents
filed as exhibits to the registration statement.

E.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial  statements  of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1999,  which
are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Fund, are  incorporated
herein by reference.  These  financial  statements only include the schedules of
investments,  statements of assets and  liabilities,  statements of  operations,
statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and independent
auditors' reports.










                                       31
<PAGE>

                 APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS


A.       CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION

AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which
         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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

         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment
         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

3.       DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,A-     Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,B-     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD       Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
         and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

4.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC,C     High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD,D      Default.  Securities  are  not  meeting  current  obligations  and are
          extremely  speculative.  `DDD'  designates  the highest  potential for
          recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities  involved.  For U.S.
          corporates, for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
          of such  outstandings,  and `D' the lowest  recovery  potential,  i.e.
          below 50%.

B.       PREFERRED STOCK

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated "aa" is  considered  a high-  grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.

C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

2.       STANDARD & POOR'S

AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB
B,CCC    Preferred  stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded,  on balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.

C.       SHORT TERM RATINGS

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1  Issuers  rated  Prime-1 (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-1
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative  capitalization  structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset protection.
          o    Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and
               high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established  access  to a range  of  financial  markets  and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2  Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to
         a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may
         be more subject to  variation.  Capitalization  characteristics,  while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3  Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial  leverage.  Adequate  alternate  liquidity is
         maintained.

NOT
PRIME    Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within any of the  Prime rating
         categories.

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S

A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

3.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.

F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely repayment may be susceptible to adverse changes
         in business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.






                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                        APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES



TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES

The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to the Adviser with
respect to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by the Adviser,  if any,
and the actual fee received by the Adviser.
<TABLE>
               <S>                                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
                                               ADVISORY FEE PAYABLE         ADVISORY FEE        ADVISORY FEE RETAINED
INVESTORS GROWTH FUND                                                          WAIVED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $207,130                    $0                   $207,130
     Period Ended March 31, 1998                     $59,250                     $0                    $59,250

TABLE 2 - SALES CHARGES

                                                 AGGREGATE SALES
    FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,                     CHARGE                 AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED

               1999                                  $0                        $0                           $0
               1998                                  $0                        $0                           $0

TABLE 3 - ADMINISTRATION FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAdS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAdS,  if any, and the actual
fee received by FAdS.

                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
                                                    PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $63,732                   $63,732                    $0
     Period Ended March 31, 1998                    $18,231                   $18,231                    $0

TABLE 4 - ACCOUNTING FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees paid to FAcS.

                                                    ACCOUNTING FEE               AMOUNT            AMOUNT REALLOWED
                                                                                RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                         $37,000                  $37,000                   $0
     Period Ended March 31, 1998                       $10,935                  $10,935                   $0
</TABLE>





                                      B-1
<PAGE>


TABLE 5 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES

The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FSS with respect
to each Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FSS, if any,  and the actual
fee received by FSS.
<TABLE>
               <S>                                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
                                               TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
                                                     PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $91,741                 $44,032                 $47,709
     Period Ended March 31, 1998                     $26,445                 $22,744                  $3,701
</TABLE>

TABLE 6 - COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
the Fund that incurred  brokerage  costs. The data are for the past three fiscal
years or shorter period if the Fund has been in operation for a shorter  period.
Note that the Fund was only in  operation  for less than  three  months  for the
period ended March 31, 1998.


                                             AGGREGATE COMMISSION
     INVESTORS GROWTH FUND                          PAID

Year Ended March 31, 1999                          $37,518
Period Ended March 31, 1998                         $9,612

TABLE 7 - SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS

The  following  table lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Funds'  holdings  of those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.

REGULAR BROKER DEALER                                      VALUE HELD

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.                                   $884,375
BankAmerica Corp.                                           $645,230
Wells Fargo & Co.                                           $631,124
Dreyfus Cash Management                                     $467,027

TABLE 8 - 5% SHAREHOLDERS

The following  table lists (1) the persons who owned of record 5% or more of the
outstanding  shares of a class of shares of the Fund and (2) any person known by
the Fund to own  beneficially 5% or more of a class of shares of the Fund, as of
July 1, 1999.

NAME AND ADDRESS                                        % OF FUND

FirsTrust Co
National City Bank Trust Dept
227 Main Street
Evansville, Indiana 47708                                 13.89%





                                      B-2
<PAGE>

                          APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA


TABLE 1 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITHOUT SALES CHARGE)

The average annual total return of the Fund for the period ended March 31, 1999,
was as follows.
<TABLE>
     <S>          <C>          <C>         <C>             <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
                                         CALENDAR                                                          SINCE
               ONE MONTH      THREE       YEAR TO       ONE YEAR    THREE       FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS   INCEPTION
INVESTORS                     MONTHS       DATE                     YEARS                                (ANNUALIZED)
GROWTH FUND
                 1.96%        1.25%        1.25%         6.25%       N/A          N/A          N/A          15.51%

TABLE 2 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITH SALES CHARGE)

The average annual total return of the Fund for the period ended March 31, 1999,
was as follows.

                                         CALENDAR                                                           SINCE
               ONE MONTH      THREE       YEAR TO     ONE YEAR    THREE       FIVE YEARS    TEN YEARS     INCEPTION
INVESTORS                    MONTHS        DATE                     YEARS                                (ANNUALIZED)
GROWTH FUND
                (2.12)%      (2.80)%      (2.80)%        2.00%       N/A          N/A          N/A          11.94%
</TABLE>












                                      C-1
<PAGE>

                  APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS

                             TEXT OF FORUM BROCHURE

In connection with its  advertisements,  a Fund may provide a description of the
Fund's investment adviser and its affiliates, which are service providers to the
Fund. Text, which is currently in use, is set forth below.

"FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP OF COMPANIES

Forum Financial Group of Companies  represents more than a decade of diversified
experience  with every  aspect of mutual  funds.  The Forum  Family of Funds has
benefited from the informed,  sharply  focused  perspective on mutual funds that
experience makes possible.

The Forum Family of Funds has been created and managed by  affiliated  companies
of Portland-based  Forum Financial Group, among the nation's largest mutual fund
administrators  providing clients with a full line of services for every type of
mutual fund.

The Forum  Family of Funds is designed to give  investment  representatives  and
investors a broad choice of carefully  structured  and  diversified  portfolios,
portfolios  that can satisfy a wide  variety of  immediate  as well as long-term
investment goals.

Forum  Financial Group has developed its "brand name" family of mutual funds and
has made them available to the investment public and to institutions on both the
national and regional levels.

For more than a decade Forum has had direct  experience with mutual funds from a
different  perspective,  a perspective  made  possible by Forum's  position as a
leading designer and full-service  administrator  and manager of mutual funds of
all types.

Today Forum  Financial  Group  administers  and  provides  services for over 181
mutual funds for 17 different fund managers,  with  approximately $70 billion in
client assets. Forum has its headquarters in Portland, Maine, and has offices in
Seattle, Bermuda, and Warsaw, Poland. In a joint venture with Bank Handlowy, the
largest  and  oldest  commercial  bank  in  Poland,   Forum  operates  the  only
independent  transfer agent and mutual fund accounting business in Poland. Forum
directs an off-shore and hedge fund administration  business through its Bermuda
office. It employs more than 390 professionals worldwide.

From the  beginning,  Forum  developed a plan of action that was effective  with
both start- up funds, and funds that needed  restructuring and improved services
in order to live up to their potential.  The success of its innovative  approach
is  evident  in  Forum's  growth  rate over the  years,  a growth  rate that has
consistently outstripped that of the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as
that of the fund service outsource industry.

Forum has worked with both  domestic  and  international  mutual fund  sponsors,
designing  unique  mutual  fund  structures,  positioning  new funds  within the
sponsors' own corporate planning and targeted markets.

Forum's staff of experienced lawyers, many of whom have been associated with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  have  been  available  to work with fund
sponsors to customize  fund  components and to evaluate the potential of various
fund structures.

Forum has introduced fund sponsors to its unique proprietary Core and Gateway(R)
partnership,  helping them to takE advantage of this full-service  master/feeder
structure.

                                      D-1
<PAGE>

Fund sponsors  understand that even the most efficiently and creatively designed
fund can disappoint  shareholders  if it is inadequately  serviced.  That is the
reason why fund  sponsors  have relied on Forum to meet all of a fund's  complex
compliance, regulatory, and filing needs.

Forum's full service commitment includes providing  state-of-the-art  accounting
support (Forum has 7 CPAs on staff, as well as senior  accountants who have been
associated with Big 6 accounting firms).  Forum's proprietary  accounting system
is continually upgraded and can provide custom-built modules to satisfy a fund's
specific  requirements.   This  service  is  joined  with  transfer  agency  and
shareholder  service  groups that draw their strength both from the high caliber
of the people staffing each unit and from Forum's  advanced  technology  support
system.

More than a decade of  experience  with mutual  funds has given Forum  practical
hands-on  experience and knowledge of how mutual funds function "from the inside
out."

Forum has put that  experience to work by creating the Forum Family of Funds,  a
family where each member is designed  and  positioned  for your best  investment
advantage,  and where each fund is  serviced  with the utmost  attention  to the
delivery of timely, accurate, and comprehensive shareholder information.

INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC offers the services of portfolio  managers with
the highest  qualifications--because without such direction, a comprehensive and
goal-oriented  investment  program  and  ongoing  investment  strategy  are  not
possible.

Serving as portfolio managers for the Forum Family of Funds are individuals with
decades of experience with some of the country's major financial institutions.

Forum Funds are also  managed by the  portfolio  managers  of H.M.  Payson & Co,
founded in Portland, Maine in 1854 and one of the oldest investment firms in the
country. Payson has approximately $1.25 billion in assets under management, with
clients that include  pension plans,  endowment  funds,  and  institutional  and
individual accounts.

FORUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC is the largest Maine based  investment  adviser
with  approximately  $1.95  billion in assets under  management.  The  portfolio
managers have decades of combined experience in a cross section of the country's
financial  markets.  The managers have  specific,  day-to-day  experience in the
asset class  portfolios  they manage,  bringing  critical  focus to meeting each
fund's explicit investment objectives. The portfolio managers have been involved
in investing the assets of large  insurance  companies,  banks,  pension  plans,
individuals,  and of course mutual funds. Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC has a
staff of analysts and investment  administrators  to meet the demands of serving
shareholders in our funds.

FORUM FAMILY OF FUNDS

It has been said that  mutual  fund  investment  offerings--of  which  there are
nearly  10,000,  with assets spread across stock,  bond,  and money market funds
worth  more  than  $4  trillion--come  in  a  rainbow  of  varieties.  A  better
description  would be a "spectrum" of varieties,  the spectrum graded from green
through  amber  and on to red.  In  simpler  terms,  from low risk  investments,
through moderate to high risk. The lower the risk, the lower the possible reward
- -- the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.

The Forum Family of Funds provides  conservative  investment  opportunities that
reduce the risk of loss of capital,  using underlying  money market  investments
U.S. Government  securities  (although the shares of the Forum Funds are neither
insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies),  thus cushioning

                                      D-2
<PAGE>

the investment  against  market  volatility.  These funds offer regular  income,
ready access to your money, and flexibility to buy or sell at any time.

In the less  conservative  but still not  aggressive  category  are funds in the
Forum Family that seek to provide steady income and, in certain cases,  tax-free
earnings.  Such investments  provide important  diversification to an investment
portfolio.

Growth funds in the Forum Family more  aggressively  pursue a high return at the
risk of market volatility.  These funds include domestic and international stock
mutual funds."










                                      D-3
<PAGE>


PEOPLES HERITAGE NEWS RELEASE

Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHBK) announced today that it has
formed an alliance with a major mutual fund provider and an investment  advisory
firm to expand its mutual fund  offerings.  The  alliance  with Forum  Financial
Group and H.M.  Payson & Company  will result in fifteen  funds,  including  the
unique Maine  Municipal  Bond Fund and New  Hampshire  Bond Fund,  being offered
through the branches of Peoples'  affiliate  banks in Maine,  New  Hampshire and
northern Massachusetts and the Company's trust and investment subsidiaries

"There is no secret to where  financial  services  are moving,  under one roof,"
said William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples
Heritage.   "One  only  has  to  watch  the  virtually  daily  announcements  of
consolidations  in  the  financial  sector  to  understand  that  customers  are
demanding and receiving 'one-stop' financial services.

 "We think we are adding the additional  competitive advantage of funds that are
managed and administered close to home."

Eighteen  Forum funds will be offered  including two Payson funds.  The tax-free
Maine and New Hampshire  State bond funds are the only two such funds  available
and usually  invest 80% of total  assets in  municipal  securities.  Other funds
being  provided by the alliance  include money  market,  fixed income and equity
funds.

Forum Financial,  based in Portland, Maine since 1987, administers 124funds with
more than $29 billion in assets.  Forum  manages  mutual  funds for  independent
investment advisors such as Payson and for banks. Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
an affiliate,  is the largest Maine-based  investment adviser with approximately
$1.95 billion in fund assets under management.

"We are providing a great product set to the customers served by Peoples' nearly
200 branches in northern New  England,"  said John Y.  Keffer,  Forum  Financial
president,  "The key today is to link a wide variety of investment  options with
convergent, easy access for customers. I believe this alliance does just that."

H.M.  Payson & Co.,  founded in 1854, is one of the nation's  oldest  investment
firms with nearly $1.25 billion in assets under  management  and $412 million in
non-managed  custodial accounts.  The Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund
are among the 18 offerings.

"I believe we have all the  ingredients  of a  tremendous  alliance,"  said John
Walker,  Payson President and Managing  Director.  "We have the region's premier
community banking company,  a community-based  investment  advisor,  and a local
mutual fund company that operates  nationally  and  specializes  in working with
banks. We are poised to provide solid investment performance and service."

Peoples Heritage Financial Group is a $10 billion multi-state bank and financial
services  holding company  headquartered  in Portland,  Maine. Its Maine banking
affiliate,  Peoples Heritage Bank, has the state's leading deposit market share.
Its New Hampshire  banking  affiliate,  Bank of New  Hampshire,  has the state's
leading deposit market share. Family Bank, the Company's  Massachusetts  banking
subsidiary,  has the state's tenth largest  deposit market share and the leading
market  share  in many of the  northern  Massachusetts  communities  it  serves.
Peoples  affiliate  banks  also  operate  subsidiaries  in  leasing,  trust  and
investment services and insurance.



                                      D-4
<PAGE>


FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP:

Headquarters:  Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101

President:  John Y. Keffer

Offices:  Portland, Seattle, Warsaw, Bermuda

*Established  in 1986 to  administer  mutual  funds for  independent  investment

advisors and banks *Among the nation's largest  third-party fund  administrators

*Uses proprietary in-house systems and custom programming capabilities

         *Administration and Distribution  Services:  Regulatory,  compliance,

          expense  accounting,  budgeting for all funds

         *Fund Accounting Services:  Portfolio valuation, accounting, dividend

          declaration, and tax advice

         *Shareholder  Services:  Preparation  of  statements,  distribution

          support,  inquiries and processing of trades

*Client Assets under Administration and Distribution:  $70.4 billion

*Client Assets Processed by Fund Accounting:  $53 billion

*Client Funds under Administration and Distribution:  181 mutual funds with 89

share classes

*International Ventures:

         Joint  venture  with Bank  Handlowy in Warsaw,  Poland,  using  Forum's

         proprietary   transfer  agency  and  distribution   systems   Off-shore

         investment  fund  administration,  using  Bermuda as Forum's  center of

         operations

*Forum Employees:  United States -215, Poland - 180, Bermuda - 4


FORUM CONTACTS:

Mark Kaplan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Forum Investment Advisors,
LLC, (207) 879-1900 X 6123
Tony Santaniello, Director of Marketing, (207) 879-1900 X 6175






                                      D-5
<PAGE>


H.M. PAYSON & CO.:

Headquarters:  One Portland Square, Portland, Maine

President and Managing Director: John Walker

Quality investment services and conservative wealth management since 1854

*Assets under Management: $1.25 Billion

*Non-managed Custody Assets: $412 Million

*Client Base: 85% individuals; 15% institutional

*Owned by 11 shareholders; 10 managing directors

*Payson Balanced Fund and Payson Value Fund  (administrative  and shareholder

services provided by Forum Financial Group)

*Employees: 45

H.M. PAYSON & CO. CONTACT:

Joel Harris, Marketing Coordinator, (207) 772-3761













                                      D-6
<PAGE>


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                 AUGUST 1, 1999

                            AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000



                                PAYSON VALUE FUND

                              PAYSON BALANCED FUND


INVESTMENT ADVISER:


         H.M. Payson & Co.
         P.O. Box 31
         One Portland Square
         Portland, Maine 04112

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (207) 879-0001
         (800) 805-8258


This Statement of Additional  Information (the "SAI") supplements the Prospectus
dated August 1, 1999,  as may be amended from time to time,  offering  shares of
Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund (the "Funds"), two separate series of
Forum Funds, a registered, open-end management investment company (the "Trust").
This SAI is not a  prospectus  and should only be read in  conjunction  with the
Prospectus.  You may obtain the Prospectus  without  charge by contacting  Forum
Shareholder Services at the address or telephone number listed above.

Financial  Statements for each Fund for the year ended March 31, 1999,  included
in the  Annual  Report  to  shareholders,  are  incorporated  into  this  SAI by
reference.  Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained,  without  charge,  upon
request  by  contacting  Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC  at the  address  or
telephone number listed above.



<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



GLOSSARY......................................................................1


1.  INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS.............................................2


2.  INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS...................................................13


3.  PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING.........................................16


4.  MANAGEMENT...............................................................20


5.  PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...................................................25


6.  PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION......................................28


7.  TAXATION.................................................................31


8.  OTHER MATTERS............................................................35


APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS..............................A-1


APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES...........................................B-1


APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA...............................................C-1


APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS...............................D-1




<PAGE>


                                       37
                                    GLOSSARY


As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.

         "Adviser" means H.M. Payson & Co.

         "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


         "Custodian" means the custodian of each Fund's assets.

         "FAcS" means Forum  Accounting  Services,  LLC, the fund  accountant of
          each Fund.


         "FAdS" means Forum Administrative  Services,  LLC, the administrator of
          each Fund.


         "Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.


         "FFS" means Forum Fund  Services,  LLC, the  distributor of each Fund's
          shares.

         "FFSI" means Forum  Financial  Services,  LLC, the  distributor of each
         Fund's shares prior to August 1, 1999.

         "FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the transfer agent of each
          Fund.

         "Fund" means each of Payson Value Fund or the Payson Balanced Fund.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

         "NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

         "NAV" means net asset value per share.

         "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, A Division of the McGraw Hill Companies.

         "Trust" means Forum Funds.

         "U.S. Government Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by
          the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

         "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.






                                       1
<PAGE>


                        1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS


Each Fund is a  diversified  series of the  Trust.  This  section  discusses  in
greater detail than the Funds' Prospectus certain investments that the Funds may
make.  A Fund will make  only  those  investments  described  below  that are in
accordance with its investment objectives and policies.

A.       SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION

Payson Balanced Fund's  investments in debt securities is subject to credit risk
relating to the financial  condition of the issuers of the  securities  that the
Fund holds.  To limit credit risk,  the Fund may only invest in debt  securities
that are considered to be investment grade.  Investment grade means rated in the
top four long-term  rating  categories by an NRSRO, or unrated and determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

The lowest  ratings that are  investment  grade for corporate  bonds,  including
convertible bonds, are "Baa" in the case of Moody's and "BBB" in the case of S&P
and Fitch; for preferred stock are "Baa" in the case of Moody's and "BBB" in the
case  of  S&P.  Unrated  securities  may  not be as  actively  traded  as  rated
securities. A Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the
lowest  permissible  rating  category (or that are unrated and determined by the
Adviser to be of comparable  quality to securities whose rating has been lowered
below the lowest  permissible  rating  category) if the Adviser  determines that
retaining  such  security  is in the  best  interests  of the  Fund.  Because  a
downgrade often results in a reduction in the market price of the security, sale
of a downgraded security may result in a loss.

Moody's,  S&P and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description of the range of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other
securities  by several  NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this SAI.  The Funds
may use these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a security.
Ratings are general and are not absolute  standards of quality.  Securities with
the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. If
an issue of  securities  ceases to be rated or if its rating is reduced after it
is  purchased  by a Fund,  the Adviser  will  determine  whether the Fund should
continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that the ratings given by a NRSRO
may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems,
the Adviser  will  attempt to  substitute  comparable  ratings.  Credit  ratings
attempt to evaluate  the safety of principal  and  interest  payments and do not
evaluate the risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Also,  rating agencies may
fail to make timely changes in credit  ratings.  An issuer's  current  financial
condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.

B.       EQUITY SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK.  Each Fund may invest in common and preferred stock.
Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually
possesses voting rights and earns  dividends.  Dividends on common stock are not
fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer.  Common stock  generally
represents  the riskiest  investment  in a company.  In  addition,  common stock
generally  has the greatest  appreciation  and  depreciation  potential  because
increases and decreases in earnings are usually  reflected in a company's  stock
price.

Preferred  stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to
the payment of  dividends  and the  recovery of  investment  should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of
the issuer.  Preferred  stock  typically  does not possess voting rights and its
market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

CONVERTIBLE  SECURITIES.   Each  Fund  may  invest  in  convertible  securities.
Convertible  securities  include  debt  securities,  preferred  stock  or  other
securities  that may be converted into or exchanged for a given amount of common
stock of the same or a  different  issuer  during a  specified  period  and at a
specified  price in the future.  A convertible  security  entitles the holder to
receive  interest  on  debt  or  the  dividend  on  preferred  stock  until  the
convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a company's  capital structure but are

                                       2
<PAGE>

usually  subordinated  to  comparable  nonconvertible  securities.   Convertible
securities have unique investment  characteristics  in that they generally:  (1)
have  higher  yields  than  common  stocks,  but lower  yields  than  comparable
non-convertible  securities;  (2) are less subject to  fluctuation in value than
the  underlying  stocks  since they have fixed income  characteristics;  and (3)
provide  the  potential  for  capital  appreciation  if the market  price of the
underlying common stock increases.

A convertible  security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.  If a
convertible  security  is called for  redemption,  the Fund will be  required to
permit the issuer to redeem the security,  convert it into the underlying common
stock or sell it to a third party.

WARRANTS. Each Fund may invest in warrants.  Warrants are securities,  typically
issued with preferred  stock or bonds that give the holder the right to purchase
a given  number of shares of common  stock at a  specified  price and time.  The
price  usually  represents  a premium  over the  applicable  market value of the
common  stock at the time of the  warrant's  issuance.  Warrants  have no voting
rights with respect to the common stock, receive no dividends and have no rights
with respect to the assets of the issuer.

DEPOSITARY  RECEIPTS.  Each Fund may invest in depository receipts. A depositary
receipt is a receipt for shares of a  foreign-based  company  that  entitles the
holder to distributions on the underlying security.  Depositary receipts include
sponsored  and  unsponsored  American  Depositary  Receipts  ("ADRs"),  European
Depositary  Receipts  ("EDRs")  and  other  similar  global  instruments.   ADRs
typically  are issued by a U.S.  bank or trust  company,  evidence  ownership of
underlying  securities issued by a foreign company,  and are designed for use in
U.S. securities markets. EDRs (sometimes called Continental Depositary Receipts)
are  receipts  issued  by  a  European  financial   institution   evidencing  an
arrangement  similar  to that of  ADRs,  and are  designed  for use in  European
securities  markets.  The Fund invests in depositary receipts in order to obtain
exposure to foreign securities markets.

2.       RISKS

COMMON AND  PREFERRED  STOCK.  The  fundamental  risk of investing in common and
preferred  stock is the risk that the value of the stock might  decrease.  Stock
values  fluctuate in response to the  activities of an individual  company or in
response to general  market and/or  economic  conditions.  Historically,  common
stocks  have  provided  greater  long-term  returns  and have  entailed  greater
short-term   risks  than  preferred   stocks,   fixed-income  and  money  market
investments. The market value of all securities,  including common and preferred
stocks,  is based upon the market's  perception of value and not necessarily the
book value of an issuer or other objective  measure of a company's worth. If you
invest  in the Fund,  you  should be  willing  to accept  the risks of the stock
market  and should  consider  an  investment  in the Fund only as a part of your
overall investment portfolio.

CONVERTIBLE  SECURITIES.  Investment in convertible securities generally entails
less  risk  than  an  investment  in  the  issuer's  common  stock.  Convertible
securities are typically  issued by smaller  capitalized  companies  whose stock
price may be  volatile.  Therefore,  the  price of a  convertible  security  may
reflect  variations  in the price of the  underlying  common stock in a way that
nonconvertible debt does not. The extent to which such risk is reduced, however,
depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells
above its value as a fixed income security.

WARRANTS.  Investments in warrants involve certain risks, including the possible
lack of a  liquid  market  for  the  resale  of the  warrants,  potential  price
fluctuations  due to adverse  market  conditions or other factors and failure of
the price of the common stock to rise.  If the warrant is not  exercised  within
the specified time period, it becomes worthless.

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS.  The Funds may invest up to 20% of their assets in American
Depository  Receipts ("ADRs").  Unsponsored  depositary  receipts may be created
without the  participation  of the  foreign  issuer.  Holders of these  receipts
generally bear all the costs of the depositary receipt facility, whereas foreign
issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored depositary receipt. The bank
or trust company depositary of an unsponsored depositary receipt may be under no
obligation to distribute  shareholder  communications  received from the foreign
issuer or to pass through  voting  rights.  Accordingly,  available  information


                                       3
<PAGE>

concerning  the  issuer  may  not be  current  and  the  prices  of  unsponsored
depositary receipts may be more volatile than the prices of sponsored depositary
receipts.

C.       DEBT SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

Payson  Balanced Fund may invest in debt  securities  including  corporate  debt
obligations,   U.S.  Government  Securities,   mortgage-related  securities  and
variable and floating rate securities.

CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS.  Corporate debt obligations include corporate bonds,
debentures,   notes,   commercial   paper  and  other  similar   corporate  debt
instruments. Companies use these instruments to borrow money from investors. The
issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and must repay the
amount borrowed at maturity.  Commercial paper (short-term  unsecured promissory
notes) is issued by companies to finance their current  obligations and normally
has a maturity of less than 9 months.  In  addition,  Payson  Balanced  Fund may
invest in corporate debt securities  registered and sold in the United States by
foreign  issuers  (Yankee  bonds) and those sold  outside  the United  States by
foreign or U.S. issuers (Eurobonds).  The Fund intends to restrict its purchases
of these securities to issues  denominated and payable in United States dollars.
Payson Balanced Fund may only invest in commercial paper that is rated in one of
the two highest  short-term  rating  categories by an NRSRO or, if unrated,  are
judged by the adviser to be of comparable quality.


FINANCIAL  INSTITUTION   OBLIGATIONS.   Obligations  of  financial  institutions
include,  among other things,  negotiable  certificates  of deposit and bankers'
acceptances.  The Fund may invest in  negotiable  certificates  of  deposit  and
bankers'  acceptances  issued by commercial  banks doing  business in the United
States  that  have at the time of  investment,  total  assets  in  excess of one
billion  dollars  and  that  are  insured  by  the  Federal  Deposit   Insurance
Corporation.  Certificates of deposit  represent an institution's  obligation to
repay funds  deposited with it that earn a specified  interest rate over a given
period. Bankers' acceptances are negotiable obligations of a bank to pay a draft
which  has  been  drawn  by a  customer  and are  usually  backed  by  goods  in
international  trade.  Certificates  of deposit  which are payable at the stated
maturity  date and bear a fixed rate of interest,  generally may be withdrawn on
demand by the Fund but may be subject to early withdrawal  penalties which could
reduce the Fund's performance.


U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. Government Securities include securities issued
by the U.S. Treasury and by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities. U.S.
Government  Securities  may be  supported  by the full  faith and  credit of the
United  States (such as  mortgage-related  securities  and  certificates  of the
Government  National  Mortgage  Association and securities of the Small Business
Administration);  by the right of the  issuer to borrow  from the U.S.  Treasury
(such as Federal Home Loan Bank securities);  by the discretionary  authority of
the U.S.  Treasury  to lend to the  issuer  (such as Fannie  Mae  (formerly  the
Federal  National   Mortgage   Association)   securities);   or  solely  by  the
creditworthiness  of the issuer (such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage  Corporation
securities).

Holders of U.S. Government Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of
the United States must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing
the  obligation  for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the
United States in the event that the agency or instrumentality  does not meet its
commitment.  No assurance  can be given that the U.S.  Government  would provide
support if it were not  obligated to do so by law.  Neither the U.S.  Government
nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities  guarantees the market value of the
securities they issue.

MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. Payson Balanced Fund may invest in mortgage-related
securities  that are U.S.  Government  Securities of are rated in one of the two
highest rating categories by an NRSRO or, if unrated,  are judged by the Adviser
to be of comparable quality.  Mortgage related securities represent interests in
a pool of mortgage loans originated by lenders such as commercial banks, savings
associations and mortgage bankers and brokers.  Mortgage-related  securities may
be issued by governmental or government-related  entities or by non-governmental
entities such as special purpose trusts created by commercial lenders.

                                       4
<PAGE>

Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in mortgage
loans.  The majority of these loans are made to  purchasers of 1-4 family homes.
The terms and characteristics of the mortgage  instruments are generally uniform
within a pool but may vary among pools. For example,  in addition to fixed-rate,
fixed-term mortgages, the Funds may purchase pools of adjustable-rate mortgages,
growing equity mortgages,  graduated payment mortgages and other types. Mortgage
poolers apply  qualification  standards to lending  institutions which originate
mortgages for the pools as well as credit  standards and  underwriting  criteria
for  individual  mortgages  included in the pools.  In addition,  many mortgages
included in pools are insured through private mortgage insurance companies.

Mortgage-related  securities  differ from other forms of debt securities,  which
normally  provide  for  periodic  payment  of  interest  in fixed  amounts  with
principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates. Most mortgage-related
securities,  however,  are pass-through  securities,  which means that investors
receive  payments  consisting of a pro-rata share of both principal and interest
(less servicing and other fees), as well as unscheduled prepayments, as loans in
the  underlying  mortgage  pool  are  paid  off  by  the  borrowers.  Additional
prepayments to holders of these  securities are caused by prepayments  resulting
from the sale or foreclosure  of the  underlying  property or refinancing of the
underlying loans. As prepayment rates of individual pools of mortgage loans vary
widely,  it is  not  possible  to  predict  accurately  the  average  life  of a
particular  mortgage-related security.  Although mortgage-related securities are
issued  with  stated  maturities  of up to  forty  years,  unscheduled  or early
payments of principal and interest on the mortgages may shorten considerably the
securities' effective maturities.

GOVERNMENT  AND AGENCY  MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  The principal  issuers or
guarantors of  mortgage-related  securities are the Government National Mortgage
Association  ("GNMA"),  Fannie Mae ("FNMA")  and the Federal Home Loan  Mortgage
Corporation  ("FHLMC").  GNMA, a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development  ("HUD"),  creates  pass-through
securities from pools of government  guaranteed  (Federal  Housing  Authority or
Veterans  Administration)  mortgages.  The full  faith  and  credit  of the U.S.
Government back the principal and interest on GNMA pass-through securities.

FNMA, which is a U.S. Government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private
stockholders that is subject to regulation by the Secretary of HUD, and FHLMC, a
corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government,  issue pass-through securities
from pools of conventional and federally insured and/or  guaranteed  residential
mortgages.  FNMA  guarantees  full  and  timely  payment  of  all  interest  and
principal,  and  FHMLC  guarantees  timely  payment  of  interest  and  ultimate
collection  of  principal  of its  pass-through  securities.  The full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government do not back mortgage-related  securities from FNMA
and FHLMC.

PRIVATELY  ISSUED  MORTGAGE-RELATED   SECURITIES.   Mortgage-related  securities
offered by private issuers include pass-through securities comprised of pools of
conventional  residential  mortgage  loans;  mortgage-backed  bonds,  which  are
considered to be debt  obligations of the institution  issuing the bonds and are
collateralized  by  mortgage  loans;  and  bonds  and  collateralized   mortgage
obligations that are  collateralized  by  mortgage-related  securities issued by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC or by pools of conventional  mortgages of multi-family or of
commercial mortgage loans.

Privately-issued  mortgage-related  securities  generally offer a higher rate of
interest (but greater credit and interest rate risk) than  securities  issued by
U.S.  Government  issuers  because there are no direct or indirect  governmental
guarantees   of  payment.   Many   non-governmental   issuers  or  servicers  of
mortgage-related securities guarantee or provide insurance for timely payment of
interest  and  principal  on the  securities.  The market  for  privately-issued
mortgage-related  securities  is  smaller  and less  liquid  than the market for
mortgage-related securities issued by U.S. government issuers.

STRIPPED MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  Stripped mortgage-related securities are
multi-class  mortgage-related  securities  that are  created by  separating  the
securities into their  principal and interest  components and selling each piece
separately. Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two
classes  that  receive  different  proportions  of the  interest  and  principal
distributions in a pool of mortgage assets.

                                       5
<PAGE>

ADJUSTABLE  RATE  MORTGAGE  SECURITIES.   Adjustable  rate  mortgage  securities
("ARMs") are pass-through securities representing interests in pools of mortgage
loans  with  adjustable  interest  rates that are reset at  periodic  intervals,
usually by reference to some interest rate index or market  interest  rate,  and
that may be subject to certain limits.  Although the rate adjustment feature may
reduce  sharp  changes  in  the  value  of  adjustable  rate  securities,  these
securities  can change in value  based on changes  in market  interest  rates or
changes in the issuer's creditworthiness.  Changes in the interest rates on ARMs
may lag behind changes in prevailing market interest rates. This may result in a
slightly lower net value until the interest rate resets to market rates. Thus, a
Fund could suffer some principal loss if the Fund sold the securities before the
interest  rates on the  underlying  mortgages  were adjusted to reflect  current
market rates. Some adjustable rate securities (or the underlying  mortgages) are
subject  to caps or floors,  that limit the  maximum  change in  interest  rates
during a specified period or over the life of the security.

COLLATERALIZED   MORTGAGE  OBLIGATIONS.   Collateralized   mortgage  obligations
("CMOs") are  multiple-class  debt obligations that are fully  collateralized by
mortgage-related  pass-through  securities  or by pools of mortgages  ("Mortgage
Assets").  Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage  Assets are passed
through  to the  holders  of the CMOs as they  are  received,  although  certain
classes  (often  referred to as  "tranches")  of CMOs have  priority  over other
classes with respect to the receipt of mortgage prepayments.

Multi-class mortgage  pass-through  securities are interests in trusts that hold
Mortgage  Assets  and  that  have  multiple  classes  similar  to those of CMOs.
Payments of principal of and interest on the underlying  Mortgage Assets (and in
the case of CMOs, any  reinvestment  income  thereon)  provide funds to pay debt
service  on the  CMOs  or to make  scheduled  distributions  on the  multi-class
mortgage  pass-through  securities.  Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide
payments  of  principal  on each  payment  date to more  than one  class.  These
simultaneous  payments are taken into account in calculating the stated maturity
date or  final  distribution  date of  each  class,  which,  as with  other  CMO
structures,  must be retired by its stated  maturity date or final  distribution
date but may be retired earlier.  Planned  amortization  class  mortgage-related
securities  ("PAC Bonds") are a form of parallel pay CMO. PAC Bonds are designed
to provide  relatively  predictable  payments of principal  provided that, among
other things, the actual prepayment  experience on the underlying mortgage loans
falls within a  contemplated  range.  CMOs may have  complicated  structures and
generally involve more risks than simpler forms of mortgage-related securities.

VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. Debt securities have variable or floating
rates of interest and,  under certain  limited  circumstances,  may have varying
principal  amounts.  These  securities  pay  interest at rates that are adjusted
periodically according to a specified formula,  usually with reference to one or
more interest rate indices or market  interest rates (the  "underlying  index").
The interest paid on these securities is a function  primarily of the underlying
index upon which the interest  rate  adjustments  are based.  These  adjustments
minimize  changes in the market value of the  obligation.  Similar to fixed rate
debt instruments,  variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes
in value based on changes in market  interest  rates or changes in the  issuer's
creditworthiness.  The  rate  of  interest  on  securities  may be  tied to U.S.
Government  Securities or indices on those  securities as well as any other rate
of interest or index.  Certain  variable rate  securities pay interest at a rate
that  varies  inversely  to  prevailing  short-term  interest  rates  (sometimes
referred  to as  "inverse  floaters").  Certain  inverse  floaters  may  have an
interest  rate reset  mechanism  that  multiplies  the effects of changes in the
underlying  index.  This mechanism may increase the volatility of the security's
market value while increasing the security's yield.

Variable and floating rate demand notes of  corporations  are redeemable  upon a
specified period of notice.  These obligations  include master demand notes that
permit investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying interest rates under direct
arrangements with the issuer of the instrument.  The issuer of these obligations
often has the right,  after a given period, to prepay the outstanding  principal
amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice.

Certain  securities may have an initial  principal  amount that varies over time
based on an interest rate index, and,  accordingly,  a Fund might be entitled to
less than the  initial  principal  amount of the  security  upon the  security's
maturity.  The Funds intend to purchase these  securities  only when the Adviser
believes the interest  income from the instrument  justifies any principal risks
associated with the  instrument.  The Adviser may attempt to limit any potential
loss of principal by purchasing similar instruments that are intended to provide
an offsetting increase in principal.  There can be no assurance that the Adviser


                                       6
<PAGE>

will be able to limit the effects of principal fluctuations and, accordingly,  a
Fund may  incur  losses on those  securities  even if held to  maturity  without
issuer default.

There may not be an active  secondary  market  for any  particular  floating  or
variable rate  instruments,  which could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose
of the  instrument  during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise any
demand  rights it may have. A Fund could,  for this or other  reasons,  suffer a
loss with respect to those  instruments.  The Adviser  monitors the liquidity of
each Fund's investment in variable and floating rate instruments,  but there can
be no guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.

2.       RISKS

GENERAL. The market value of the  interest-bearing  fixed income securities held
by the Funds will be affected by changes in interest rates. There is normally an
inverse  relationship  between  the  market  value of  securities  sensitive  to
prevailing  interest rates and actual changes in interest rates.  The longer the
remaining maturity (and duration) of a security, the more sensitive the security
is to changes in interest  rates.  All fixed income  securities,  including U.S.
Government  Securities,  can change in value when there is a change in  interest
rates.  Changes in the ability of an issuer to make  payments  of  interest  and
principal and in the markets'  perception of an issuer's  creditworthiness  will
also affect the market value of that issuer's debt securities.  As a result,  an
investment  in a Fund is subject to risk even if all fixed income  securities in
the Fund's  investment  portfolio  are paid in full at  maturity.  In  addition,
certain fixed income  securities may be subject to extension risk,  which refers
to the  change in total  return on a security  resulting  from an  extension  or
abbreviation of the security's maturity.

Yields on fixed income securities, including municipal securities, are dependent
on a variety of factors,  including  the general  conditions of the fixed income
securities  markets,  the size of a  particular  offering,  the  maturity of the
obligation  and the rating of the issue.  Fixed  income  securities  with longer
maturities  tend to produce  higher yields and are generally  subject to greater
price  movements  than  obligations  with shorter  maturities.  A portion of the
municipal  securities held by the Funds may be supported by credit and liquidity
enhancements,  such as  letters  of credit  (which  are not  covered  by federal
deposit  insurance)  or  puts  or  demand  features  of  third  party  financial
institutions, generally domestic and foreign banks.

The  issuers  of fixed  income  securities  are  subject  to the  provisions  of
bankruptcy,  insolvency  and other laws  affecting  the rights and  remedies  of
creditors  that may  restrict  the ability of the issuer to pay,  when due,  the
principal  of and  interest  on its  debt  securities.  The  possibility  exists
therefore, that, as a result of bankruptcy,  litigation or other conditions, the
ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt
securities may become impaired.

CREDIT RISK. The Funds'  investments  in fixed income  securities are subject to
credit risk relating to the financial condition of the issuers of the securities
that each Fund holds.  To limit credit risk,  each Fund will  generally buy debt
securities  that are rated in the top four  long-term  rating  categories  by an
NRSRO or in the top two  short-term  rating  categories  by an  NRSRO.  Moody's,
Standard & Poor's and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of
the credit quality of debt  obligations,  including  convertible  securities.  A
description  of the range of ratings  assigned to various types of securities by
several  NRSROs is included in Appendix A. The Adviser may use these  ratings to
determine  whether  to  purchase,  sell or hold a  security.  Ratings  are  not,
however,  absolute standards of quality.  Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the
safety of  principal  and  interest  payments  and do not  evaluate the risks of
fluctuations  in market value.  Consequently,  similar  securities with the same
rating may have different market prices.  In addition,  rating agencies may fail
to make timely  changes in credit  ratings and the  issuer's  current  financial
condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.

Each Fund may retain a security that ceases to be rated or whose rating has been
lowered  below the Fund's  lowest  permissible  rating  category  if the Adviser
determines  that  retaining  the security is in the best  interests of the Fund.
Because a  downgrade  often  results in a reduction  in the market  price of the
security, sale of a downgraded security may result in a loss.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Each Fund may purchase  unrated  securities if the Adviser  determines  that the
security  is of  comparable  quality  to a rated  security  that  the  Fund  may
purchase. Unrated securities may not be as actively traded as rated securities.

MORTGAGE-RELATED  SECURITIES.  The value of  mortgage-related  securities may be
significantly  affected by changes in interest rates, the markets' perception of
issuers, the structure of the securities and the creditworthiness of the parties
involved.  The  ability of the Funds to  successfully  utilize  mortgage-related
securities depends in part upon the ability of the Advisers to forecast interest
rates and other economic factors  correctly.  Some  mortgage-related  securities
have  structures  that make their  reaction to interest  rate  changes and other
factors difficult to predict.

Prepayments  of  principal  of  mortgage-related  securities  by  mortgagors  or
mortgage   foreclosures   affect  the  average  life  of  the   mortgage-related
securities.  The  occurrence  of  mortgage  prepayments  is  affected by various
factors, including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the
location and age of the mortgages and other social and  demographic  conditions.
In periods of rising  interest  rates,  the  prepayment  rate tends to decrease,
lengthening  the  average  life of a pool  of  mortgage-related  securities.  In
periods  of falling  interest  rates,  the  prepayment  rate tends to  increase,
shortening the average life of a pool. The volume of prepayments of principal on
the mortgages underlying a particular  mortgage-related  security will influence
the yield of that security,  affecting the Fund's yield.  Because prepayments of
principal  generally occur when interest rates are declining,  it is likely that
the Funds, to the extent they retain the same percentage of debt securities, may
have to reinvest the proceeds of  prepayments at lower interest rates then those
of  their   previous   investments.   If  this  occurs,   a  Fund's  yield  will
correspondingly  decline.  Thus,   mortgage-related  securities  may  have  less
potential for capital  appreciation  in periods of falling  interest rates (when
prepayment  of principal is more likely) than other fixed income  securities  of
comparable  duration,  although  they may have a  comparable  risk of decline in
market  value in periods of rising  interest  rates.  A decrease  in the rate of
prepayments may extend the effective maturities of mortgage-related  securities,
reducing their  sensitivity to changes in market  interest  rates. To the extent
that the Funds purchase  mortgage-related  securities at a premium,  unscheduled
prepayments,  which are made at par,  result in a loss equal to any  unamortized
premium.

To lessen the effect of the  failures by  obligors  on  Mortgage  Assets to make
payments,  CMOs and other  mortgage-related  securities may contain  elements of
credit  enhancement,  consisting  of either:  (1) liquidity  protection;  or (2)
protection  against  losses  resulting  after  default  by  an  obligor  on  the
underlying  assets and allocation of all amounts  recoverable  directly from the
obligor  and through  liquidation  of the  collateral.  This  protection  may be
provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by
the issuer or sponsor from third parties,  through  various means of structuring
the  transaction or through a combination  of these.  The Funds will not pay any
additional  fees  for  credit  enhancements  for  mortgage-related   securities,
although the credit  enhancement may increase the costs of the  mortgage-related
securities.

D.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES

1.       GENERAL

Each Fund may seek to hedge against a decline in the value of securities it owns
or an  increase  in the  price of  securities  which it  plans  to  purchase  by
purchasing  and writing  (selling)  covered  options on  securities  in which it
invests and on any  securities  index based in whole or in part on securities in
which the Fund may invest.  The Funds may also buy and sell stock and bond index
futures as well as futures contracts on Treasury bills, Treasury bonds and other
financial  instruments  and may write covered call options and purchase and sell
out and call  options on those  futures  contracts.  The Fund may only invest in
options traded on an exchange or in an over-the-counter market.

2.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES.  A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of
the call option, in return for a premium paid, has the right to buy the security
(or index)  underlying  the  option at a  specified  exercise  price at any time
during the term of the option.  The writer of the call option,  who receives the
premium,  has  the  obligation  upon  exercise  of the  option  to  deliver  the
underlying  security  against  payment of the exercise price. A put option gives


                                       8
<PAGE>

its  purchaser,  in  return  for a  premium,  the  right to sell the  underlying
security at a specified  price during the term of the option.  The writer of the
put, who receives the premium,  has the  obligation to buy, upon exercise of the
option,  the  underlying  security  (or a cash amount  equal to the value of the
index) at the exercise  price.  The amount of a premium  received or paid for an
option  is  based  upon  certain  factors,  including  the  market  price of the
underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price,
the historical  price volatility of the underlying  security,  the option period
and interest rates.

OPTIONS ON INDICES.  An index assigns  relative  values to the securities in the
index,  and the  index  fluctuates  with  changes  in the  market  values of the
securities  included in the index.  Index options operate in the same way as the
more  traditional  options on  securities  except that index options are settled
exclusively  in cash and do not  involve  delivery  of  securities.  Thus,  upon
exercise of index options, the purchaser will realize and the writer will pay an
amount based on the differences between the exercise price and the closing price
of the index.

OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES.  Options on futures  contracts  are  similar to options on
securities  except that an option on a futures  contract gives the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract  rather than to purchase  or sell a security,  at a specified  exercise
price at any time during the period of the option.  Upon exercise of the option,
the  delivery  of the  futures  position  to the  holder of the  option  will be
accompanied by transfer to the holder of an accumulated balance representing the
amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of
a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise  price of the option
on the future.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is a bilateral
agreement where one party agrees to accept,  and the other party agrees to make,
delivery of cash,  an underlying  debt security or a currency,  as called for in
the contract,  at a specified date and at an agreed upon price. An index futures
contract  involves the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar
amount times the  difference  between the index value at the close of trading of
the contract and the price at which the futures  contract is originally  struck.
No physical delivery of the securities  comprising the index is made. Generally,
these  futures  contracts  are  closed out prior to the  expiration  date of the
contracts.

3.       LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

A Fund will not  hedge  more than 30% of its  total  assets by  selling  futures
contracts, buying put options and writing call options. In addition, a Fund will
not buy futures  contracts or write put options whose  underlying  value exceeds
10% of the Fund's total  assets.  A Fund will also not purchase  call options if
the  underlying  value of all such  options  would exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. A Fund will not enter into futures contracts and options, if immediately
thereafter,  more than 5% of the Fund's  total assets would be invested in these
options or committed to margin on futures contracts.

Each Fund will only  invest in futures  and options  contracts  after  providing
notice to its  shareholders and filing a notice of eligibility (if required) and
otherwise  complying  with the  requirements  of the Commodity  Futures  Trading
Commission  ("CFTC").  The CFTC's rules  provide that the Funds are permitted to
purchase  such  futures or options  contracts  only:  (1) for bona fide  hedging
purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; provided, however, that in
the  alternative  with  respect  to each long  position  in a futures or options
contract entered into by a Fund, the underlying commodity value of such contract
at all times does not  exceed the sum of cash,  short-term  United  States  debt
obligations or other United States dollar  denominated  short-term  money market
instruments  set  aside for this  purpose  by the  Fund,  accrued  profit on the
contract held with a futures commission merchant and cash proceeds from existing
Fund investments due in 30 days; and (2) subject to certain other limitations.

4.       RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

There  are  certain   investment  risks  associated  with  options  and  futures
transactions.  These risks include:  (1) dependence on the Adviser's  ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect  correlations between movements in the
prices of options and  movements  in the price of the  securities  (or  indices)
hedged or used for  cover  which may  cause a given  hedge  not to  achieve  its
objective;  (3) the fact that the skills and  techniques  needed to trade  these


                                       9
<PAGE>

instruments  are different from those needed to select the securities in which a
Fund  invests;  and (4) lack of assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market will
exist for any particular  instrument at any particular time, which,  among other
things, may hinder a Fund's ability to limit exposures by closing its positions.

Other  risks  include the  inability  of a Fund,  as the writer of covered  call
options, to benefit from any appreciation of the underlying securities above the
exercise  price,  and the possible  loss of the entire  premium paid for options
purchased by the Fund. In addition,  the futures  exchanges may limit the amount
of fluctuation  permitted in certain futures  contract prices on related options
during a single  trading day. A Fund may be forced,  therefore,  to liquidate or
close out a futures contract  position at a disadvantageous  price.  There is no
assurance that a counterparty in an over-the-counter  option transaction will be
able to perform its obligations.  A Fund may use various futures  contracts that
are relatively  new  instruments  without a significant  trading  history.  As a
result,  there  can be no  assurance  that an active  secondary  market in those
contracts will develop or continue to exist. A Fund's  activities in the futures
and options markets may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and additional
brokerage costs, which could reduce a Fund's yield.

E.       ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

A Fund may not acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements  if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be
invested in illiquid securities.

The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which the Fund has valued the securities.  Illiquid securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days (2) purchased  over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;  and (4) except as  otherwise  determined  by the  Adviser,
securities  subject to contractual or legal  restrictions on resale because they
have not been registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities").

2.       RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and the Fund might also have to register a restricted security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting  in expense and delay.  A Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions.  There can be no
assurance  that a liquid  market will exist for any  security at any  particular
time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to be liquid,
can become illiquid.

3.       DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

                                       10
<PAGE>

F.       LEVERAGE TRANSACTIONS

1.       GENERAL

Each Fund may use  leverage to increase  potential  returns.  Leverage  involves
special risks and may involve speculative investment techniques. Leverage exists
when cash made  available to a Fund through an  investment  technique is used to
make additional Fund investments.  Lending  portfolio  securities and purchasing
securities on a when-issued,  delayed delivery or forward  commitment basis. The
Funds use these  investment  techniques only when the Adviser  believes that the
leveraging  and the returns  available to the Funds from investing the cash will
provide investors a potentially higher return.

SECURITIES  LENDING.  As a  fundamental  policy,  each  Fund may lend  portfolio
securities or participate in repurchase agreements in an amount up to 10% of its
total assets to brokers,  dealers and other financial  institutions.  Repurchase
agreements  are   transactions   in  which  a  Fund  purchases  a  security  and
simultaneously  agrees to resell  that  security to the seller at an agreed upon
price on an agreed upon future  date,  normally,  one to seven days later.  If a
Fund enters  into a  repurchase  agreement,  it will  retain  possession  of the
purchased  securities  and  any  underlying  collateral.  Securities  loans  and
repurchase  agreements  must be continuously  collateralized  and the collateral
must  have  market  value at  least  equal to the  value  of the  Fund's  loaned
securities,  plus  accrued  interest or, in the case of  repurchase  agreements,
equal to the repurchase  price of the securities,  plus accrued  interest.  In a
portfolio securities lending  transaction,  a 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 as well as the interest on the collateral
securities, less any fees (such as 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.  The terms of a Fund's loans permit the
Fund to reacquire loaned  securities on five business days' notice or in time to
vote on any important matter.  Loans are subject to termination at the option of
a Fund or the borrower at any time, and the borrowed securities must be returned
when the loan is terminated.

WHEN-ISSUED   SECURITIES  AND  FORWARD  COMMITMENTS.   The  Funds  may  purchase
securities offered on a "when-issued"  basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward  commitment"  basis. When these  transactions are negotiated,  the
price,  which is generally  expressed  in yield terms,  is fixed at the time the
commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities  take place at a
later date.  Normally,  the  settlement  date occurs within two months after the
transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two months may be negotiated. During
the  period  between a  commitment  and  settlement,  no payment is made for the
securities  purchased by the purchaser  and,  thus,  no interest  accrues to the
purchaser  from the  transaction.  At the time a Fund  makes the  commitment  to
purchase  securities on a when-issued or delayed  delivery basis,  the Fund will
record the  transaction as a purchase and thereafter  reflect the value each day
of such  securities in determining its net asset value. A purchase of securities
on a  "when-issued"  or  "forward  commitment  basis"  will not be made if, as a
result,  more  than 15% of a Fund's  total  assets  would be  committed  to such
transactions.

2.       RISKS

Leverage creates the risk of magnified capital losses. Losses incurred by a Fund
may be magnified by borrowings and other liabilities that exceed the equity base
of the Fund.  Leverage may involve the creation of a liability  that  requires a
Fund to pay  interest  (for  instance,  reverse  repurchase  agreements)  or the
creation of a liability  that does not entail any interest  costs (for instance,
forward commitment costs).

The risks of leverage include a higher  volatility of the net asset value of the
Fund's  securities and the  relatively  greater effect on the net asset value of
the securities caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as
a Fund is able to  realize a net  return  on its  investment  portfolio  that is
higher than interest expense  incurred,  if any,  leverage will result in higher
current net investment  income for the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged.
Changes  in  interest  rates  and  related  economic  factors  could  cause  the
relationship  between  the cost of  leveraging  and the  yield to change so that
rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative
to the yield on the  obligations  in which the proceeds of the  leveraging  have
been invested.  To the extent that the interest  expense  involved in leveraging


                                       11
<PAGE>

approaches  the net  return on a Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the  benefit of
leveraging will be reduced,  and, if the interest  expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to investors, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a
lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if
a Fund's  current  investment  income were not  sufficient  to meet the interest
expense of leveraging,  it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate  certain
of its investments at an inappropriate time.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. In order to attempt to reduce the risks involved in various
transactions  involving  leverage,  each  Fund's  custodian  will set  aside and
maintain,  in a segregated  account,  cash and liquid securities.  The account's
value,  which is  marked  to market  daily,  will be at least  equal to a Fund's
commitments under these transactions.

G.       FOREIGN SECURITIES

Each Fund may  invest up to 20% of their  total  assets in  foreign  securities.
Investments in the  securities of foreign  issuers may involve risks in addition
to those normally associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers.
All  foreign  investments  are subject to risks of: (1)  foreign  political  and
economic  instability;  (2) adverse movements in foreign exchange rates; (3) the
imposition  or  tightening  of  exchange   controls  or  other   limitations  on
repatriation  of  foreign  capital;  and (4)  changes  in  foreign  governmental
attitudes  towards  private  investment,  including  potential  nationalization,
increased taxation or confiscation of your assets.

Dividends  payable on foreign  securities may be subject to foreign  withholding
taxes, thereby reducing the income available for distribution to you. Commission
rates payable on foreign  transactions  are generally  higher than in the United
States.  Foreign  accounting,  auditing and financial reporting standards differ
from  those  in the  United  States,  and  therefore,  less  information  may be
available about foreign  companies than is available about issuers of comparable
U.S. companies. Foreign securities also may trade less frequently and with lower
volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than United States securities.

Changes  in foreign  exchange  rates will  affect the U.S.  dollar  value of all
foreign  currency-denominated  securities  held by a Fund.  Exchange  rates  are
influenced  generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency
markets and by numerous other  political and economic events  occurring  outside
the  United  States,  many of which  may be  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to
predict.

Income  from  foreign  securities  will be  received  and  realized  in  foreign
currencies,  and a Fund is  required to compute  and  distribute  income in U.S.
dollars.  Accordingly,  a decline in the value of a particular  foreign currency
against the U.S.  dollar  after a Fund's  income has been earned and computed in
U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate  portfolio  securities to acquire
sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution.  Similarly, if the exchange rate
declines  between the time a Fund incurs  expenses in U.S.  dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional foreign
securities to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

H.       CORE AND GATEWAY(R)

Each Fund may seek to achieve its  investment  objective by converting to a Core
and Gateway(R) structure. A Fund operating under a Core and Gateway(R) structure
holds,  as its only  investment,  shares of another  investment  company  having
substantially  the same  investment  objective and policies.  The Board will not
authorize  conversion to a Core and Gateway(R)  structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.  The Board will not convert a Fund to a
Core and Gateway(R) structure without notice to the shareholders.

I.       TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION

The Fund may assume a temporary  defensive position and may invest without limit
in money market  instruments  that are of prime  quality.  Prime  quality  money
market  instruments  are  those  instruments  that  are  rated in one of the two
short-term highest rating categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated, determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

                                       12
<PAGE>


Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of  return.  The money  market  instruments  in which the Fund may  invest
include short-term U.S. Government Securities,  commercial paper, time deposits,
bankers'  acceptances  and  certificates  of deposit  issued by domestic  banks,
corporate notes and short-term bonds and money market mutual funds. The Fund may
only invest in money  market  mutual  funds to the extent  permitted by the 1940
Act.


The money market  instruments  in which the Fund may invest may have variable or
floating rates of interest.  These obligations  include master demand notes that
permit  investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant
to direct  arrangement  with the issuer of the  instrument.  The issuer of these
obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding
principal  amount of the  obligations  upon a specified  number of days' notice.
These  obligations   generally  are  not  traded,  nor  generally  is  there  an
established secondary market for these obligations.  To the extent a demand note
does  not  have a 7-day or  shorter  demand  feature  and  there  is no  readily
available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.

Under normal circumstances, Payson Balanced Fund may also invest in money market
instruments  that are rated in one of the two highest  rating  categories  by an
NRSRO or, if unrated, are judged by the adviser to be of comparable quality.


J.       YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and each Fund's  administrator  have addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems.  Each Fund's other service  providers  have informed the Fund that they
are taking similar measures.  Services provided to each Fund or any companies in
which it invests  could still be adversely  affected by a computer's  failure to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or each  Fund's  administrator,  there is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.


                            2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS


For  purposes of all  investment  policies  of the Funds:  (1) the term 1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of a Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered
a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental  policy of a Fund and the Fund's investment  objective,  cannot be
changed  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  lesser  of:  (1)  50%  of the
outstanding  shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund present or
represented at a  shareholders  meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented.  A nonfundamental
policy of a Fund may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

A.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

Each  Fund  has  adopted  the  following  investment   limitations,   which  are
fundamental policies of the Fund. Neither Fund may:


                                       13
<PAGE>



1.       BORROWING

         Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
         meeting of  redemption  requests)  and except for entering into reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  and provided that  borrowings do not exceed 33
         1/3%  of the  Fund's  total  assets  (computed  immediately  after  the
         borrowing).


2.       CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

3.       DIVERSIFICATION

         With respect to 75% of its assets, purchase securities, other than U.S.
         Government  Securities,  of any one issuer, if: (1) more than 5% of the
         Fund's total assets taken at market value would at the time of purchase
         be invested in the  securities  of that  issuer;  or (2) such  purchase
         would at the time of  purchase  cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of
         the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.


4.       UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the Securities Act of 1933.


5.       MAKING LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase of  commercial  paper or debt  securities  which are otherwise
         permissible investments.

6.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

7.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

         Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
         commodities,  provided that currencies and  currency-related  contracts
         will not be deemed to be physical commodities.

8.       ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the Investment
         Company  Act of 1940  ("1940  Act") and except that the Fund may borrow
         money  subject  to  investment  limitations  specified  in  the  Fund's
         Prospectus.

9.       OIL, GAS & MINERAL EXPLORATION

         Invest  in  interests  in  oil or gas or  interests  in  other  mineral
         exploration or development programs.

                                       14
<PAGE>

B.       NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

Each Fund has adopted the following  nonfundamental  investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Neither Fund may:

1.       PLEDGING

         Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
         indebtedness.  The deposit in escrow of securities  in connection  with
         the writing of put and call options, collateralized loans of securities
         and  collateral   arrangements  with  respect  to  margin  for  futures
         contracts  are not  deemed to be  pledges  or  hypothecations  for this
         purpose.

2.       INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES


         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and  except  that the Fund may invest up to 10% of its
         total  assets  in money  market  funds  and  privately-issued  mortgage
         related securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.


3.       MARGIN AND SHORT SALES

         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make short  sales of  securities,
         except for the use of short-term  credit necessary for the clearance of
         purchases  and  sales of  portfolio  securities,  but the Fund may make
         margin deposits in connection  with permitted  transactions in options,
         futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

4.       BORROWING

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is  outstanding  or borrow for purposes
         other than meeting  redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets.

5.       ILLIQUID SECURITIES

         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.

6.       REAL PROPERTY

         Purchase or sell real property (including limited partnership interests
         but excluding  readily  marketable  interests in real estate investment
         trusts or readily  marketable  securities of companies  which invest in
         real estate.)

7.       WARRANTS

         Invest in  warrants  if (i) more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net
         assets will be  invested  in  warrants  (valued at the lower of cost or
         market)  or (ii)  more than 2% of the value of the  Fund's  net  assets
         would be  invested  in  warrants  which are not  listed on the New York
         Stock  Exchange or the  American  Stock  Exchange.  For purpose of this
         limitation,  warrants  acquired  by the Fund in units  or  attached  to
         securities are deemed to have no value.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                       3. PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING


A.       PERFORMANCE DATA

A Fund may quote  performance  in  various  ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

A Fund may compare any of its performance information with:

     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

     o    The performance of other mutual funds.

     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to the  Standard & Poor's  500(R)  Index,  the Russell
          2000(R) Index,  the Russell  MidcapTM Index, the Russell 1000(R) Value
          Index,  the  Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the  Morgan  Stanley  - Europe,
          Australia and Far East Index,  the Dow Jones Industrial  Average,  the
          Salomon  Brothers  Bond Index,  the Shearson  Lehman Bond Index,  U.S.
          Treasury bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index
          as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Performance  information may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph, or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of a Fund but rather are  standards  by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.

A Fund may refer to: (1) general market performances over past time periods such
as those  published by Ibbotson  Associates (for instance,  its "Stocks,  Bonds,
Bills and Inflation  Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and other
data  published by Fund  Tracking  Companies;  and (3) material and  comparative
mutual  fund data and  ratings  reported  in  independent  periodicals,  such as
newspapers and financial magazines.

A Fund's  performance will fluctuate in response to market  conditions and other
factors.

B.       PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

A Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return. Table 1 in
Appendix C includes performance information for the Funds.

1.       SEC YIELD

Standardized  SEC yields for a Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing
the Fund's interest income (in accordance with specific  standardized rules) for
a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average  number of
shares entitled to receive income distributions during the period, dividing this
figure by the  Fund's  net asset  value per share at the end of the  period  and
annualizing  the  result  (assuming  compounding  of income in  accordance  with
specific standardized rules) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate.

Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

                                       16
<PAGE>

Income  calculated  for the purpose of  determining  a Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield
calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for a  Fund  may  differ  from  the  rate  of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to  investors  in reviewing a
Fund's  performance,  investors  should be aware that a Fund's yield  fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in a Fund fees in  connection  with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

The yields of a Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an investment in a Fund is
not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be used to
compare shares of a Fund with investment alternatives,  which, like money market
instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may
not be  appropriate  to compare a Fund's yield  information  directly to similar
information regarding investment alternatives that are insured or guaranteed.

Yield  quotations are based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.  The Funds
charge no sales charges.

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period

2.       TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

A Fund's total return shows its overall  change in value,  including  changes in
share price and assuming all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.

Total  return  figures  may be based on amounts  invested in a Fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula  prescribed  by the SEC. To  calculate  standard  average  annual  total
returns a Fund:  (1) determines the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical
historical  investment in a Fund over a stated  period;  and (2)  calculates the
annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been  constant  over the period.  For
example,  a  cumulative  return of 100% over ten years would  produce an average
annual  total return of 7.18%.  While  average  annual  returns are a convenient
means of  comparing  investment  alternatives,  investors  should  realize  that
performance  is not constant  over time but changes from year to year,  and that
average  annual  returns  represent  averaged  figures  as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the Fund.

                                       17
<PAGE>

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable value:  ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the  applicable
                                    period,  of a  hypothetical  $1,000  payment
                                    made  at  the  beginning  of  the applicable
                                    period

Because  average  annual  returns  tend to smooth out  variations  in the Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.

         A Fund may quote  unaveraged or cumulative total returns that reflect a
         Fund's performance over a stated period of time.

         Total  returns may be stated in their  components of income and capital
         (including  capital  gains  and  changes  in share  price)  in order to
         illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to
         total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without
taking into consideration a Fund's front-end sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

C.       OTHER MATTERS

A  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in  its  advertising,   sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost
averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual  retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the net
asset value,  net assets or number of shareholders of the Fund as of one or more


                                       18
<PAGE>

dates; and (10) a comparison of the Fund's operations to the operations of other
funds or similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and
scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted average maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies,  and the manner of  calculating  and reporting
performance.

As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,188 at the end
of the second year (an increase of $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of a Fund's performance.

A Fund may advertise  information  regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including  the  principal  of  dollar  cost
averaging.  In a  dollar-cost  averaging  program,  an investor  invests a fixed
dollar amount in a Fund at periodic  intervals,  thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in a Fund the following will be the  relationship  between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

               SYSTEMATIC              SHARE                    SHARES
PERIOD         INVESTMENT              PRICE                   PURCHASED
- ------         ----------              -----                   ---------
   1              $100                  $10                      10.00
   2              $100                  $12                       8.33
   3              $100                  $15                       6.67
   4              $100                  $20                       5.00
   5              $100                  $18                       5.56
   6              $100                  $16                       6.25
                  ----                  ---                       ----
       TOTAL                   AVERAGE                  TOTAL
      INVESTED    $600          PRICE $15.17            SHARES   41.81

In  connection  with  its  advertisements,  a Fund  may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serve to provide  shareholders  or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices


                                       19
<PAGE>

                                  4. MANAGEMENT


A.       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  positions  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).
<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS

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

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

John Y. Keffer*,  Chairman and President     Member and Director,  Forum  Financial Group,  LLC (a mutual fund
Born:  July 15, 1942                         services  holding  company)
Two Portland  Square                         Director,  Forum  Fund  Services,  LLC  (Trust's  underwriter)
Portland,  ME 04101                          Officer of six other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California-Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting  Professor of Economics,  Athens  University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing  company  for  small  and  medium  size  businesses  in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stephen  J.  Barrett,  Vice  President       Manager  of Client  Services  and Senior Relationship  Manager,  Forum
Born: November 14, 1968                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager,  Fidelity  Investments,  1994 - 1996
Portland,  Maine 04101                       Officer of four other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing  Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born:  October 14, 1943                      Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.  (brokerage firm) 1993 -
Two Portland Square                          1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       20
<PAGE>



B.       COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund  Complex that  includes all series of the Trust and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
          <S>                      <C>            <C>            <C>                      <C>
                          COMPENSATION                                       TOTAL   COMPENSATION  FROM  TRUST
TRUSTEE                   FROM TRUST         BENEFITS       RETIREMENT       AND FUND COMPLEX
- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------
John Y. Keffer            $0                 $0             $0               $0
- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------

Costas Azariadis          $11,200            $0             $0               $18,500

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

James C. Cheng            $12,700            $0             $0               $20,000

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

J. Michael Parish         $12,700            $0             $0               $20,000

- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------
</TABLE>

C.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

1.       SERVICES OF ADVISER

The Adviser serves as investment  adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory  agreement (the "Agreement") with the Trust.  Under the Agreement,  the
Adviser  furnishes at its own expense all  services,  facilities  and  personnel
necessary  in  connection  with  managing  a Fund's  investments  and  effecting
portfolio transactions for a Fund.

2.       OWNERSHIP OF ADVISER

The  Adviser is a  privately-owned  company  incorporated  under the laws of the
State of Maine in 1987.

3.       FEES

The Adviser's fee is calculated as a percentage of the applicable Fund's average
net assets.  The fee is accrued  daily by the Funds and is paid monthly based on
average net assets for the previous month.

In addition to receiving  its advisory fee from each Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they  invested in a Fund. If you have a separately  managed  account with
the Adviser  with assets  invested in a Fund,  the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

Table 1 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by each Fund
to the Adviser,  the amount of fees waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual fees
received by the Adviser. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

4.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF ADVISER'S AGREEMENT

The  Agreement  remains in effect for a period of two years from the date of its
effectiveness. Subsequently, the Agreement must be approved at least annually by
the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in  either  case by a
majority of the  Trustees  who are not parties to the  agreement  or  interested
persons of any such party.

                                       21
<PAGE>

The Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust regarding a Fund on 60
days' written notice when authorized  either by vote of the Fund's  shareholders
or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by the Adviser on not more than 60 days'
(but  not less  than 30  days')  written  notice  to the  Trust.  The  Agreement
terminates immediately upon assignment.

Under the Agreement,  the Adviser is not liable for any mistake of judgment,  or
in any event  whatsoever,  except for  willful  misfeasance,  bad  faith,  gross
negligence or reckless  disregard in the  performance of its duties or by reason
of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.

D.       DISTRIBUTOR

1.       DISTRIBUTOR; SERVICES AND COMPENSATION OF DISTRIBUTOR

FFS, the distributor (also known as principal underwriter) of the shares of each
Fund,  is  located at Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101.  FFS is a
registered  broker-dealer  and  is a  member  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Prior to August 1, 1999, Forum Financial Services, Inc.
("FFSI")  was the  distributor  of each  Fund  pursuant  to  similar  terms  and
compensation.


FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC. John Y. Keffer controls Forum Financial Group, LLC.


Under a distribution  agreement with the Trust (the  "Distribution  Agreement"),
FFS acts as the agent of the Trust in connection  with the offering of shares of
the Funds.  FFS  continually  distributes  shares of the Funds on a best efforts
basis. FFS has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of the Funds.

FFS may enter  into  agreements  with  selected  broker-dealers,  banks or other
financial  institutions for distribution of shares of the Funds. These financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service fees even though shares of the Funds are sold with a sales charge. These
financial  institutions  may  otherwise act as  processing  agents,  and will be
responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to
the Funds.

Investors who purchase  shares in this manner will be subject to the  procedures
of the  institution  through  which  they  purchase  shares,  which may  include
charges,  investment  minimums,  cutoff times and other restrictions in addition
to, or different from, those listed herein.  Information  concerning any charges
or  services  will  be  provided  to  customers  by the  financial  institution.
Investors  purchasing shares of a Fund in this manner should acquaint themselves
with  their   institution's   procedures  and  should  read  the  Prospectus  in
conjunction  with any materials and information  provided by their  institution.
The financial  institution  and not its  customers  will be the  shareholder  of
record,  although  customers  may have the right to vote shares  depending  upon
their arrangement with the institution.

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, FFS receives, and may reallow to certain
financial  institutions,  the sales charge paid by the purchasers of each Fund's
shares. The aggregate sales charges payable to FFS with respect to each Fund are
outlined in table 2 in Appendix B.

Table 5 in Appendix B shows the aggregate sales charges paid to FFSI, the amount
of sales charge  reallowed by FFSI,  and the amount of sales charge  retained by
FFSI.  The data are for the past three years (or shorter  depending  on a Fund's
commencement of operations).

                                       22
<PAGE>

2.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT

The Distribution Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.

The  Distribution  Agreement  is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with
respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice when  authorized  either by vote of
the  Fund's  shareholders  or by a majority  vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60
days' written notice to the Trust.

Under the Distribution Agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders  for any error of judgment or mistake of law,  for any loss arising
out of any  investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its
duties to a Fund, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
in the  performance  of its  duties or by reason of  reckless  disregard  of its
obligations and duties under the agreement.

Under the Distribution Agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's
officers and persons that control FFS) are  indemnified by the Trust against all
claims and expenses in any way related to alleged untrue  statements of material
fact contained in a Fund's  Registration  Statement or any alleged omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FSS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FSS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.

E.       OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1.       ADMINISTRATOR

As administrator,  pursuant to an  administration  agreement with the Trust (the
"Admin  Agreement"),  FAdS is  responsible  for the  supervision  of the overall
management of the Trust,  providing the Trust with general office facilities and
providing persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the Trust.

For its services,  FAdS receives a fee from a Fund at an annual rate of 0.20% of
the average daily net assets of each Fund. The fee is accrued daily by the Funds
and is paid monthly based on average net assets for the previous month.

The  Admin  Agreement  must be  approved  at least  annually  by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  FAdS's  agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust or by FAdS
with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the Admin  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  to the  Trust or the  Trust's
shareholders for any act or omission, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith
or gross  negligence in the  performance  of its duties or by reason of reckless
disregard of its  obligations  and duties under the  agreement.  Under the Admin
Agreement, FAdS and certain related parties (such as FAdS's officers and persons
who control  FAdS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any and all claims and
expenses  related to FAdS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAdS's
contractual standard of care.

Table 3 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual fees received by
FAdS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

2.       FUND ACCOUNTANT

As fund  accountant,  pursuant to an  accounting  agreement  with the Trust (the
"Accounting  Agreement"),  FAcS provides fund accounting  services to each Fund.
These services  include  calculating  the NAV per share of each Fund (and class)
and preparing the Funds' financial statements and tax returns.

                                       23
<PAGE>

For its  services,  FAcS  receives  a fee from each  Fund at an  annual  rate of
$36,000  and  certain  surcharges  based  upon the  number  and type of a Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions.  The fee is accrued daily by the Funds and
is paid monthly based on the transactions and positions for the previous month.

The  Accounting  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by
FAcS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS is not liable for any action or omission in
the  performance of its duties to a Fund,  except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith,  gross  negligence or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement. Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS and certain
related  parties  (such as FAcS's  officers  and persons  who control  FAcS) are
indemnified  by the Trust  against  any and all claims and  expenses  related to
FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's contractual standard
of care.

Under the Accounting  Agreement,  in calculating a Fund's NAV per share, FAcS is
deemed  not to have  committed  an error if the NAV per share it  calculates  is
within  1/10  of 1% of the  actual  NAV per  share  (after  recalculation).  The
agreement  also provides  that FAcS will not be liable to a shareholder  for any
loss incurred due to an NAV difference if such  difference is less than or equal
1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to $10.00.  In addition,  FAcS is not liable for
the errors of others,  including the companies that supply  securities prices to
FAcS and the Funds.

Table 4 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual fees received by
FAcS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

3.       TRANSFER AGENT


As transfer agent and  distribution  paying agent,  pursuant to a transfer agent
agreement  with the Trust (the  "Transfer  Agent  Agreement"),  FSS maintains an
account  for  each  shareholder  of  record  of a Fund  and is  responsible  for
processing  purchase  and  redemption  requests  and  paying   distributions  to
shareholders of record. FSS is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101 and is registered as a transfer agent with the SEC.

For its  services,  FSS receives  with respect to each Fund 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund, an annual fee of $12,000 plus $18 per  shareholder
account.

The Transfer Agent  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  The Transfer Agent Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust
or by FSS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Transfer  Agent  Agreement,  FSS is not  liable  for  any act in the
performance of its duties to a Fund, except for willful  misfeasance,  bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the agreement.  Under
the Transfer Agent  Agreement,  FSS and certain  related  parties (such as FSS's
officers and persons who control FSS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any
and all claims and  expenses  related to FAdS's  actions or  omissions  that are
consistent with FAdS's contractual standard of care.


Table 5 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FSS,  the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual  fees  received by
FSS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.


                                       24
<PAGE>

4.       CUSTODIAN

As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with the  Trust,  Forum  Trust,  LLC
safeguards and controls the Funds' cash and  securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to
provide  custody of a Fund's  domestic  and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian  is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of a Fund. Each Fund also pays an annual  domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction  fees. These fees are accrued daily by the
Funds and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions for the
previous month.

5.       LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20005 passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

6.       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, 14th Floor,  Boston,  Massachusetts,
02116-5022,  independent auditors, have been selected as auditors for each Fund.
The auditors audit the annual financial  statements of the Funds and provide the
Funds with an audit opinion. The auditors also review certain regulatory filings
of the Funds and the Funds' tax returns.

                            5. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


A.       HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are fixed income  securities
(for instance,  money market instruments and bonds, notes and bills) usually are
principal transactions. In a principal transaction, the party from whom the Fund
purchases  or to whom the Fund sells is acting on its own behalf (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected;  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.

Purchases of securities from underwriters of the securities  include a disclosed
fixed  commission  or  concession  paid by the  issuer to the  underwriter,  and
purchases  from dealers  serving as market makers include the spread between the
bid and asked price.

In the case of fixed income and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes
an undisclosed commission or markup.

B.       COMMISSIONS PAID

Table 6 in Appendix B shows the aggregate brokerage  commissions with respect to
each Fund.  The data  presented  are for the past three  fiscal  years.  For the
fiscal years ended March 31, 1997, $600 in commissions was paid to H.M. Payson &
Co. as broker  for the Funds.  For the fiscal  year  ended  March 31,  1998,  no
commissions  were  paid by the  Funds  to an  affiliate  of the  Funds or to its


                                       25
<PAGE>

adviser as broker  for the Funds.  For the  Fiscal  year ended  March 31,  1999,
Payson Balanced Fund paid H.M Payson & Co., as broker for the Fund, $719.

C.       ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES

The Adviser  places orders for the purchase and sale of securities  with brokers
and dealers  selected by and in the  discretion of the Adviser.  No Fund has any
obligation  to deal with any  specific  broker or  dealer  in the  execution  of
portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and
the frequency of transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment
and in a manner  deemed to be in the best  interest  of each Fund rather than by
any formula.

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary  consideration in executing  transactions for a Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.

1.       CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

The Funds may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available.  Rather,
in determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid
in  connection  with  securities  transactions,  the Adviser  takes into account
factors such as size of the order,  difficulty of  execution,  efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities  (including the research services described below)
and any risk assumed by the executing broker.

Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider  sales  of  shares  of  the  Funds  as a  factor  in the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute  portfolio  transactions for a Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by  brokers  effecting  transactions  for a Fund  (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay.)

2.       OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may  cause a Fund to pay  these  brokers  a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients other than the Funds,  and not all research  services may be
used by the Adviser in connection  with the Funds.  The  Adviser's  fees are not
reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts  although a  particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the services  purchased for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal databases.

Occasionally,  the  Adviser  may  utilize  a broker  and pay a  slightly  higher
commission  than another  broker might  charge.  The higher  commission  is paid
because of the Adviser's need for specific  research,  for specific  expertise a
firm may have in a particular  type of transaction  (due to factors such as size
or  difficulty),  or  for  speed/efficiency  in  execution.  Since  most  of the
Adviser's  brokerage  commissions  for  research  are for  economic  research on
specific  companies  or  industries,  and since the Adviser is  involved  with a
limited number of securities,  most of the commission dollars spent for industry
and stock research directly benefit the clients.

                                       26
<PAGE>

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser,  some of which  accounts  may have  similar
investment objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could
be  either  advantageous  or  disadvantageous  to  any  one or  more  particular
accounts,  they will be effected  only when the Adviser  believes  that to do so
will be in the best  interest of the  affected  accounts.  When such  concurrent
authorizations  occur,  the  objective  will be to allocate  the  execution in a
manner  equitable  to the accounts  involved.  Clients are  typically  allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.

3.       COUNTERPARTY RISK

The Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to each Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

4.       TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The Adviser may effect brokerage  transactions through affiliates of the Adviser
(or affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.

5.       OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions  for the Funds are made  independently  from those for any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors, including basic suitability for the particular client involved. Thus, a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
clients are  selling  the  security.  In some  instances,  one client may sell a
particular  security to another  client.  In  addition,  two or more clients may
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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that  security.  In addition,  when purchases or sales of the same
security  for a Fund and other  client  accounts  managed by the Adviser  occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

6.       PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The frequency of portfolio  transactions of a Fund (the portfolio turnover rate)
will vary from year to year depending on many factors.  From time to time a Fund
may engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage of price  movements
affecting  individual issues,  groups of issues or markets.  An annual portfolio
turnover  rate of 100%  would  occur  if all of the  securities  in a Fund  were
replaced  once in a period  of one year.  Higher  portfolio  turnover  rates may
result  in  increased  brokerage  costs to a Fund  and a  possible  increase  in
short-term capital gains or losses.

D.       SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS

From time to time a Fund may acquire and hold securities  issued by its "regular
brokers  and  dealers" or the parents of those  brokers  and  dealers.  For this
purpose,  regular  brokers and dealers are the 10 brokers or dealers  that:  (1)
received the greatest  amount of  brokerage  commissions  during the Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio  transactions  of the Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year;  or (3)
sold the largest amount of the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.
Table 7 in Appendix B lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Funds'  holdings  of those
securities as of the Funds' most recent fiscal year.

                                       27
<PAGE>

                     6. PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A.       GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.


The Funds accept  orders for the purchase or redemption of shares on any weekday
except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.


Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


B.       ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

Shares of each Fund are sold on a  continuous  basis by the  distributor  at net
asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge.

Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of a
Fund's shares.  The example assumes a purchase of shares of beneficial  interest
aggregating  less than  $100,000  subject to the  schedule of sales  charges set
forth in the Prospectus at a price based on the net asset value per share of the
Fund on March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
                              <S>                                           <C>                     <C>
                                                                PAYSON VALUE FUND        PAYSON BALANCED FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------------

Net Asset Value Per Share                                       $19.30                   $12.48

- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------------
Shares Charge, 4.00% of offering price
(4.17% of net asset value per share)                            $0.80                    $0.52

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

Offering to Public                                              $20.10                   $13.00

- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ---------------------------
</TABLE>

The Funds reserve the right to refuse any purchase request.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  a Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that  meet  the  investment
objective  and policies of a Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  A Fund will only
accept securities that: (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and are not
illiquid;  and  (2)  have  a  value  that  is  readily  ascertainable  (and  not
established only by valuation procedures).

1.       IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

2.       UGMAS/UTMAS

If the trustee's name is not in the account  registration  of a gift or transfer
to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the investor must provide a copy of the trust
document.


                                       28
<PAGE>

3.       PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to the Funds.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable when you invest in a Fund directly. When you purchase a Fund's shares
through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of record
and,  subject  to your  institution's  procedures,  you  may  have  Fund  shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold shares through a financial institution,  the Funds may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.  The  Funds are not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.

Investors purchasing shares of the Funds through a financial  institution should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

C.       ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION

A Fund  may  redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares  purchased  by the  shareholder  or to  collect  any charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to a
Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus.

1.       SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock  Exchange,  Inc. is closed (other than  customary
weekend  and holiday  closings)  or during  which the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  determines that trading thereon is restricted;  (2) an emergency (as
determined  by the SEC)  exists as a result of which  disposal  by a Fund of its
securities  is not  reasonably  practicable  or as a  result  of which it is not
reasonably  practicable  for a Fund  fairly  to  determine  the value of its net
assets;  or  (3)  the  SEC  may  by  order  permit  for  the  protection  of the
shareholders of a Fund.

2.       REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental  to the best  interests of a
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
brokerage  costs may be incurred by the shareholder in converting the securities
to cash.  The Trust has filed an election  with the SEC pursuant to which a Fund
may  only  effect  a  redemption  in  portfolio  securities  if  the  particular
shareholder  is  redeeming  more than  $250,000  or 1% of the  Fund's  total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.

D.       NAV DETERMINATION

In determining a Fund's NAV per share,  securities  for which market  quotations
are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported
sales price.  If no sale price is reported,  the average of the last bid and ask
price is used. If no average price is available,  the last bid price is used. If
market quotations are not readily available,  then securities are valued at fair
value as determined by the Board (or its delegate).

                                       29
<PAGE>

E.       DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions  of net  investment  income will be reinvested at a Fund's NAV per
share as of the last day of the period with respect to which the distribution is
paid. Distributions of capital gain will be reinvested at the NAV per share of a
Fund on the payment date for the  distribution.  Cash  payments may be made more
than seven days  following the date on which  distributions  would  otherwise be
reinvested.

F.       SALES CHARGES

1.       REDUCED SALES CHARGES


You may qualify for a reduced  sales  charge on Fund  purchases  under rights of
accumulation  or a letter of intent.  If you qualify for RIGHTS OF  ACCUMULATION
("ROA"), the sales charge you pay is based on the total of your current purchase
and the net asset value (at the end of the previous fund business day) of shares
that you already hold. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, you must inform FSS and
supply  sufficient  information  to verify that each purchase  qualifies for the
privilege  or  discount.  You may also  enter  into a  written  Letter of Intent
("LOI"), which expresses your intent to invest $100,000 or more in a Fund within
a period of 13  months.  Each  purchase  under a LOI will be made at the  public
offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a single transaction of
the dollar  amount  indicated  in the LOI.  If you do not  purchase  the minimum
investment  referenced  in the LOI, you must pay the Fund an amount equal to the
difference  between the dollar value of the sales charges paid under the LOI and
the dollar  value of the sales  charges due on the  aggregrate  purchases of the
Fund as if such purchases were executed in a single transaction.


2.       ELIMINATION OF SALES CHARGES

No sales charge is assessed on the reinvestment of Fund distributions.  No sales
charge is assessed on purchases made for  investment  purposes or on redemptions
by:

o    any bank, trust company,  savings  association or similar  institution with
     whom the distributor has entered into a share purchase  agreement acting on
     behalf of the  institution's  fiduciary  customer  accounts  or any account
     maintained by its trust department (including a pension,  profit sharing or
     other  employee  benefit trust created  pursuant to a qualified  retirement
     plan)
o    any registered  investment  adviser with whom the  distributor  has entered
     into a share  purchase  agreement  and  which is  acting  on  behalf of its
     fiduciary customer accounts
o    any  broker-dealer  with whom the  distributor has entered into a Fee-Based
     Wrap Account  Agreement or similar  agreement and which is acting on behalf
     of its fee-based program clients
o    Trustees  and  officers of the Trust;  directors,  officers  and  full-time
     employees of the Advisor,  the distributor,  any of their affiliates or any
     organization  with which the distributor has entered into a Selected Dealer
     or similar  agreement;  the  spouse,  sibling,  direct  ancestor  or direct
     descendent  (collectively,  "relatives")  of any such person;  any trust or
     individual  retirement  account or  self-employed  retirement  plan for the
     benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any such person or
     relative
o    any person who has, within the preceding 90 days, redeemed Fund shares (but
     only on  purchases  in amounts not  exceeding  the  redeemed  amounts)  and
     completes a reinstatement form upon investment
o    persons  who  exchange  into a Fund from a mutual fund other than a fund of
     the Trust that participates in the Trust's exchange program
o    employee benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
     Code of 1986, as amended.

The Fund requires  appropriate  documentation  of an investor's  eligibility  to
purchase or redeem Fund shares  without a sales charge.  Any shares so purchased
may not be resold except to the Fund.


                                       30
<PAGE>

                                   7. TAXATION


The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law and assumes that each Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  Such
information is only a summary of certain key federal  income tax  considerations
affecting  each  Fund  and  its  shareholders  that  are  not  described  in the
prospectus.  No attempt has been made to present a complete  explanation  of the
federal tax  treatment of the Funds or the  implications  to  shareholders.  The
discussions  here and in the  prospectus  are not  intended as  substitutes  for
careful tax planning.

This  "Taxation"  section  is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in
effect on the date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions  may  significantly  change the tax rules  applicable to the Funds and
their  shareholders.  Any  of  these  changes  or  court  decisions  may  have a
retroactive effect.

ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

A.       QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY

Each  Fund  intends  for each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of a Fund.

The tax year end of each Fund is March 31 (the same as the  Fund's  fiscal  year
end).

1.       MEANING OF QUALIFICATION

As a regulated  investment company, a Fund will not be subject to federal income
tax on the portion of its net  investment  income  (that is,  taxable  interest,
dividends and other taxable ordinary  income,  net of expenses) and capital gain
net income  (that is,  the  excess of  long-term  capital  gains over  long-term
capital  losses) that it distributes to  shareholders.  In order to qualify as a
regulated investment company a Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable  income (that is, net  investment  income and capital gain net
          income) for the tax year. (Certain  distributions made by a Fund after
          the close of its tax year are considered distributions attributable to
          the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income derived with respect to its business of investing.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          government  securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of the  issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

                                       31
<PAGE>

2.       FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated  investment  company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. A
portion   of   these   distributions   generally   may  be   eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on a Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that a Fund will not
qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

B.       FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each  Fund  anticipates  distributing  substantially  all of its net  investment
income for each tax year.  These  distributions  are  taxable to you as ordinary
income. These distributions may qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction
for corporate shareholders.

Each Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December, but the Funds may make additional  distributions of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held shares.

Each Fund may have capital loss carryovers (unutilized capital losses from prior
years).  These capital loss carryovers (which can be used for up to eight years)
may be used to offset any current  capital gain (whether  short- or  long-term).
All capital loss carryovers are listed in the Funds' financial  statements.  Any
such losses may not be carried back.

Distributions  by a Fund that do not  constitute  ordinary  income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduces your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by a Fund will be  treated  in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional  shares  of  the  Fund  (or  of  another  Fund).  If  you  receive  a
distribution in the form of additional shares, it will be treated as receiving a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the reinvestment date.

You may purchase shares whose net asset value at the time reflects undistributed
net investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in
the value of the assets of a Fund. Distributions of these amounts are taxable to
you in the  manner  described  above,  although  the  distribution  economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares  of a Fund  just  prior  to the  ex-dividend  date of a
distribution,  you  will be  taxed  on the  entire  amount  of the  distribution
received,  even though the net asset value per share on the date of the purchase
reflected the amount of the distribution.

If you hold  shares  for six  months or less and  redeem  shares at a loss after
receiving a capital gain  distribution,  the loss will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of the distribution.

Ordinarily, you are required to take distributions by a Fund into account in the
year in which they are made.  A  distribution  declared in October,  November or
December  of any year and payable to you on a  specified  date in those  months,
however,  is deemed to be  received by you (and made by the Fund) on December 31
of that  calendar  year if the  distribution  is actually paid in January of the
following year.

                                       32
<PAGE>

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) to them during the year.

C.       CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUNDS' TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes,  when put and call options  purchased by a Fund
expire unexercised, the premiums paid by a Fund give rise to short- or long-term
capital  losses  at the  time of  expiration  (depending  on the  length  of the
respective exercise periods for the options).  When put and call options written
by a Fund expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  received by the Fund give rise to
short-term  capital  gains at the time of  expiration.  When a Fund  exercises a
call, the purchase  price of the underlying  security is increased by the amount
of the premium paid by a Fund.  When a Fund  exercises a put, the proceeds  from
the sale of the  underlying  security are decreased by the premium paid.  When a
put or call written by a Fund is exercised, the purchase price (selling price in
the case of a call) of the  underlying  security is decreased  (increased in the
case of a call) for tax purposes by the premium received.

Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each tax year are
"marked to market" and treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though sold
for fair market value on the last business day of the tax year.  Gains or losses
realized  by a Fund on Section  1256  contracts  generally  are  considered  60%
long-term and 40%  short-term  capital  gains or losses.  Each Fund can elect to
exempt  its  Section  1256  contracts  that are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option,  futures contract,  or other position entered into or held by a Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, the positions are Section 1256  contracts,  may constitute a "mixed
straddle".  In general,  straddles  are subject to certain rules that may affect
the  character  and timing of a Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle
positions by  requiring,  among other  things,  that:  (1) the loss  realized on
disposition  of one position of a straddle may not be  recognized  to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with
respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%
short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections  are  available  to a Fund,  which may  mitigate  the  effects  of the
straddle rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the
straddle rules described above do not apply to any straddles held by a Fund, all
of which consist of the offsetting positions of Section 1256 contracts.

D.       FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an  amount  equal  to:  (1) 98% of
ordinary its taxable  income for the calendar  year;  and (2) 98% of its capital
gain net  income for the  one-year  period  ended on October 31 of the  calendar
year. If the Fund changes its tax year end to November 30 or December 31, it may
elect  to  use  that  date  instead  of the  October  31  date  in  making  this
calculation.  The balance of the Fund's  income must be  distributed  during the
next calendar year. A Fund will be treated as having  distributed  any amount on
which it is subject to income tax for any tax year ending in a calendar year.

                                       33
<PAGE>

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, each Fund: (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year and (2) excludes  foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred  after October 31 of any year (or November 30 or December 31 if
it has made the election  described above) in determining the amount of ordinary
taxable  income for the current  calendar  year.  The Fund will include  foreign
currency  gains and losses  incurred  after October 31 in  determining  ordinary
taxable income for the succeeding calendar year.

Each Fund  intends to make  sufficient  distributions  of its  ordinary  taxable
income and capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to
avoid liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that a Fund
might in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

E.       SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

In general,  a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption
of shares of a Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of
the sale or redemption and the  shareholder's  adjusted tax basis in the shares.
All or a portion of any loss so recognized may be disallowed if the  shareholder
purchases  other  shares of the Fund  within 30 days before or after the sale or
redemption (a so called "wash sale"). In general,  any gain or loss arising from
the sale or redemption  of shares of a Fund will be  considered  capital gain or
loss and will be  long-term  capital  gain or loss if the  shares  were held for
longer than one year.  Any capital loss arising from the sale or  redemption  of
shares held for six months or less,  however,  is treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain distributions  received on such
shares.  For this  purpose,  the special  holding  period  rules of Code Section
246(c) (3) and (4) generally  will apply in  determining  the holding  period of
shares.  Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital
gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.

F.       WITHHOLDING TAX

A Fund will be  required  in  certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to  any   shareholder:   (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  correct  tax  payer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has failed to certify to a Fund that it is not subject to backup withholding
or that it is a corporation or other "exempt recipient."

G.       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends  on  whether  the  income  from a Fund  is  "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income  from a Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business carried on by a foreign shareholder, ordinary income distributions paid
to a foreign shareholder will be subject to U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) upon the gross amount of the distribution.
The foreign  shareholder  generally would be exempt from U.S. federal income tax
on gain  realized on the sale of shares of a Fund,  capital  gain  distributions
from a Fund and amounts  retained by a Fund that are designated as undistributed
capital gain.

If the income from a Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income distributions, capital
gain distributions, and any gain realized upon the sale of shares of a Fund will
be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates  applicable to U.S.  citizens
or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a  noncorporate  foreign  shareholder,  a Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty might be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to  distributions  from a Fund can
differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to


                                       34
<PAGE>

consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect  to  an  investment  in a  Fund,  distributions  from  a  Fund  and  the
applicability of foreign taxes and related matters.

H.       STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with  respect to  distributions  from a Fund can differ  from the rules for U.S.
federal income  taxation  described  above.  These state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with  respect to an  investment  in a
Fund,  distributions  from a Fund and the applicability of state and local taxes
and related matters.

                                8. OTHER MATTERS


A.       THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:

Investors Bond Fund                              Payson Balanced Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund                               Payson Value Fund
Investors High Grade Bond Fund                   Austin Global Equity Fund
Maine Municipal Bond Fund                        Polaris Global Value Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund                          Investors Equity Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                  Equity Index Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)        Investors Growth Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                        BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)      BIA Growth Equity Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund(1)

(1)  The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in an  institutional,
     institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Funds' investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities that may be be purchased or held by the Fund. The Board will consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' investment
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Trust and each Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

2.       SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a  different  expense  ratio and its
expenses will affect each class' performance.  For more information on any other
class of shares of the Fund, investors may contact FSS.


3.       SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne


                                       35
<PAGE>

solely  by those  shares.  Each  class  votes  separately  with  respect  to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,
shares will be voted separately by individual  series except if (1) the 1940 Act
requires  shares to be voted in the aggregate  and not by individual  series and
(2) when the Trustees determine that the matter affects more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only  affects  certain  classes  of the Trust and thus only  those  classes  are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold
annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

Shareholders  representing 10% or more of the Trust's (or a series') outstanding
shares may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or
series) for any purpose related to the Trust (or series), including, in the case
of a meeting  of the  Trust,  the  purpose  of voting on  removal of one or more
Trustees.

4.       CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or a Fund.  The  Trustees  may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder  vote,  cause  the  Trust to merge or  consolidate  into one or more
trusts, partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to be incorporated under
Delaware  law,  so long  as the  surviving  entity  is an  open-end,  management
investment  company  that will  succeed  to or assume the  Trust's  registration
statement.

B.       FUND OWNERSHIP

As of July 1, 1999,  the percentage of shares owned by all officers and trustees
of the Trust as a group was as follows.  To the extent officers and trustees own
less than 1% of the shares of each class of shares of a Fund (or of the  Trust),
the table reflects "N/A" for not applicable.

                                      PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
FUND (OR TRUST)                               OWNED
The Trust                                      N/A
Payson Value Fund                              N/A
Payson Balanced Fund                           N/A

Also as of that date, certain shareholders of record owned 5% or more of a class
of shares of a Fund. Shareholders known by a Fund to own beneficially 5% or more
of a class of shares of the Fund are listed in Table 8 in Appendix B.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine)  the outcome of a  shareholder  vote.  As of July 1, 1999,  no person
beneficially owned 25% or more of the shares of a Fund (or of the Trust).

                                       36
<PAGE>

C.       LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations  for profit.  In the past,  the Trust  believes that the 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.  The Forum Funds'
Trust Instrument (the document that governs the operation of the Trust) 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, no contractual limitation of
liability was in effect,  and the  portfolio is unable to meet its  obligations.
FAdS believes that, in view of the above, there is no risk of personal liability
to shareholders.

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

D.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are  qualified  by,  reference to the copy of such  contract or other  documents
filed as exhibits to the registration statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial  statements  of Payson Value Fund and of Payson  Balanced Fund for
the year ended  March 31,  1999,  which are  included  in the  Annual  Report to
Shareholders of each Fund, are incorporated herein by reference. These financial
statements only include the schedules of  investments,  statements of assets and
liabilities,  statements  of  operations,  statements  of changes in net assets,
financial highlights, notes and independent auditors' reports.






                                       37
<PAGE>


                 APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS


A.       CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION

AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which
         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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

         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment
         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

3.       DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,       A- Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,B-     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD       Defaulted debt obligations.  Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
         and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

4.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC,C     High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD,D      Default.  Securities  are  not  meeting  current  obligations  and are
          extremely  speculative.  `DDD'  designates  the highest  potential for
          recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities  involved.  For U.S.
          corporates, for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
          of such  outstandings,  and `D' the lowest  recovery  potential,  i.e.
          below 50%.

B.       PREFERRED STOCK

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated "aa" is  considered  a high-  grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.

C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

2.       STANDARD & POOR'S

AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB
B,CCC    Preferred  stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded,  on balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.

C.       SHORT TERM RATINGS

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1  Issuers  rated  Prime-1 (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-1
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset  protection.
          o    Broad  margins in  earnings  coverage  of fixed  financial
               charges and high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2  Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to
         a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may
         be more subject to  variation.  Capitalization  characteristics,  while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3  Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial  leverage.  Adequate  alternate  liquidity is
         maintained.

NOT
PRIME   Issuers rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the  Prime  rating
        categories.

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S

A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

3.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.

F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely repayment may be susceptible to adverse changes
         in business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.






                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                        APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES



TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES

The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to the Adviser with
respect to each Fund, the amount of fee that was waived by the Adviser,  if any,
and the actual fee received by the Adviser.
<TABLE>
               <S>                                     <C>                      <C>                     <C>
                                               ADVISORY FEE PAYABLE    ADVISORY FEE WAIVED    ADVISORY FEE RETAINED
PAYSON VALUE FUND
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $148,850                $46,719                 $102,131
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $131,769                   $0                   $131,769
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $92,360                    $0                   $92,360

                                               ADVISORY FEE PAYABLE    ADVISORY FEE WAIVED    ADVISORY FEE RETAINED
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $140,477                $50,090                 $90,387
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $131,512                   $0                   $131.512
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $107,243                   $0                   $107,243

TABLE 2 - SALES CHARGES

                                PAYSON VALUE FUND


 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31      AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE           AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED
            1999                          $394                         $394                          $0
            1998                         $3,715                        $462                        $3,253

                              PAYSON BALANCED FUND

 FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                 AGGREGATE SALES CHARGE
                                                                  AMOUNT RETAINED             AMOUNT REALLOWED
            1999                           $0                           $0                           $0
            1998                          $186                         $186                          $0







                                      B-1
<PAGE>


TABLE 3 - ADMINISTRATION FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAdS with respect
to each Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAdS, if any, and the actual
fee received by FAdS.

                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
PAYSON VALUE FUND                                   PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $37,213                   $9,758                   $27,455
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $32,942                   $28,750                  $4,192
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                      $23,090                   $23,090                    $0

                                                ADMINISTRATION FEE       ADMINISTRATION FEE      ADMINISTRATION FEE
PAYSON BALANCED FUND                                 PAYABLE                   WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $46,826                  $29,359                  $17,467
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $43,837                  $38,278                  $5,559
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $35,748                  $35,748                    $0

TABLE 4 - ACCOUNTING FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAcS with respect
to each Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAcS, if any, and the actual
fee received by FAcS.


                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
             PAYSON VALUE FUND                                                                       RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000

                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
            PAYSON BALANCED FUND                                                                     RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $38,000                    $0                   $38,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $37,000                    $0                   $37,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $37,000                    $0                   $37,000







                                      B-2
<PAGE>


TABLE 5 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES


The following table shows the dollar amount of shareholder  service fees payable
to FSS with respect to shares of each Fund.


                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
            PAYSON VALUE FUND                      PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $65,203                    $0                    $65,203
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $58,869                 $39,896                  $18,973
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $45,916                 $27,131                  $18,785

                                             TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE      TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
           PAYSON BALANCED FUND                    PAYABLE                  WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                     $77,383                    $0                    $77,383
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                     $73,628                 $53,159                  $20,469
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                     $63,723                 $42,011                  $21,712
</TABLE>

TABLE 6 - COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
each Fund that incurred  brokerage costs. The data are for the past three fiscal
years or shorter period if the Fund has been in operation for a shorter period.

YEAR ENDED               PAYSON VALUE      PAYSON BALANCED
MARCH 31,                    FUND               FUND
        1999               $34,078             $60,534
        1998               $29,682             $41,370
        1997               $17,303             $37,474








                                      B-3
<PAGE>


TABLE 7 - SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS

The  following  table lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Funds'  holdings  of those
securities as of the Funds' most recent fiscal year.
<TABLE>
          <S>                                                              <C>                           <C>
                                                                VALUE HELD BY PAYSON VALUE     VALUE HELD BY PAYSON
REGULAR BROKER OR DEALER                                                   FUND                   BALANCED FUND
Wells Fargo & Co.                                                        $467,000                       $0
Dreyfus Cash Management                                                  $447,000                   $1,182,000
BankBoston Corp.                                                         $433,000                       $0
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.                                                $531,000                    $570,000
AG Edwards & Sons, Inc.                                                  $294,000                       $0
Chase Manhattan Corp.                                                       $0                       $524,000
Chase Manhattan Corp.                                                       $0                       $198,000
Bear Stearns Cos., Inc.                                                     $0                       $152,000
Morgan Stanley Group, Inc.                                                  $0                       $200,000
</TABLE>

TABLE 8 - 5% SHAREHOLDERS

The  following  table  lists the  persons  who owned of record 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of a Fund as of July 1, 1999.
<TABLE>
          <S>                           <C>                                     <C>                      <C>
FUND/CLASS OF SHARES            NAME AND ADDRESS                               SHARES                 % OF FUND

PAYSON VALUE FUND               Payse & Co.
                                C/O H M Payson & Co.
                                PO Box 31
                                Portland, ME 04112                           201,136.399               21.08

                                Ala & Co.
                                C/O H M Payson & Co.
                                PO Box 31
                                Portland, ME 04112                           166,024.279               17.40

PAYSON BALANCED FUND            Payse & Co.
                                C/O H M Payson & Co.
                                PO Box 31
                                Portland, ME 04112                           241,777.096               13.36

                                Ala & Co.
                                C/O H M Payson & Co.
                                PO Box 31
                                Portland, ME 04112                           223,633.692               12.35

                                Allagash & Co.
                                C/O Bank of New Hampshire
                                PO Box 477
                                Concord, NH 03302                            180,754.137                9.99
</TABLE>


                                      B-4
<PAGE>

                          APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA


TABLE 1 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITHOUT SALES CHARGES)

The  average  annual  total  return of each Fund for the period  ended March 31,
1999, was as follows.
<TABLE>
          <S>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>
                                                  CALENDAR                                                     SINCE INCEPTION
                       ONE MONTH   THREE MONTHS    YEAR TO     ONE YEAR   THREE YEARS  FIVE YEARS  TEN YEARS    (ANNUALIZED)
                                                    DATE
  PAYSON VALUE FUND      4.10%        0.95%         0.95%      (4.57)%      16.14%       16.35%       N/A          15.65%

PAYSON BALANCED FUND     2.32%       (4.09)%       (4.09)%     (8.20)%       9.66%       11.21%       N/A          11.05%


TABLE 2 - TOTAL RETURNS (WITH SALES CHARGES)

The  average  annual  total  return of each Fund for the period  ended March 31,
1999, was as follows.

                                                  CALENDAR                                                     SINCE INCEPTION
                       ONE MONTH   THREE MONTHS    YEAR TO     ONE YEAR   THREE YEARS  FIVE YEARS  TEN YEARS    (ANNUALIZED)
                                                    DATE
  PAYSON VALUE FUND      (0.06)%      (3.09)%       (3.09)%     (8.39)%      14.57%       15.41%       N/A          14.95%

PAYSON BALANCED FUND     (1.78)%      (7.92)%       (7.92)%     (11.88)%      8.17%       10.31%       N/A          10.43%
</TABLE>










                                      C-1
<PAGE>

                  APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING MATERIALS


                             TEXT OF FORUM BROCHURE

In connection with its  advertisements,  a Fund may provide a description of the
Fund's investment adviser and its affiliates, which are service providers to the
Fund. Text, which is currently in use, is set forth below.

"FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP OF COMPANIES

Forum Financial  Group of Companies  represent more than a decade of diversified
experience  with every  aspect of mutual  funds.  The Forum  Family of Funds has
benefited from the informed,  sharply  focused  perspective on mutual funds that
experience makes possible.

The Forum Family of Funds has been created and managed by  affiliated  companies
of Portland-based  Forum Financial Group, among the nation's largest mutual fund
administrators  providing clients with a full line of services for every type of
mutual fund.

The Forum  Family of Funds is designed to give  investment  representatives  and
investors a broad choice of carefully  structured  and  diversified  portfolios,
portfolios  that can satisfy a wide  variety of  immediate  as well as long-term
investment goals.

Forum  Financial Group has developed its "brand name" family of mutual funds and
has made them available to the investment public and to institutions on both the
national and regional levels.

For more than a decade Forum has had direct  experience with mutual funds from a
different  perspective,  a perspective  made  possible by Forum's  position as a
leading designer and full-service  administrator  and manager of mutual funds of
all types.

Today Forum  Financial  Group  administers  and  provides  services for over 181
mutual  funds for 17  different  fund  managers,  with more than $70  billion in
client assets. Forum has its headquarters in Portland, Maine, and has offices in
Seattle, Bermuda, and Warsaw, Poland. In a joint venture with Bank Handlowy, the
largest  and  oldest  commercial  bank  in  Poland,   Forum  operates  the  only
independent  transfer agent and mutual fund accounting business in Poland. Forum
directs an off-shore and hedge fund administration  business through its Bermuda
office. It employs more than 390 professionals worldwide.

From the  beginning,  Forum  developed a plan of action that was effective  with
both start-up funds, and funds that needed  restructuring  and improved services
in order to live up to their potential.  The success of its innovative  approach
is  evident  in  Forum's  growth  rate over the  years,  a growth  rate that has
consistently outstripped that of the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as
that of the fund service outsource industry.

Forum has worked with both  domestic  and  international  mutual fund  sponsors,
designing  unique  mutual  fund  structures,  positioning  new funds  within the
sponsors' own corporate planning and targeted markets.

Forum's staff of experienced lawyers, many of whom have been associated with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  have  been  available  to work with fund
sponsors to customize  fund  components and to evaluate the potential of various
fund structures.

Forum has introduced fund sponsors to its unique proprietary Core and Gateway(R)
partnership,  helping them to take advantage of this full-service  master/feeder
structure.

                                      D-1
<PAGE>

Fund sponsors  understand that even the most efficiently and creatively designed
fund can disappoint  shareholders  if it is inadequately  serviced.  That is the
reason why fund  sponsors  have relied on Forum to meet all of a fund's  complex
compliance, regulatory, and filing needs.

Forum's full service commitment includes providing  state-of-the-art  accounting
support (Forum has 7 CPAs on staff, as well as senior  accountants who have been
associated with Big 6 accounting firms).  Forum's proprietary  accounting system
is continually upgraded and can provide custom-built modules to satisfy a fund's
specific  requirements.   This  service  is  joined  with  transfer  agency  and
shareholder  service  groups that draw their strength both from the high caliber
of the people staffing each unit and from Forum's  advanced  technology  support
system.

More than a decade of  experience  with mutual  funds has given Forum  practical
hands-on  experience and knowledge of how mutual funds function "from the inside
out."

Forum has put that  experience to work by creating the Forum Family of Funds,  a
family where each member is designed  and  positioned  for your best  investment
advantage,  and where each fund is  serviced  with the utmost  attention  to the
delivery of timely, accurate, and comprehensive shareholder information.

INVESTMENT ADVISERS

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC offers the services of portfolio  managers with
the highest  qualifications--because without such direction, a comprehensive and
goal-oriented  investment  program  and  ongoing  investment  strategy  are  not
possible.  Serving  as  portfolio  managers  for the  Forum  Family of Funds are
individuals  with  decades  of  experience  with  some  of the  country's  major
financial institutions.

Forum Funds are also  managed by the  portfolio  managers  of H.M.  Payson & Co,
founded in Portland, Maine in 1854 and one of the oldest investment firms in the
country. Payson has approximately $1.25 billion in assets under management, with
clients that include  pension plans,  endowment  funds,  and  institutional  and
individual accounts.

FORUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC

Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC is the largest Maine based  investment  adviser
with  approximately  $1.95  billion in assets under  management.  The  portfolio
managers have decades of combined experience in a cross section of the country's
financial  markets.  The managers have  specific,  day-to-day  experience in the
asset class  portfolios  they manage,  bringing  critical  focus to meeting each
fund's explicit investment objectives. The portfolio managers have been involved
in investing the assets of large  insurance  companies,  banks,  pension  plans,
individuals,  and of course mutual funds. Forum Investment  Advisors,  LLC has a
staff of analysts and investment  administrators  to meet the demands of serving
shareholders in our funds.

FORUM FAMILY OF FUNDS

It has been said that  mutual  fund  investment  offerings--of  which  there are
nearly  10,000,  with assets spread across stock,  bond,  and money market funds
worth  more  than  $4  trillion--come  in  a  rainbow  of  varieties.  A  better
description  would be a "spectrum" of varieties,  the spectrum graded from green
through  amber  and on to red.  In  simpler  terms,  from low risk  investments,
through moderate to high risk. The lower the risk, the lower the possible reward
- -- the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.

The Forum Family of Funds provides  conservative  investment  opportunities that
reduce the risk of loss of capital,  using underlying  money market  investments
U.S. Government  securities  (although the shares of the Forum Funds are neither
insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies),  thus cushioning
the investment  against  market  volatility.  These funds offer regular  income,
ready access to your money, and flexibility to buy or sell at any time.

                                      D-2
<PAGE>

In the less  conservative  but still not  aggressive  category  are funds in the
Forum Family that seek to provide steady income and, in certain cases,  tax-free
earnings.  Such investments  provide important  diversification to an investment
portfolio.

Growth funds in the Forum Family more  aggressively  pursue a high return at the
risk of market volatility.  These funds include domestic and international stock
mutual funds."











                                      D-3
<PAGE>


                      TEXT OF PEOPLES HERITAGE NEWS RELEASE

Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHBK) announced today that it has
formed an alliance with a major mutual fund provider and an investment  advisory
firm to expand its mutual fund  offerings.  The  alliance  with Forum  Financial
Group and H.M.  Payson & Company will result in 18 funds,  including  the unique
Maine Municipal Bond Fund and New Hampshire Bond Fund, being offered through the
branches  of Peoples'  affiliate  banks in Maine,  New  Hampshire  and  northern
Massachusetts and the Company's trust and investment subsidiaries

"There is no secret to where  financial  services  are moving,  under one roof,"
said William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples
Heritage.   "One  only  has  to  watch  the  virtually  daily  announcements  of
consolidations  in  the  financial  sector  to  understand  that  customers  are
demanding and receiving 'one-stop' financial services.

 "We think we are adding the additional  competitive advantage of funds that are
managed and administered close to home."

Fifteen Forum funds will be offered  including  two Payson  funds.  The tax-free
Maine and New Hampshire  State bond funds are the only two such funds  available
and usually  invest 80% of total  assets in  municipal  securities.  Other funds
being  provided by the alliance  include money  market,  fixed income and equity
funds.

Forum Financial, based in Portland, Maine since 1987, administers 124 funds with
more than $29 billion in assets.  Forum  manages  mutual  funds for  independent
investment advisers such as Payson and for banks. Forum Investment Advisors, LLC
an affiliate,  is the largest Maine-based  investment adviser with approximately
$1.7 billion in fund assets under management.

"We are providing a great product set to the customers served by Peoples' nearly
200 branches in northern New  England,"  said John Y.  Keffer,  Forum  Financial
president,  "The key today is to link a wide variety of investment  options with
convergent, easy access for customers. I believe this alliance does just that."

H.M.  Payson & Co.,  founded in 1854, is one of the nation's  oldest  investment
firms with nearly $1.25 billion in assets under  management  and $412 million in
non-managed  custodial accounts.  The Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund
are among the 18 offerings.

"I believe we have all the  ingredients  of a  tremendous  alliance,"  said John
Walker,  Payson President and Managing  Director.  "We have the region's premier
community banking company,  a community-based  investment  adviser,  and a local
mutual fund company that operates  nationally  and  specializes  in working with
banks. We are poised to provide solid investment performance and service."

Peoples Heritage Financial Group is a $10 billion multi-state bank and financial
services  holding company  headquartered  in Portland,  Maine. Its Maine banking
affiliate,  Peoples Heritage Bank, has the state's leading deposit market share.
Its New Hampshire  banking  affiliate,  Bank of New  Hampshire,  has the state's
leading deposit market share. Family Bank, the Company's  Massachusetts  banking
subsidiary,  has the state's tenth largest  deposit market share and the leading
market  share  in many of the  northern  Massachusetts  communities  it  serves.
Peoples  affiliate  banks  also  operate  subsidiaries  in  leasing,  trust  and
investment services and insurance.




                                      D-4
<PAGE>


FORUM FINANCIAL GROUP:

Headquarters:  Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101

President:  John Y. Keffer

Offices:  Portland, Seattle, Warsaw, Bermuda

*Established  in 1986 to  administer  mutual  funds for  independent  investment

advisers and banks *Among the nation's largest  third-party fund  administrators

*Uses proprietary in-house systems and custom programming capabilities

         *Administration and Distribution  Services:  Regulatory,  compliance,

          expense  accounting,  budgeting for all funds

         *Fund Accounting Services:  Portfolio valuation, accounting, dividend

          declaration, and tax advice

         *Shareholder Services: Preparation of statements, distribution support,

          inquiries and processing of trades

*Client Assets under Administration and Distribution:  $70.4 billion

*Client Assets Processed by Fund Accounting:  $53 billion

*Client Funds under Administration and Distribution:  181 mutual funds with 89

share classes

*International Ventures:

         Joint  venture  with Bank  Handlowy in Warsaw,  Poland,  using  Forum's

         proprietary   transfer  agency  and  distribution   systems   Off-shore

         investment  fund  administration,  using  Bermuda as Forum's  center of

         operations

*Forum Employees:  United States -215, Poland - 180, Bermuda - 4

FORUM CONTACTS:
Mark Kaplan, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Forum Investment Advisers,
LLC, (207) 879-1900 X 6123
Tony Santaniello, Director of Marketing, (207) 879-1900 X 6175






                                      D-5
<PAGE>


H.M. PAYSON & CO.:

Headquarters:  One Portland Square, Portland, Maine

President and Managing Director: John Walker

Quality investment services and conservative wealth management since 1854

*Assets under Management: $1.25 Billion

*Non-managed Custody Assets: $412 Million

*Client Base: 85% individuals; 15% institutional

*Owned by 11 shareholders; 10 managing directors

*Payson Balanced Fund and Payson Value Fund (administrative and shareholder

services provided by Forum Financial Group)

*Employees: 45


H.M. PAYSON & CO. CONTACT:

Joel Harris, Marketing Coordinator, (207) 772-3761










                                      D-6
<PAGE>



FORUM FUNDS

                                             STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                             OCTOBER 1, 1999

                                             AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000





INVESTMENT ADVISER:
                                             POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND

         Polaris Capital Management, Inc.
         125 Summer Street

         Boston, MA  02110

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (207) 879-0001
         (888) 263-5594



This Statement of Additional  Information (the "SAI") supplements the Prospectus
dated October 1, 1999, as may be amended from time to time,  offering  shares of
Polaris  Global Value Fund (the  "Fund"),  a separate  series of Forum Funds,  a
registered,  open-end management  investment company (the "Trust').  This SAI is
not a prospectus and should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. You
may  obtain  the  Prospectus  without  charge by  contacting  Forum  Shareholder
Services, LLC at the address or telephone number listed above.




Financial  Statements for the Fund for the year ended May 31, 1999,  included in
the Annual Report to shareholders,  are incorporated into this SAI by reference.
Copies of the Annual  Report may be obtained,  without  charge,  upon request by
contacting Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC at the address or telephone number
listed above.


<PAGE>



TABLE OF CONTENTS



GLOSSARY.....................................................................1


INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS................................................2


INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS......................................................10


PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING............................................12


MANAGEMENT..................................................................17


PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS......................................................22


PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION.........................................24


TAXATION....................................................................26


OTHER MATTERS...............................................................31


APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS.............................A-1


APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES..........................................B-1


APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA..............................................C-1




<PAGE>

GLOSSARY

As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.

"Adviser" means Polaris Capital Management, Inc.

"Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

"CFTC" means Commodities Future Trading Commission


"Custodian" means the custodian of the Fund's assets.

"FAcS" means Forum Accounting Services, LLC, the fund accountant of the Fund.


"FAdS" means Forum Administrative Services, LLC, the administrator of the Fund.


"Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.


"FFS" means Forum Fund Services, LLC, the distributor of the Fund's shares.


"FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services, LLC, the transfer agent of the Fund.


"Fund" means Polaris Global Value Fund.

"IRS" means Internal Revenue Service.

"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

"NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

"NAV" means net asset value per share.

"SAI" means this Statement of Additional Information

"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"S&P" means Standard & Poor's, A Division of the McGraw Hill Companies.


 "Trust" means Forum Funds.


"U.S. Government  Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

"1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.





                                       1
<PAGE>


INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

The Fund is a diversified series of the Trust. This section discusses in greater
detail than the Fund's prospectus certain investments that the Fund may make.

SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION

The Fund's investments in convertible  securities are subject to the credit risk
relating to the financial condition of the issuers of the convertible securities
that the Fund  holds.  To limit  credit  risk,  the Fund may only invest in: (1)
convertible  debt  securities that are rated "Baa" or higher by Moody's or "BBB"
or higher by S&P at the time of purchase; and (2) preferred stock rated "baa" or
higher by  Moody's or "BBB" or higher by S&P at the time of  purchase.  The Fund
may purchase  unrated  convertible  securities if, at the time of purchase,  the
Adviser  believes that they are of comparable  quality to rated  securities that
the Fund may purchase.

Unrated securities may not be as actively traded as rated securities. A fund may
retain  securities  whose rating has been lowered  below the lowest  permissible
rating category (or that that are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable  quality to securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible  rating  category) if the Adviser  determines  that  retaining  such
security is in the best interests of the Fund. Because a downgrade often results
in a  reduction  in the  market  price  of the  security,  sale of a  downgraded
security may result in a loss.

Moody's,  S&P, and other NRSROs are private services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description of the range of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other
securities by several NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this SAI. The Fund may
use these  ratings to determine  whether to purchase,  sell, or hold a security.
Ratings are general and are not absolute  standards of quality.  Securities with
the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. If
an issue of  securities  ceases to be rated or if its rating is reduced after it
is purchased by the Fund,  the Adviser  will  determine  whether the Fund should
continue to hold the  obligation.  To the extent  that the  ratings  given by an
NRSRO may change as a result of changes in such  organizations  or their  rating
systems,  the Adviser  will attempt to  substitute  comparable  ratings.  Credit
ratings  attempt to evaluate the risks of  fluctuations  in market value.  Also,
rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit  ratings.  An issuer's
current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.

EQUITY SECURITIES

COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

GENERAL.  Common stock represents an equity  (ownership)  interest in a company,
and usually  possesses  voting rights and earns  dividends.  Dividends on common
stock are not fixed but are  declared at the  discretion  of the issuer.  Common
stock generally  represents the riskiest  investment in a company.  In addition,
common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation  potential
because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's
stock price.

Preferred  stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to
the payment of  dividends  and the  recovery of  investment  should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of
the issuer.  Preferred  stock  typically  does not possess voting rights and its
market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

RISKS.  The  fundamental  risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the
risk that the value of the stock  might  decrease.  Stock  values  fluctuate  in
response to the  activities of an  individual  company or in response to general
market and/or  economic  conditions.  Historically,  common stocks have provided
greater  long-term  returns  and have  entailed  greater  short-term  risks than
preferred stocks, fixed-income and money market investments. The market value of

                                       2
<PAGE>

all  securities,  including  common  and  preferred  stocks,  is based  upon the
market's  perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or
other  objective  measure of a company's  worth.  If you invest in the Fund, you
should be willing to accept the risks of the stock market and should consider an
investment in the Fund only as a part of your overall investment portfolio.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

GENERAL.  Convertible  securities  include debt  securities,  preferred stock or
other  securities  that may be converted into or exchanged for a given amount of
common stock of the same or a different  issuer during a specified period and at
a specified price in the future. A convertible  security  entitles the holder to
receive  interest  on  debt  or  the  dividend  on  preferred  stock  until  the
convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged.

Convertible  securities  rank  senior to  common  stock in a  company's  capital
structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible  securities.
Convertible  securities  have  unique  investment  characteristics  in that they
generally:  (1) have higher  yields than common  stocks,  but lower  yields than
comparable  non-convertible  securities;  (2) are less subject to fluctuation in
value than the underlying  stocks since they have fixed income  characteristics;
and (3) provide the  potential for capital  appreciation  if the market price of
the underlying common stock increases.

A convertible  security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.  If a
convertible  security  is called for  redemption,  the Fund will be  required to
permit the issuer to redeem the security,  convert it into the underlying common
stock or sell it to a third party.

RISKS.  Investment in convertible securities generally entails less risk than an
investment in the issuer's  common stock.  Convertible  securities are typically
issued by smaller  capitalized  companies  whose  stock  price may be  volatile.
Therefore,  the price of a  convertible  security may reflect  variations in the
price of the underlying common stock in a way that nonconvertible debt does not.
The extent to which such risk is reduced, however, depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the  convertible  security  sells above its value as a fixed
income security.

WARRANTS


GENERAL. Warrants are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or bonds
that give the  holder the right to  purchase a given  number of shares of common
stock at a specified price and time. The price usually represents a premium over
the  applicable  market value of the common  stock at the time of the  warrant's
issuance.  Warrants  have no voting  rights  with  respect to the common  stock,
receive  no  dividends  and have no rights  with  respect  to the  assets of the
issuer.  The Fund will limit its purchase of warrants to not more than 5% of the
value of its total assets.


RISKS.  Investments in warrants  involve  certain risks,  including the possible
lack of a  liquid  market  for  the  resale  of the  warrants,  potential  price
fluctuations  due to adverse  market  conditions or other factors and failure of
the price of the common stock to rise.  If the warrant is not  exercised  within
the specified time period, it becomes worthless.

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

GENERAL.  The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored  American  Depositary
Receipts  ("ADRs").  ADRs typically are issued by an U.S. bank or trust company,
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company, and are
designed for use in U.S.  securities  markets.  The Fund  invests in  depositary
receipts in order to obtain exposure to foreign securities markets.

RISKS.  Unsponsored depositary receipts may be created without the participation
of the foreign issuer. Holders of these receipts generally bear all the costs of
the depositary receipt facility,  whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain
costs in a sponsored depository receipt. The bank or trust company depositary of
an  unsponsored  depositary  receipt may be under no  obligation  to  distribute
shareholder  communications  received from the foreign issuer or to pass through


                                       3
<PAGE>

voting rights. Accordingly,  available information concerning the issuer may not
be  current  and the  prices  of  unsponsored  depositary  receipts  may be more
volatile than the prices of sponsored depositary receipts.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES TRANSACTIONS

GENERAL


Investments  in foreign  companies  will usually  involve  currencies of foreign
countries.  The Fund may  temporarily  hold  funds in bank  deposits  in foreign
currencies  during the completion of investment  programs.  The Fund may conduct
foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the spot
rate  prevailing  in the foreign  exchange  market or by entering into a forward
foreign  currency  contract.  A  forward  foreign  currency  contract  ("forward
contract")  involves an  obligation  to purchase or sell a specific  amount of a
specific  currency  at a future  date,  which  may be any  fixed  number of days
(usually  less than one year) from the date of the  contract  agreed upon by the
parties,  at a price  set at the time of the  contract.  Forward  contracts  are
considered  "derivatives" -- financial instruments whose performance is derived,
at least in part,  from the  performance  of another  asset (such as a security,
currency or an index of securities).  The Fund enters into forward  contracts in
order to "lock in" the  exchange  rate  between the currency it will deliver and
the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. In addition,  the
Fund may enter into  forward  contracts  to hedge  against  risks  arising  from
securities the Fund owns or anticipates purchasing,  or the U.S. dollar value of
interest and  dividends  paid on those  securities.  The Fund does not intend to
enter into forward  contracts on a regular or continuing basis and the Fund will
not enter these contracts for speculative purposes.  The Fund will not have more
than 25% of its total assets committed to forward  contracts,  or maintain a net
exposure to forward  contracts that would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount
of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's  investment  securities
or other assets denominated in that currency.

At or before  settlement  of a forward  currency  contract,  the Fund may either
deliver the foreign currency or terminate its contractual  obligation to deliver
the foreign  currency by purchasing an  offsetting  contract.  If the Fund makes
delivery  of the  foreign  currency  at or before  the  settlement  of a forward
contract,  it may be required to obtain the currency  through the  conversion of
assets of the Fund into the currency.  The Fund may close out a forward contract
obligating it to purchase a foreign currency by selling an offsetting  contract,
in which case, it will realize a gain or a loss.


RISKS

Foreign currency  transactions  involve certain costs and risks. The Fund incurs
foreign  exchange  expenses in  converting  assets from one currency to another.
Forward  contracts  involve a risk of loss if the Adviser is  inaccurate  in its
prediction of currency  movements.  The projection of short-term currency market
movements is extremely  difficult,  and the successful execution of a short-term
hedging strategy is highly  uncertain.  The precise matching of forward contract
amounts and the value of the  securities  involved is  generally  not  possible.
Accordingly,  it may be necessary  for the Fund to purchase  additional  foreign
currency  if the  market  value of the  security  is less than the amount of the
foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver under the forward contract and
the  decision  is made to sell the  security  and make  delivery  of the foreign
currency. The use of forward contracts as a hedging technique does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities the Fund owns or intends
to acquire,  but it does fix a rate of exchange  in  advance.  Although  forward
contracts  can  reduce  the risk of loss due to a  decline  in the  value of the
hedged currencies,  they also limit any potential gain that might result from an
increase in the value of the  currencies.  There is also the risk that the other
party to the transaction may fail to deliver  currency when due which may result
in a loss to the Fund.

OPTIONS AND FUTURES

GENERAL


The Fund may write  covered call options to enhance the Fund's  performance.  To
hedge  against a  decline  in the  value of  securities  owned by the Fund or an
increase in the price of  securities  that the Fund plans to purchase,  the Fund
may purchase or write (sell) covered  options on equity  securities,  currencies
and  stock  related  indices  and may also  invest in stock  index  and  foreign


                                       4
<PAGE>

currency futures  contracts,  and purchases options and write covered options on
those contracts.  The Fund may only write a put option as a closing transaction.
The Fund may buy or sell both exchange-traded and over-the-counter  options. The
Fund will only  purchase  or write an  option  that is traded on a U.S.  options
exchange or  over-the-counter  market or if the Adviser  believes  that a liquid
secondary market for the option exists. The Fund has not used options or hedging
strategies in the past but may do so in the future.


OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES.  A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of
the call option, in return for a premium paid, has the right to buy the security
(or index)  underlying  the  option at a  specified  exercise  price at any time
during the term of the option.  The writer of the call option,  who receives the
premium,  has  the  obligation  upon  exercise  of the  option  to  deliver  the
underlying  security  against  payment of the exercise price. A put option gives
its  purchaser,  in  return  for a  premium,  the  right to sell the  underlying
security at a specified  price during the term of the option.  The writer of the
put, who receives the premium,  has the  obligation to buy, upon exercise of the
option,  the  underlying  security  (or a cash amount  equal to the value of the
index) at the exercise  price.  The amount of a premium  received or paid for an
option  is  based  upon  certain  factors,  including  the  market  price of the
underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price,
the historical price volatility of the underlying  security,  the option period,
and interest rates.

OPTIONS ON STOCK  INDICES.  A stock index assigns  relative  values to the stock
included  in the  index,  and the index  fluctuates  with  changes in the market
values of the stocks  included in the index.  Stock index options operate in the
same way as the more traditional  options on securities  except that stock index
options  are  settled  exclusively  in  cash  and do  not  involve  delivery  of
securities.  Thus,  upon exercise of stock index  options,  the  purchaser  will
realize and the writer will pay an amount based on the  differences  between the
exercise price and the closing price of the stock index.

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCY. Options on foreign currency operate in the same way
as more  traditional  options on  securities  except that  currency  options are
settled  exclusively  in the  currency  subject  to the  option.  The value of a
currency option is dependent upon the value of the currency relative to the U.S.
dollar and has 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,  the Fund may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an
odd lot market  (generally  consisting in  transactions of less than $1 million)
for the underlying currencies at prices that are less favorable than round lots.
To the extent that the U.S.  options markets are closed while the market for the
underlying  currencies are open,  significant  price and rate movements may take
place  in the  underlying  markets  that  can not be  reflected  in the  options
markets.

OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES.  Options on futures  contracts  are  similar to options on
securities  except that an option on a futures  contract gives the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract rather than to purchase or sell a security or currency,  at a specified
exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the
option, the delivery of the futures position to the holder of the option will be
accompanied by transfer to the holder of an accumulated balance representing the
amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of
a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise  price of the option
on the future.

CURRENCY FUTURES AND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS.  A futures contract is a bilateral
agreement where one party agrees to accept,  and the other party agrees to make,
delivery of cash,  an underlying  debt security or a currency,  as called for in
the contract,  at a specified date and at an agreed upon price. An index futures
contract  involves the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar
amount  multiplied  by the  difference  between  the index value at the close of
trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract. No physical
delivery  of the  securities  comprising  the  index is made.  Generally,  these
futures contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contracts.


                                       5
<PAGE>

RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

There  are  certain   investment  risks  associated  with  options  and  futures
transactions.  These risks include:  (1) dependence on the Adviser's  ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets;  (2) imperfect  correlation between movements in the
prices of options and  movements  in the price of the  securities  (or  indices)
hedged or used for  cover  which may  cause a given  hedge  not to  achieve  its
objective;  (3) the fact that the skills and  techniques  needed to trade  these
instruments  are different  from those needed to select the  securities in which
the Fund invests;  and (4) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular  instrument at any particular time, which,  among other
things,  may hinder  the  Fund's  ability  to limit  exposures  by  closing  its
positions.  The  potential  loss to the Fund from  investing in certain types of
futures transactions is unlimited.

Other risks  include the  inability  of the Fund,  as the writer of covered call
options, to benefit from any appreciation of the underlying securities above the
exercise  price,  and the possible  loss of the entire  premium paid for options
purchased by the Fund. In addition,  the futures  exchanges may limit the amount
of fluctuation  permitted in certain futures  contract prices on related options
during a single trading day. The Fund may be forced,  therefore, to liquidate or
close out a futures contract  position at a disadvantageous  price.  There is no
assurance that a counterparty in an over-the-counter  option transaction will be
able to perform its obligations. The Fund may use various futures contracts that
are relatively  new  instruments  without a significant  trading  history.  As a
result,  there  can be no  assurance  that an active  secondary  market in those
contracts  will  develop or  continue  to exist.  The Fund's  activities  in the
futures and options  markets may result in higher  portfolio  turnover rates and
additional brokerage costs, which could reduce the Fund's yield.

LIMITS ON OPTIONS AND FUTURES

The Fund will not use leverage in its hedging strategy.  The Fund will not hedge
more than 25% of its total  assets by  selling  futures  contracts,  buying  put
options and writing call  options.  In  addition,  the Fund will not buy futures
contracts or write put options whose  underlying value exceeds 25% of the Fund's
total assets and will not purchase  call options if the value of purchased  call
options would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.

The Fund will only invest in futures contracts, options on futures contracts and
other options  contracts that are subject to the  jurisdiction of the CFTC after
filing a notice of eligibility and otherwise  complying with the requirements of
Section  4.5 of the rules of the CFTC.  Under  that  section  the Fund  would be
permitted  to  purchase  such  futures or options  contracts  only for bona fide
hedging purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; provided, however,
that in addition,  with  respect to  positions  in commodity  futures and option
contracts not  established for bona fide hedging  purposes,  the Fund represents
that the  aggregate  initial  margin and premiums  required to  establish  these
positions (subject to certain  exclusions) will not exceed 5% of the liquidation
value of the Fund's  assets  after taking into  account  unrealized  profits and
losses on any such contract the Fund has entered into.

LEVERAGE TRANSACTIONS

GENERAL

The Fund may use  leverage  to increase  potential  returns.  Leverage  involves
special risks and may involve speculative investment techniques. Leverage exists
when cash made available to the Fund through an investment  technique is used to
make  additional  Fund  investments.  Borrowing  for  other  than  temporary  or
emergency  purposes,   lending  portfolio  securities,   entering  into  reverse
repurchase  agreements,  and  purchasing  securities on a  when-issued,  delayed
delivery or forward commitment basis. The Fund uses these investment  techniques
only when the Adviser believes that the leveraging and the returns  available to
the Fund from  investing the cash will provide  investors a  potentially  higher
return.


BORROWING AND REVERSE  REPURCHASE  AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may borrow money from a
bank  in  amounts  up to 33 1/3% of the  Fund's  total  assets.  The  Fund  will
generally  borrow  money to  increase  its  returns.  Typically,  if a  security


                                       6
<PAGE>

purchased  with  borrowed  funds  increases  in  value,  the  Fund  may sell the
security,  repay the loan,  and  secure a profit.  The Fund may also  enter into
reverse repurchase  agreements.  A reverse repurchase agreement is a transaction
in  which  the  Fund  sells  securities  to a  bank  or  securities  dealer  and
simultaneously  commits to repurchase the securities  from the bank or dealer at
an  agreed  upon  date  and at a price  reflecting  a  market  rate of  interest
unrelated to the sold securities.  An investment of the Fund's assets in reverse
repurchase agreements will increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value
per share. A counterparty  to a reverse  repurchase  agreements  must be primary
dealer  that  reports  to the  Federal  Reserve  Bank of New  York or one of the
largest 100 commercial banks in the United States.


SECURITIES LENDING AND REPURCHASE  AGREEMENTS.  The Adviser is generally opposed
to securities lending and has not loaned securities in the past but may do so in
the future. The Fund may lend portfolio  securities or participate in repurchase
agreements  in an amount up to 50% of its total  assets to brokers,  dealers and
other  financial  institutions.  The Fund may pay fees to arrange for securities
loans.  Repurchase  agreements  are  transactions  in which the Fund purchases a
security and  simultaneously  agrees to resell that security to the seller at an
agreed  upon price on an agreed upon future  date,  normally,  one to seven days
later.  If the  Fund  enters  into a  repurchase  agreement,  it  will  maintain
possession of the purchased securities and any underlying collateral. Securities
loans and repurchase  agreements  must be  continuously  collateralized  and the
collateral  must have  market  value at least  equal to the value of the  Fund's
loaned  securities,  plus  accrued  interest  or,  in  the  case  of  repurchase
agreements,  equal to the  repurchase  price  of the  securities,  plus  accrued
interest. In a portfolio securities lending transaction,  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 as well as the interest on the
collateral  securities,  less any fees (such as 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.  The terms of the Fund's loans
permit the Fund to reacquire loaned  securities on five business days' notice or
in time to vote on any important matter. Loans are subject to termination at the
option of the Fund or the borrower at any time, and the borrowed securities must
be returned when the loan is terminated.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase securities
offered  on a  "when-issued"  basis and may  purchase  or sell  securities  on a
"forward  commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated,  the price,
which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment
is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date.
Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within two months after the  transaction,
but delayed  settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.  During the period
between a  commitment  and  settlement,  no payment  is made for the  securities
purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no interest  accrues to the purchaser from
the  transaction.  At the  time  the  Fund  makes  the  commitment  to  purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed  delivery basis, the Fund will record the
transaction  as a purchase  and  thereafter  reflect  the value each day of such
securities  in  determining  its net asset  value.  No  when-issued  or  forward
commitments  will be made by the  fund if,  as a  result,  more  than 10% of the
Fund's total assets would be committed to such transactions.


SHORT SALES.  The Fund may sell a security which it does not own in anticipation
of a decline in the market value of that security.  To sell short, the Fund will
borrow the  security  from a broker,  sell it and  maintain  the proceeds of the
transaction in its brokerage  account.  The broker will charge the Fund interest
during the period it borrows the security.  The Fund may close the short sale by
purchasing the security in the open market at the market price.  If the proceeds
received from the short sale (less the interest charges) exceeds the amount paid
for the security, the Fund will incur a gain on the transaction. If the proceeds
received  from the short  sale  (less the  interest  charges)  are less than the
amount paid for the security, the Fund will incur a loss on the transaction.

RISKS


Leverage creates the risk of magnified capital losses.  Leverage may involve the
creation of a liability  that requires the Fund to pay interest  (for  instance,
reverse  repurchase  agreements)  or the  creation of a liability  that does not
entail any interest costs (for instance, forward commitment costs).

                                       7
<PAGE>

The risks of leverage include a higher  volatility of the net asset value of the
Fund's  securities and the  relatively  greater effect on the net asset value of
the securities caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as
the Fund is able to realize a net  return on its  investment  portfolio  that is
higher than interest expense  incurred,  if any,  leverage will result in higher
current net investment  income for the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged.
Changes  in  interest  rates  and  related  economic  factors  could  cause  the
relationship  between  the cost of  leveraging  and the  yield to change so that
rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative
to the yield on the  obligations  in which the proceeds of the  leveraging  have
been invested.  To the extent that the interest  expense  involved in leveraging
approaches  the net return on the Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the benefit of
leveraging will be reduced,  and, if the interest  expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to investors, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a
lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if
the Fund's  current  investment  income were not sufficient to meet the interest
expense of leveraging,  it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate  certain
of its investments at an inappropriate time.

SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. In order to attempt to reduce the risks involved in various
transactions  involving  leverage,  the  Fund's  custodian  will set  aside  and
maintain,  in a segregated  account,  cash and liquid securities.  The account's
value,  which is marked to market  daily,  will be at least  equal to the Fund's
commitments under these transactions.

ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

GENERAL

The Fund may not acquire securities or invest in repurchase  agreements if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be
invested in illiquid securities.

The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which the Fund has valued the securities.  Illiquid securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days; (2) purchased over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;   and  (4)  securities  subject  to  contractual  or  legal
restrictions on resale because they have not been registered  under the 1933 Act
("restricted securities").

RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and the Fund might also have to register a restricted security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting in expense and delay. The Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and might thereby experience difficulty  satisfying  redemption requests.  There
can be no  assurance  that a liquid  market  will exist for any  security at any
particular time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to
be liquid, can become illiquid.

DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

                                       8
<PAGE>


FOREIGN SECURITIES


The Fund may  invest in  foreign  securities.  Although  the  Adviser  currently
intends to invest the Fund's assets in issuers  located in at least 5 countries,
there is no limit on the amount of the Fund's  assets  that may be  invested  in
issuers  located in any one  country or region.  To the extent that the Fund has
concentrated  its  investments in issuers  located in any one country or region,
the Fund is more susceptible to factors adversely  affecting the economy of that
country or region than if the Fund was invested in a more geographically diverse
portfolio. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers may involve risks in
addition to those normally associated with investments in the securities of U.S.
issuers.  All foreign investments are subject to risks of: (1) foreign political
and economic  instability;  (2) adverse movements in foreign exchange rates; (3)
the  imposition  or  tightening  of exchange  controls or other  limitations  on
repatriation  of  foreign  capital;  (4) and  changes  in  foreign  governmental
attitudes  towards  private  investment,  including  potential  nationalization,
increased taxation or confiscation of the Fund's assets.

Dividends  payable on foreign  securities may be subject to foreign  withholding
taxes,  thereby  reducing the income  available  for  distribution  to you. Some
foreign  brokerage  commissions  and  custody  fees are higher than those in the
United States.  Foreign  accounting,  auditing and financial reporting standards
differ from those in the United States,  and therefore,  less information may be
available about foreign  companies than is available about issuers of comparable
U.S. companies. Foreign securities also may trade less frequently and with lower
volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than United States securities.

Changes  in foreign  exchange  rates will  affect the U.S.  dollar  value of all
foreign  currency-denominated  securities  held by the Fund.  Exchange rates are
influenced  generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency
markets and by numerous other  political and economic events  occurring  outside
the  United  States,  many of which  may be  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to
predict.

Income  from  foreign  securities  will be  received  and  realized  in  foreign
currencies,  and the Fund is required to compute and  distribute  income in U.S.
dollars.  Accordingly,  a decline in the value of a particular  foreign currency
against the U.S.  dollar after the Fund's income has been earned and computed in
U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate  portfolio  securities to acquire
sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution.  Similarly, if the exchange rate
declines  between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional foreign
securities to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION

The  Fund  may  invest  in  prime  quality  money  market  instruments,  pending
investment  of cash  balances.  The Fund may also assume a  temporary  defensive
position and may invest without limit in prime quality money market instruments.
Prime quality instruments are those instruments that are rated in one of the two
highest short-term rating categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated, determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of  return.  The money  market  instruments  in which the Fund may  invest
include  short-term  U.S.  Government  Securities,  commercial  paper,  bankers'
acceptances,  certificates  of  deposit,  interest-bearing  savings  deposits of
commercial banks,  repurchase agreements concerning securities in which the Fund
may invest and money market mutual funds.

CORE AND GATEWAY(R)


The Fund may seek to achieve its  investment  objective by  converting to a Core
and Gateway  structure.  The Fund operating  under a Core and Gateway  structure
holds,  as its only  investment,  shares of another  investment  company  having
substantially  the same  investment  objective and policies.  The Board will not
authorize  conversion  to a Core and Gateway  structure  if it would  materially
increase costs to the Fund's  shareholders.  The Board will not convert the Fund
to a Core and Gateway structure without notice to the shareholders.

                                       9
<PAGE>

YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and the Fund's  administrator  have  addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems. The Fund's other service providers have informed the Fund that they are
taking similar measures. Services provided to the Fund or any companies in which
it  invests  could  still be  adversely  affected  by a  computer's  failure  to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or the  Fund's  administrator,  there  is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.



INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

For  purposes  of all  investment  policies  of the Fund:  (1) the term 1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of the  Fund's  assets  or  purchases  and  redemptions  of  shares  will not be
considered a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental policy of the Fund and the Fund's investment objective,  cannot be
changed  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  lesser  of:  (1)  50%  of the
outstanding  shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund present or
represented at a  shareholders  meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented.  A nonfundamental
policy of the Fund may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS


The Fund has  adopted  the  following  investment  limitations,  that  cannot be
changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:


BORROWING MONEY


Borrow  money if, as a result,  outstanding  borrowings  would  exceed an amount
equal to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total  assets.  The  following are not subject to
this  limitation  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;   and  (3)   dollar-roll
transactions.


CONCENTRATION


Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government   Securities,   repurchase
agreements covering U.S. Government Securities, or securities of other regulated
investment companies,  if, immediately after each purchase, more than 25% of the
Fund's total assets  taken at market  value would be invested in  securities  of
issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

For  purposes of  determining  industry  concentration  (1) there is no limit on
investments  in  tax-exempt  securities  issued by the  states,  territories  or
possessions of the United States or foreign government  securities;  and (2) the
Fund treats the assets of  investment  companies  in which it invests as its own
except  to the  extent  that the Fund  invests  in  other  investment  companies
pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act.


                                       10
<PAGE>

DIVERSIFICATION

With  respect  to 75% of its  assets,  purchase a  security  (other  than a U.S.
Government Security or a security of an investment company) if, as a result: (1)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of a
single issuer, or (2) the Fund would own more than l0% of the outstanding voting
securities of any single issuer.

UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

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

MAKING LOANS

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.

PURCHASES AND SALES OF 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).

PURCHASES AND SALES OF 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).


ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES


Issue senior securities except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.


NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS


The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations that may be changed by
the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:


PLEDGES

Pledge,   mortgage  or  hypothecate  its  assets,  except  to  secure  permitted
indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in connection with the writing
of put and call  options,  collateralized  loans of  securities  and  collateral
arrangements  with respect to margin for futures  contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.

SECURITIES OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES

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

                                       11
<PAGE>

SHORT SALES

Enter into short sales if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested or the Fund's short  positions  (other than those positions
"against  the  box")  would  represent  more than 2% of the  outstanding  voting
securities  of any  single  issuer or of any class of  securities  of any single
issuer.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES

Invest  more  than  15% of its net  assets  in  illiquid  assets  such  as:  (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.

Except as required by the 1940 Act,  whenever an amended or restated  investment
policy or limitation  states a maximum  percentage of the Fund's assets that may
be invested, such percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and
as a result of the  acquisition of such security or other asset.  Any subsequent
change in values,  assets or other  circumstances  will not be  considered  when
determining  whether the investment complies with the Fund's investment policies
or limitations.

PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING

PERFORMANCE DATA

On June 1, 1998, a limited  partnership  managed by the Adviser reorganized into
the Fund. The predecessor limited partnership maintained an investment objective
and investment policies that were, in all material respects, equivalent to those
of the Fund. The Fund's  performance  for periods before June 1, 1998 is that of
the limited  partnership's  performance had been readjusted to reflect the first
year expenses of the Fund, the Fund's  performance for all periods except "Since
Inception"  would have been lower.  The limited  partnership  was not registered
under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940  ("1940  Act") and was not subject to
certain  investment  limitations,   diversification   requirements,   and  other
restrictions  imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal  Revenue Code,  which, if
applicable, may have adversely affected its performance.

Including the limited partnership  performance,  the Fund's average annual total
return for the  1-year,  3-year,  5-year  and since  inception  (July 31,  1989)
periods as of May 31, 1998 was 11.95%, 12.74%, 15.71% and 11.27%,  respectively.
Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

The Fund may quote  performance  in various ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

The Fund may compare any of its performance information with:

     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

     o    The performance of other mutual funds.

                                       12
<PAGE>

     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to the  Standard & Poor's  500(R)  Index,  the Russell
          2000(R) Index,  the Russell  MidcapTM Index, the Russell 1000(R) Value
          Index,  the  Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the  Morgan  Stanley  - Europe,
          Australian and Far East Index, the Dow Jones Industrial  Average,  the
          Salomon  Brothers  Bond Index,  the Shearson  Lehman Bond Index,  U.S.
          Treasury bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index
          as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Performance  information  may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of the Fund but rather are standards by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.

The Fund may refer to: (1) general  market  performances  over past time periods
such as those  published  by Ibbotson  Associates  (for  instance,  its "Stocks,
Bonds, Bills and Inflation Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and
other  data  published  by  Fund  Tracking  Companies;   and  (3)  material  and
comparative  mutual fund data and ratings  reported in independent  periodicals,
such as newspapers and financial magazines.

The Fund's performance will fluctuate in response to market conditions and other
factors.

PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

The Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return.  Table 1
in Appendix C includes performance information for the Fund.

SEC YIELD

Standardized  SEC  yields  for the Fund  used in  advertising  are  computed  by
dividing the Fund's interest  income (in accordance  with specific  standardized
rules) for a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average
number of shares  entitled to receive  income  distributions  during the period,
dividing  this  figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming  compounding of income in accordance
with  specific  standardized  rules) in order to arrive at an annual  percentage
rate.

Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

Income  calculated for the purpose of determining  the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield
calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for the  Fund  may  differ  from  the rate of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's  performance,  investors should be aware that the Fund's yield fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in the Fund fees in connection with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

The yields of the Fund are not fixed or  guaranteed,  and an  investment  in the
Fund is not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be
used to compare shares of the Fund with  investment  alternatives,  which,  like
money market instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest.
Also, it may not be appropriate to compare the Fund's yield information directly
to similar information regarding investment  alternatives,  which are insured or
guaranteed.

                                       13
<PAGE>


Yield quotations are based on amounts invested in the Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.  The Fund
does not charge a sales charge.


Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period

TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

The Fund's total return shows its overall change in value,  including changes in
share price, and assumes all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.

Total return  figures may be based on amounts  invested in the Fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.  The Fund
does not charge a sales charge.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula prescribed by the SEC. To calculate standard average annual total return
the Fund:  (1)  determines  the  growth or  decline  in value of a  hypothetical
historical  investment in the Fund over a stated period;  and (2) calculates the
annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been  constant  over the period.  For
example,  a  cumulative  return of 100% over ten years would  produce an average
annual  total  return  of  7.18%.  While  average  annual  total  returns  are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,  investors should realize
that  performance  is not constant over time but changes from year to year,  and
that average annual total returns  represent  averaged figures as opposed to the
actual year-to-year performance of the Fund.

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable value:  ERV is the value,
                                    at  the end of the applicable  period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the  applicable period


Because average annual total returns tend to smooth out variations in the Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.  For  instance,  the Fund may  quote  unaveraged  or  cumulative  total
returns,  which  reflect the Fund's  performance  over a stated  period of time.
Moreover,  total returns may be stated in their components of income and capital
(including  capital gains and changes in share price) in order to illustrate the
relationship of these factors and their contributions to total return.

                                       14
<PAGE>

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without
taking  into  consideration  the Fund's  front-end  sales  charge or  contingent
deferred sales charges (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

OTHER MATTERS

The  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in its  advertising,  sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost
averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual  retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the net
asset value,  net assets or number of shareholders of the Fund as of one or more
dates; and (10) a comparison of the Fund's operations to the operations of other
funds or similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and
scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted average maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies  and the manner of  calculating  and  reporting
performance.

As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,118 at the end
of the second year (an increase in $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of the Fund's performance.

The  Fund  may  advertise   information  regarding  the  effects  of  systematic
investment and systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including the principal of dollar
cost averaging.  In a dollar-cost averaging program, an investor invests a fixed
dollar amount in the Fund at periodic intervals, thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in the Fund the following will be the relationship between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

                                       15
<PAGE>

                    SYSTEMATIC             SHARE                SHARES
PERIOD              INVESTMENT             PRICE               PURCHASED
- ------              ----------             -----               ---------
   1                   $100                 $10                  10.00
   2                   $100                 $12                   8.33
   3                   $100                 $15                   6.67
   4                   $100                 $20                   5.00
   5                   $100                 $18                   5.56
   6                   $100                 $16                   6.25
                       ----                 ---                   ----
           TOTAL                AVERAGE                TOTAL
          INVESTED     $600     PRICE      $15.17      SHARES    41.81

In  connection  with its  advertisements,  the Fund may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serves to provide  shareholders or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices.












                                       16
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  positions  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).
<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                          <C>
NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS
- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

John Y. Keffer*,  Chairman and President     Member and Director,  Forum  Financial Group,  LLC (a mutual fund
Born:  July 15, 1942                         services  holding  company)
Two Portland  Square                         Director,  Forum  Fund  Services,  LLC  (Trust's  underwriter)
Portland,  ME 04101                          Officer of six other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California-Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting  Professor of Economics,  Athens  University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        Group, LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing  company  for  small  and  medium  size  businesses  in New
27 Temple Street                             England)
Belmont, MA 02718                            Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
New York, NY 10019                           Group, LLC provides services

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

Stephen  J.  Barrett,  Vice  President       Manager  of Client  Services and Senior Relationship Manager, Forum
Born: November 14, 1968                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager,  Fidelity  Investments,  1994 - 1996
Portland,  Maine 04101                       Officer of four other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial
Two Portland Square                          Group, LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing  Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born:  October 14, 1943                      Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other investment companies for which Forum Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel,  Smith Barney Inc.  (brokerage firm) 1993 -
Two Portland Square                          1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of one other  investment  company  for which  Forum  Financial
                                             Group, LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       17
<PAGE>

COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS


Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or
by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the  compensation  paid to each  Trustee by the
Trust and the Fund  Complex  that  includes  all series of the Trust and another
investment  company for which Forum Financial Group,  LLC provides  services for
the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
     <S>                           <C>                 <C>                  <C>                     <C>
                                                                                              TOTAL COMPENSATION
                             COMPENSATION FROM                                                FROM  TRUST  AND  FUND
TRUSTEE                      TRUST                BENEFITS              RETIREMENT            COMPLEX
John Y. Keffer               $0                   $0                    $0                    $0
Costas Azariadis             $13,300              $0                    $0                    $23,800
James C. Cheng               $14,800              $0                    $0                    $25,300
J. Michael Parish            $14,800              $0                    $0                    $25,300

</TABLE>

INVESTMENT ADVISER

SERVICES OF ADVISER

The Adviser  serves as investment  adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory agreement with the Trust. Under that agreement,  the Adviser furnishes,
at its  own  expense,  all  services,  facilities  and  personnel  necessary  in
connection  with  managing  the  Fund's  investments  and  effecting   portfolio
transactions for the Fund.

OWNERSHIP OF ADVISER

The Adviser is a privately owned company controlled by Bernard R. Horn, Jr.

FEES

The Adviser's fee is calculated as a percentage of the applicable Fund's average
net assets.  The fee is accrued  daily by the Fund and is paid monthly  based on
average net assets for the previous month.

In addition to receiving  its  advisory fee from the Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they invested in the Fund. If you have a separately  managed account with
the Adviser with assets  invested in the Fund, the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

Table 1 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
the  Adviser,  the amount of fees  waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual  fees
received  by the  Adviser.  The data are for the past  three  fiscal  years  (or
shorter period depending on the Fund's commencement of operations).

OTHER PROVISIONS OF ADVISER'S AGREEMENT

The Adviser's agreement remains in effect for a period of two year from the date
of  its  effectiveness  and  then  the  agreement  must  be  approved  annually.
Subsequently,  the Adviser's agreement must be approved at least annually by the
Board or by majority vote of the shareholders,  and in either case by a majority
of the Trustees who are not parties to the  agreement or  interested  persons of
any such party.

                                       18
<PAGE>

The Adviser's agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust regarding the
Fund on 60 days'  written  notice when  authorized  either by vote of the Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by the Adviser on 60 days'
written  notice  to  the  Trust.  The  Agreement  terminates   immediately  upon
assignment.

Under its  agreement,  the  Adviser  is not  liable  for any error of  judgment,
mistake of law, or in any event whatsoever except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith or gross  negligence  in the  performance  of its  duties  or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.


DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR; SERVICES AND COMPENSATION OF DISTRIBUTOR

FFS, the distributor (also known as principal  underwriter) of the shares of the
Fund,  is  located at Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101.  FFS is a
registered  broker-dealer  and  is a  member  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities  Dealers,  Inc. Prior to August 1, 1999,  FFSI was the distributor of
the Fund pursuant to similar terms and compensation.


FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC, which is controlled by John Y. Keffer.


Under a distribution  agreement (the  "Distribution  Agreement") with the Trust,
FFS acts as the agent of the Trust in connection  with the offering of shares of
the Fund. FFS continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best effort basis.
FFS has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of the Fund.

FFS may enter into  agreements  with selected  broker-dealers,  banks,  or other
financial  institutions  for distribution of shares of the Fund. These financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service  fees even though  shares of the Fund are sold  without a sales  charge.
These financial institutions may otherwise act as processing agents, and will be
responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to
the Fund.

Investors who purchase  shares in this manner will be subject to the  procedures
of the institution through whom they purchase shares, which may include charges,
investment  minimums,  cutoff  times and other  restrictions  in addition to, or
different  from,  those listed  herein.  Information  concerning  any charges or
services will be provided to customers by the financial  institution.  Investors
purchasing  shares of the Fund in this manner should  acquaint  themselves  with
their  institution's  procedures and should read this  Prospectus in conjunction
with any materials and information provided by their institution.  The financial
institution  and not its customers will be the  shareholder of record,  although
customers  may have the right to vote shares  depending  upon their  arrangement
with the institution.

FFS does  not  receive  a fee for  services  performed  under  the  Distribution
Agreement.

OTHER PROVISIONS OF DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT

The Distribution Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.

The  Distribution  Agreement  is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with
respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by vote of
the  Fund's  shareholders  or by a majority  vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60
days' written notice to the Trust.

                                       19
<PAGE>

Under the Distribution Agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders  for any error of judgment or mistake of law,  for any loss arising
out of any  investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its
duties  to the  Fund,  except  for  willful  misfeasance,  bad  faith  or  gross
negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of reckless  disregard
of its obligations and duties under the agreement.

Under the Distribution Agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's
officers and persons that control FFS) are  indemnified by the Trust against all
claims and expenses in any way related to alleged untrue  statements of material
fact contained in the Fund's Registration Statement or any alleged omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FSS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FSS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.

OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

ADMINISTRATOR

As  administrator,  pursuant to an agreement with the Trust, FAdS is responsible
for the supervision of the overall management of the Trust,  providing the Trust
with general office facilities and providing  persons  satisfactory to the Board
to serve as officers of the Trust.

For its  services,  FAdS receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate 0.10% of
the first $150 million of the Fund's  average  daily net assets and 0.05% of the
Fund's  average daily net assets in excess of $150  million.  The fee is accrued
daily by the Fund  and is paid  monthly  based on  average  net  assets  for the
previous month.

The Administration  agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  FAdS's  agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust or by FAdS
with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Administration  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  to the Trust or the
Trust's  shareholders for any act or omission,  except for willful  misfeasance,
bad faith or gross  negligence in the  performance of its duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the agreement.  Under the
agreement, FAdS and certain related parties (such as FAdS's officers and persons
who control  FAdS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any and all claims and
expenses  related to FAdS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAdS's
contractual standard of care.

Table 2 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual fees received by
FAdS. The data is for the past three fiscal years (or shorter  period  depending
on the Fund's commencement of operations).

FUND ACCOUNTANT


As fund  accountant,  pursuant to an agreement  with the Trust (the  "Accounting
Agreement")  FAcS provides fund accounting  services to the Fund. These services
include  calculating the NAV per share of the Fund (and class) and preparing the
Fund's financial statements and tax returns.


For its  services,  FAcS  receives  a fee  from the  Fund at an  annual  rate of
$36,000,  plus $2,200 for the preparation of tax returns and certain  surcharges
based  upon  the  number  and  type of the  Fund's  portfolio  transactions  and
positions. The fee is accrued daily by the Fund and is paid monthly based on the
transactions and positions for the previous month.

                                       20
<PAGE>


The  Accounting  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by
FAcS with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.


Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS is not liable for any action or omission in
the performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith,  gross  negligence or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement.  Under the agreement,  FAcS and certain  related
parties (such as FAcS's  officers and persons who control FAcS) are  indemnified
by the Trust against any and all claims and expenses  related to FAcS's  actions
or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's contractual standard of care.

Under the Accounting Agreement, in calculating the Fund's NAV per share, FAcS is
deemed  not to have  committed  an error if the NAV per share it  calculates  is
within  1/10  of 1% of the  actual  NAV per  share  (after  recalculation).  The
agreement  also provides  that FAcS will not be liable to a shareholder  for any
loss incurred due to an NAV difference if such  difference is less than or equal
1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to $10.00.  In addition,  FAcS is not liable for
the errors of others,  including the companies that supply  securities prices to
FAcS and the Fund.

Table 3 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual fees received by
FAcS. The data is for the past three fiscal years (or shorter  period  depending
on the Fund's commencement of operations).

TRANSFER AGENT


As transfer agent and distribution  paying agent,  pursuant to an agreement with
the Trust  ("Transfer  Agency  Agreement"),  FSS  maintains  an account for each
shareholder of record of the Fund and is responsible for processing purchase and
redemption  requests and paying  distributions to shareholders of record. FSS is
located at Two Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine 04101 and is  registered as a
transfer agent with the SEC.

For its services,  FSS receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate of $24,000
plus $25 per  shareholder  account.  The fee is accrued daily by the Fund and is
paid monthly based on the average net assets for the previous month.

The Transfer Agency Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Transfer Agency Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust
or by FSS with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the  Transfer  Agency  Agreement,  FSS is not  liable  for any act in the
performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the agreement.  Under
the  agreement,  FSS and certain  related  parties  (such as FSS's  officers and
persons who control the Transfer FSS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any
and all  claims and  expenses  related to FSS's  actions or  omissions  that are
consistent with FSS's contractual standard of care.


Table 4 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FSS,  the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual  fees  received by
FSS. The data is for the past three fiscal years (or shorter period depending on
the Fund's commencement of operations).

CUSTODIAN

As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with the  Trust,  Forum  Trust,  LLC
safeguards and controls the Fund's cash and  securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to
provide  custody of the Fund's  domestic and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

                                       21
<PAGE>

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of the Fund. The Fund also pays an annual domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction  fees. These fees are accrued daily by the
Fund and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions  for the
previous month.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel, LLP, 1200 G Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20005, passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Deloitte & Touche,  LLP,  200  Berkeley  Street,  Boston,  Massachusetts  02116,
independent  auditors have been selected as auditors for the Fund.  The auditors
audit the annual  financial  statements of the Fund and provide the Fund with an
audit opinion.  The auditors also review certain  regulatory filings of the Fund
and the Fund' tax returns.


PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS


HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD


Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are fixed income  securities
(for instance,  money market instruments and bonds, notes and bills) usually are
principal transactions. In a principal transaction, the party from whom the Fund
purchases  or to whom the Fund sells is acting on its own behalf (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected;  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.

Purchases of securities from underwriters of the securities includes a disclosed
fixed  commission  or  concession  paid by the  issuer to the  underwriter,  and
purchases from dealers  serving as market makers reflects the spread between the
bid and asked price.

In the case of fixed income and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes
an undisclosed commission or markup.

COMMISSIONS PAID

Table 5 in Appendix B shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
as  well  as  aggregate  commissions  paid to an  affiliate  of the  Fund or the
Adviser.  The data  presented  are for the past three  fiscal  years (or shorter
period depending on the Fund's commencement of operations).

ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES

The Adviser  places orders for the purchase and sale of securities  with brokers
and dealers  selected by and in the  discretion of the Adviser.  The Fund has no
obligation  to deal  with a  specific  broker  or  dealer  in the  execution  of
portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and
the frequency of transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment
and in a manner deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund rather than by any
formula.

                                       22
<PAGE>

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary consideration in executing transactions for the Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.

CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread  available.  Rather,
in determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid
in  connection  with  securities  transactions,  the Adviser  takes into account
factors such as size of the order,  difficulty of  execution,  efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities  (including the research services described below)
and any risk assumed by the executing broker.

Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider  sales  of  shares  of  the  Fund  as a  factor  in  the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by brokers  effecting  transactions  for the Fund (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay).

OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may cause  the Fund to pay these  brokers a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients  other than the Fund,  and not all research  services may be
used by the Adviser in  connection  with the Fund.  The  Adviser's  fees are not
reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts  although a  particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the  services  obtained for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal databases.

Occasionally, the Adviser utilizes a broker and pay a slightly higher commission
than  another  might  charge.  The  higher  commission  is paid  because  of the
Adviser's need for specific research,  for specific expertise a firm may have in
a particular type of transaction (due to factors such as size or difficulty), or
for  speed/efficiency  in  execution.  Since  most  of the  Adviser's  brokerage
commissions  for  research are for  economic  research on specific  companies or
industries,  and since the Adviser follows a limited number of securities,  most
of the commission dollars spent for industry and stock research directly benefit
the clients.

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser.  Although  such  concurrent  authorizations
potentially could be either  advantageous or  disadvantageous to any one or more
particular  accounts,  they will be effected only when the Adviser believes that
to do so will be in the  best  interest  of the  affected  accounts.  When  such
concurrent authorizations occur, the objective will be to allocate the execution
in a manner equitable to the accounts involved.  Clients are typically allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.


                                       23
<PAGE>

COUNTERPARTY RISK

The  Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to the Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The  Adviser  may effect  transactions  through  affiliates  of the  Adviser (or
affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.

OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions  for the Fund are made  independently  from  those for any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors,  including  basic  suitability  for  the  particular  client  involved.
Likewise,  a particular  security may be bought or sold for certain clients even
though it could  have been  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 clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell
a  particular  security to another  client.  It  addition,  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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that  security.  In addition,  when purchases or sales of the same
security for the Fund and other client  accounts  managed by the Adviser  occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER


The  frequency of portfolio  transactions  of the Fund (the  portfolio  turnover
rate) will vary from year to year  depending on many factors.  From time to time
the Fund may  engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage  of price
movements  affecting  individual issues,  groups of issues or markets. An annual
portfolio  turnover  rate of 100% would occur if all the  securities in the Fund
were replaced  once in a period of one year.  The Adviser  anticipates  that the
annual  turnover  in the  Fund  will not be in  excess  of 50%.  High  portfolio
turnover  rates  may  result  in  increased  brokerage  costs  to the Fund and a
possible increase in short-term capital gains or losses.


SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS

From  time to time the Fund  may  acquire  and  hold  securities  issued  by its
"regular  brokers and dealers" or the parents of those brokers and dealers.  For
this purpose,  regular brokers and dealers means the 10 brokers or dealers that:
(1) received the greatest amount of brokerage commissions during the Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio  transactions  of the Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year;  or (3)
sold the largest amount of the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.
During the Fund's last fiscal year,  the Fund acquired no  securities  issued by
its regular brokers and dealers.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.


                                       24
<PAGE>

The Fund accepts  orders for the purchase or redemption of shares on any weekday
except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.


Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

Shares  of the Fund are sold on a  continuous  basis by the  distributor  at net
asset  value  ("NAV")  per share  without  any sales  charge.  Accordingly,  the
offering price per share is the same as the NAV per share.


The Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  the Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that meet the  investment
objective  and  policies of the Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  The Fund will
only accept  securities  that:  (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and
are not illiquid;  and (2) have a value that is readily  ascertainable  (and not
established only by valuation procedures).

IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

UGMAS/UTMAS

If the trustee's name is not in the account  registration  of a gift or transfer
to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the investor must provide a copy of the trust
document.

PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to the Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable  when you invest in the Fund  directly.  When you purchase the Fund's
shares through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of
record and, subject to your institution's  procedures,  you may have Fund shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold shares through a financial  institution,  the Fund may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you  with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.  The  Fund  is not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.

Investors  purchasing shares of the Fund through a financial  institution should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

                                       25
<PAGE>

ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION

The Fund may redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares   purchased  by  shareholders  or  to  collect  any  charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a  shareholder  which is applicable to
the Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus.

SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary  weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the SEC determines that trading thereon is
restricted;  (2) an emergency  (as  determined by the SEC) exists as a result of
which disposal by the Fund of its securities is not reasonably practicable or as
a result  of which  it is not  reasonably  practicable  for the Fund  fairly  to
determine  the value of its net assets;  or (3) the SEC may by order  permit for
the protection of the shareholders of the Fund.

REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental to the best interests of the
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
brokerage costs may be incurred by the shareholders in converting the securities
to cash. The Trust has filed an election with the SEC pursuant to which the Fund
may  only  effect  a  redemption  in  portfolio  securities  if  the  particular
shareholder  is  redeeming  more than  $250,000  or 1% of the  Fund's  total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.

NAV DETERMINATION

In determining the Fund's NAV per share,  securities for which market quotations
are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported
sales  price  provided by  independent  pricing  services.  If no sales price is
reported, the mean of the last bid and ask price is used. If no average price is
available,  the last bid price is used.  If market  quotations  are not  readily
available,  then  securities are valued at fair value as determined by the Board
(or its delegate).

DISTRIBUTIONS

Distributions of net investment  income will be reinvested at the Fund's NAV per
share (unless you elect to receive  distributions in cash) as of the last day of
the period with  respect to which the  distribution  is paid.  Distributions  of
capital gain will be reinvested at the Fund's NAV per share (unless you elect to
receive  distributions in cash) on the payment date for the  distribution.  Cash
payments  may be  made  more  than  seven  days  following  the  date  on  which
distributions would otherwise be reinvested.

TAXATION

The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S.  federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment   company  (as  discussed  BELOW).  The
information  presented  here is only a summary of certain key federal income tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders and is in addition to the
information  provided in the  prospectus.  No attempt has been made to present a
complete   explanation  of  the  federal  tax  treatment  of  the  Fund  or  the
implications to shareholders. The discussions here and in the prospectus are not
intended as substitutes for careful tax planning.

This  "Taxation"  section  is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in
effect on the date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions  may  significantly  change the tax rules  applicable  to the Fund and
their  shareholders.  Any  of  these  changes  or  court  decisions  may  have a
retroactive effect.

                                       26
<PAGE>

ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY

The  Fund  intends  for  each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of the Fund.

The tax year-end of the Fund is May 31 (the same as the Fund's fiscal year end).

MEANING OF QUALIFICATION

As a  regulated  investment  company,  the Fund will not be  subject  to federal
income tax on the portion of its net investment company taxable income (that is,
taxable  interest,  dividends,  net  short-term  capital gains and other taxable
ordinary  income,  net of expenses) and net capital gain (that is, the excess of
net  long-term  capital  gains  over  net  short-term  capital  losses)  that it
distributes  to  shareholders.  In order to qualify  to be taxed as a  regulated
investment company the Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable income for the tax year.  (Certain  distributions  made by the
          Fund  after  the  close of its tax year are  considered  distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in
          securities.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          government  securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of an  issuer  and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits.
A  portion  of  these   distributions   generally   may  be  eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on the Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that the Fund will
not qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund anticipates  distributing  substantially all of its investment  company
taxable  income  for each tax  year.  These  distributions  are  taxable  to you
ordinary  income.  A portion  of these  distributions  may  qualify  for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.

                                       27
<PAGE>

The Fund anticipates distributing  substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December,  but the Fund may make additional  distributions of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term  capital gain,  regardless of how long you have held shares.  These
distributions do not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.

Distributions  by the Fund that do not constitute  ordinary income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduce  your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by the Fund will be treated in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). If you receive  distribution
in  the  form  of  additional  shares,  you  will  be  treated  as  receiving  a
distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received,
determined as of the reinvestment date.

You may purchase shares whose net asset value at the time reflects undistributed
net investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in
the value of the assets of the Fund.  Distributions of these amounts are taxable
to you in the manner  described above,  although the  distribution  economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares of the Fund just prior to a  distribution,  you will be
taxed on the entire  amount of the  distribution  received,  even though the net
asset value per share on the date of the  purchase  reflected  the amount of the
distribution.

Ordinarily,  you are required to take  distributions by the Fund into account in
the year in which they are made. A distribution declared in October, November or
December of any year and payable to  shareholders  of record on a specified date
in those months, however, is deemed to be received by you (and made by the Fund)
on December 31 of that calendar year even if the  distribution  is actually paid
in January of the following year.

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.

CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUND'S TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes, when put and call options purchased by the Fund
expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  paid by the Fund  give  rise to  short-  or
long-term  capital losses at the time of expiration  (depending on the length of
the  respective  exercise  periods for the  options).  When put and call options
written by the Fund expire unexcercised,  the premiums received by the Fund give
rise to  short-term  capital  gains  at the  time of  expiration.  When the Fund
exercises a call, the purchase price of the underlying  security is increased by
the amount of the premium paid by the Fund.  When the Fund  exercises a put, the
proceeds from the sale of the  underlying  security are decreased by the premium
paid.  When a put or call written by the Fund is exercised,  the purchase  price
(selling  price in the case of a call) of the  underlying  security is decreased
(increased in the case of a call) for tax purposes by the premium received.

Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256  contracts  held by the Fund at the end of each tax year
are "marked to market" and  treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though
sold for fair market value on the last  business  day of the tax year.  Gains or
losses  realized by the Fund on Section 1256 contracts  generally are considered
60% long-term and 40% short-term  capital gains or losses. The Fund can elect to
exempt  its  Section  1256  contracts  that are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option, futures contract, or other position entered into or held by the Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,


                                       28
<PAGE>

but not all, the positions are Section 1256  contracts,  may constitute a "mixed
straddle".  In general,  straddles  are subject to certain rules that may affect
the  character and timing of the Fund's gains or losses with respect to straddle
positions by  requiring,  among other  things,  that:  (1) the loss  realized on
disposition  of one position of a straddle may not be  recognized  to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with
respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%
short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections  are  available  to the Fund  which may  mitigate  the  effects of the
straddle rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the
straddle rules described above do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund if
all of the offsetting positions consist of Section 1256 contracts.

FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an amount equal to: (1) 98% of its
ordinary  taxable  income for the calendar year; and (2) 98% of its capital gain
net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of the calendar year. The
balance of the Fund's income must be distributed  during the next calendar year.
The Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject
to income tax for any tax year.

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, the Fund:  (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year; and (2) excludes foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred  after  October  31 of any year in  determining  the  amount of
ordinary  taxable  income for the current  calendar  year. The Fund will include
foreign  currency  gains and losses  incurred  after  October 31 in  determining
ordinary taxable income for the succeeding calendar year.

The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions of its ordinary taxable income
and  capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to avoid
liability for the excise tax. Investors should note, however,  that the Fund may
in certain  circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to make
sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

In general,  a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption
of shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the difference  between the proceeds
of the sale or redemption  and your  adjusted tax basis in the shares.  All or a
portion  of any  loss so  recognized  may be  disallowed  if you  purchase  (for
example,  by  reinvesting  dividends)  other  shares of the Fund  within 30 days
before or after the sale or redemption (a so called "wash sale"). If disallowed,
the loss will be  reflected in an upward  adjustment  to the basis of the shares
purchased.  In general,  any gain or loss arising from the sale or redemption of
shares of the Fund will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term
capital  gain or loss if the  shares  were held for  longer  than one year.  Any
capital loss arising from the sale or  redemption  of shares held for six months
or less,  however,  is treated as a long-term  capital loss to the extent of the
amount of capital gain distributions received on such shares. In determining the
holding  period of such shares for this  purpose,  any period  during which your
risk of loss is offset by means of options,  short sales or similar transactions
are not counted. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of
capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate  taxpayer,  $3,000 of ordinary
income.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING

The Fund will be  required in certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to any  shareholder:  (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  its  correct  taxpayer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)


                                       29
<PAGE>

who has  failed  to  certify  to the  Fund  that  it is not  subject  to  backup
withholding  or that it is a  corporation  or other "exempt  recipient."  Backup
withholding  is not an  additional  tax; any amounts so withheld may be credited
against a shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.

FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends on  whether  the  income  from the Fund is  "effectively
connected" with an U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income from the Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign  shareholder,  distributions of ordinary income
(including a short-term  capital  gains) paid to a foreign  shareholder  will be
subject to U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable  treaty
rate)  upon the  gross  amount  of the  distribution.  The  foreign  shareholder
generally  would be exempt from U.S.  federal income tax on gain realized on the
sale of shares of the Fund and  distributions  of net capital gain from the Fund
and amounts retained by the Fund.

If the  income  from  the Fund is  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business   carried  on  by  a  foreign   shareholder,   then   ordinary   income
distributions,  capital gain distributions,  and any gain realized upon the sale
of shares of the Fund will be  subject to U.S.  federal  income tax at the rates
applicable to U.S. citizens or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a noncorporate foreign  shareholder,  the Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to distributions from the Fund can
differ from the U.S.  federal  income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to
consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect to an investment in the Fund.

STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with  respect to  distributions  from the Fund can differ from the U.S.  federal
income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These  state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with respect to an  investment in the
Fund.

FOREIGN INCOME TAX

Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States has
entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle the Fund to a
reduced  rate of such  taxes  or  exemption  from  taxes on such  income.  It is
impossible to know the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount
of  the  Fund's  assets  to be  invested  within  various  countries  cannot  be
determined.



                                       30
<PAGE>


OTHER MATTERS

THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:

Austin Global Equity Fund                         Investors Equity Fund
BIA Growth Equity Fund                            Investors Growth Fund
BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund                         Investors High Grade Bond Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                         Maine Municipal Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                   New Hampshire Bond Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)       Payson Balanced Fund
Daily Asset Municipal Fund(1)                     Payson Value Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)         Polaris Global Value Fund
Equity Index Fund                                 TaxSaver Bond Fund
Investors Bond Fund
(1)     The Trust  offers  shares of  beneficial  interest in an  institutional,
        institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Fund's investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities that may be be purchased or held by the Fund. The Board will consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' investment
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Fund reserves the right to invest in one or more other investment  companies
in a Core and Gateway(R) structure.

The Trust and the Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a  different  expense  ratio and its
expenses will affect each class' performance.  For more information on any other
class of shares of the Fund, you may contact FSS.


SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne
solely by those  shares  and each class  votes  separately  with  respect to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,
shares will be voted separately by individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act
requires shares to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual  series;  and
(2) when the Trustees  determine that the matter affect more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only affects  certain  classes of the Trust and thus only those such classes are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold
annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

                                       31
<PAGE>

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

Shareholders  representing  10% or more of the Trust's (or a series) shares may,
as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or series) for
any  purpose  related  to the Trust  (or  series),  including,  in the case of a
meeting of the Trust, the purpose of voting on removal of one or more Trustees.

CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or the Fund.  The Trustees may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder  vote,  cause  the  Trust to merge or  consolidate  into one or more
trusts, partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to be incorporated under
Delaware  law,  so long  as the  surviving  entity  is an  open-end,  management
investment  company  that will  succeed  to or assume the  Trust's  registration
statement.

FUND OWNERSHIP

As of  September  1, 1999,  the  percentage  of shares owned by all officers and
trustees  of the Trust as a group was as  follows.  To the extent  officers  and
trustees  own less than 1% of the shares of each class of shares of the Fund (or
of the Trust), the table reflects "N/A" for not applicable.

                                                      PERCENTAGE  OF SHARES
FUND (OR TRUST)                                       OWNED
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
The Trust                                             N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Polaris Global Value Fund                             N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------

Also as of that date, certain shareholders of record owned 5% or more of a class
of shares of the Fund.  Shareholders known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or
more of a class of shares of the Fund are listed in Table 7 in Appendix B.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of the Fund.  Accordingly,  those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if
not determine)  the outcome of a shareholder  vote. As of September 1, 1999, the
following persons  beneficially  owned 25% or more of the shares of the Fund (or
of the  Trust) and may be deemed to control  the Fund (or the  Trust).  For each
person listed that is a company,  the  jurisdiction  under the laws of which the
company is organized (if applicable) and the company's parents are listed.

LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations  for profit.  In the past,  the Trust  believes that the securities
regulators of some states,  however,  have indicated that they and the courts in
their states may decline to apply  Delaware law on this point.  The Forum Fund's
Trust Instrument (the document that governs the operation of the Trust) contains
an express  disclaimer  of  shareholder  liability  for the debts,  liabilities,
obligations  and  expenses  of the  Trust.  The Forum  Fund's  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


                                       32
<PAGE>

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 no contractual  limitation of
liability was in effect,  and the Fund is unable to meet its  obligations.  FAdS
believes that, in view of the above,  there is no risk of personal  liability to
shareholders.

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are qualified by reference to the copy of such contract or other documents filed
as exhibits to the registration statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of Polaris Global Value Fund for the year ended May 31,
1999,  which are  included  in the Fund's  Annual  Report to  shareholders,  are
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  These  financial  statements  include  the
schedules of investments,  statements of assets and  liabilities,  statements of
operations,  statement of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and
independent auditors' reports.

                                       33
<PAGE>


APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION

AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which
         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment
         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.

DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,A-     Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,B-     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD       Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
         and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

FITCH IBCA, INC.

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC,C     High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD,D      Default.  Securities  are  not  meeting  current  obligations  and are
          extremely  speculative.  `DDD'  designates  the highest  potential for
          recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities  involved.  For U.S.
          corporates, for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
          of such  outstandings,  and `D' the lowest  recovery  potential,  i.e.
          below 50%.

PREFERRED STOCK

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated "aa" is  considered  a high-  grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.

C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

STANDARD & POOR'S

AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB
B,CCC    Preferred  stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded,  on balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.

SHORT TERM RATINGS

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1  Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
         ability  for  repayment  of senior  short-term  debt  obligations.
         Prime-1  repayment  ability will often be evidenced by many of the
         following characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset  protection.
          o    Broad  margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges
               and high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2       Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting  institutions)  have a strong
              ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This
              will  normally be evidenced by many of the  characteristics  cited
              above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios,
              while  sound,  may be more  subject to  variation.  Capitalization
              characteristics,  while still appropriate, may be more affected by
              external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3       Issuers  rated  Prime-3  (or  supporting   institutions)  have  an
              acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations.
              The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may
              be more pronounced.  Variability in earnings and profitability may
              result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and
              may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate
              liquidity is maintained.

NOT
PRIME         Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within  any of the  Prime
              rating categories.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

STANDARD AND POOR'S

A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

FITCH IBCA, INC.

F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.

F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely  repayment may be susceptible to adverse change
         sin business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.



                                      A-7
<PAGE>

APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES

TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES


The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to the Adviser with
respect to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by the Adviser,  if any,
and the actual fee received by the Adviser.

<TABLE>
               <S>                                <C>                     <C>                       <C>
                                          ADVISORY FEE PAYABLE    ADVISORY FEE WAIVED     ADVISORY FEE RETAINED
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND

     Year Ended May 31, 1999                  $199,686                $62,378                 $137,308

TABLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION FEES


The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAdS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAdS,  if any, and the actual
fee received by FAdS.


                                            ADMINISTRATION       ADMINISTRATION        ADMINISTRATION  FEE
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND                    FEE PAYABLE          FEE WAIVED               RETAINED

     Year Ended May 31, 1999                   $40,000                 $0                  $40,000


TABLE 3 -  ACCOUNTING FEES


The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAcS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAcS,  if any, and the actual
fee received by FAcS.



                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED   ACCOUNTING FEE
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND                                                                       RETAINED

     Year Ended May 31, 1999                       $39,000                     $0                 $39,000

TABLE 4 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES


The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FSS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FSS,  if any,  and the actual
fee received by FSS.


                                                    TRANSFER AGENCY    TRANSFER AGENCY    TRANSFER  AGENCY FEE
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND                            FEE PAYABLE          FEE WAIVED           RETAINED

     Year Ended May 31, 1999                           $28,356              $0                 $28,356
</TABLE>




                                      B-1
<PAGE>

TABLE 5 - COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
the Fund that incurred brokerage costs.
<TABLE>
          <S>                           <C>                      <C>                      <C>                      <C>
                                                       TOTAL BROKERAGE           % OF BROKERAGE          % OF TRANSACTIONS
                                                       COMMISSIONS  ($) PAID TO  COMMISSIONS   PAID  TO  EXECUTED    BY    AN
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND          TOTAL BROKERAGE     AN   AFFILIATE   OF  THE  AN  AFFILIATE  OF  THE  AFFILIATE   OF   THE
                                   COMMISSIONS ($)     FUND OR ADVISER           FUND OR ADVISER         FUND OR ADVISER
YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1999            $53,949             0%                        0%                      0%
</TABLE>




TABLE 6 - SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS

The  following  table  lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of the Fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Fund's  holdings  of those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.

REGULAR BROKER DEALER                                  VALUE HELD



TABLE 7 -  5% SHAREHOLDERS

The following  table lists (1) the persons who owned of record 5% or more of the
outstanding  shares of a class of shares of the Fund and (2) any person known by
the Fund to own  beneficially 5% or more of a class of shares of the Fund, as of
July 1, 1999.
<TABLE>
          <S>                                <C>                           <C>                 <C>
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE FUND
                                NAME AND ADDRESS                        SHARES              % OF FUND
                                Christopher K. McLeod                   157,411.659           7.14
                                119 Chatman Road
                                Stamford, CT  06903
                                DCGT TR                                 130,975.349           5.94
                                FBO Audrey Lewis - Reg IRA
                                10 Rogers Street
                                Cambridge, MA  02142
                                David Solomont                          129,298.613           5.86
                                P.O. Box 67385
                                Chestnut Hill, MA  02467
</TABLE>







                                      B-2
<PAGE>

APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA

TABLE 1 -  TOTAL RETURNS

The average annual total return without sales charges of the Fund for the period
ended May 31, 1999, was as follows.
<TABLE>
          <S>              <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>              <C>
                                                   CALENDAR
POLARIS GLOBAL VALUE   ONE MONTH   THREE MONTHS  YEAR TO DATE  ONE YEAR    THREE    FIVE YEARS    SINCE INCEPTION
FUND                                                                       YEARS                   (ANNUALIZED)
                         (4.12)%     9.54%          4.49%      (11.95)%    12.74%    15.71%          11.27%
</TABLE>














                                      C-1
<PAGE>


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 AUGUST 1, 1999

                            AS AMENDED MARCH 24, 2000


                            AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND


INVESTMENT ADVISER:


         Austin Investment Management, Inc.
         375 Park Avenue
         New York, New York 10152

ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES:

         Forum Shareholder Services, LLC
         P.O. Box 446
         Portland, Maine 04112
         (800) 805-8258
         (207) 879-0001

This Statement of Additional  Information (the "SAI") supplements the Prospectus
dated August 1, 1999,  as may be amended from time to time,  offering  shares of
Austin  Global  Equity Fund (the "Fund"),  a separate  series of Forum Funds,  a
registered,  open-end management  investment company (the "Trust").  This SAI is
not a prospectus and should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. You
may  obtain  the  Prospectus  without  charge by  contacting  Forum  Shareholder
Services at the address or telephone number listed above.

Financial Statements for the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1999, included in
the Annual Report to shareholders,  are incorporated into this SAI by reference.
Copies of the Annual  Report may be obtained,  without  charge,  upon request by
contacting Forum  Shareholder  Services,  LLC at the address or telephone number
listed above.



<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


Glossary....................................................................1

1.  Investment Policies And Risks...........................................2

2.  Investment Limitations..................................................9

3.  Performance Data And Advertising.......................................12


4.  Management.............................................................16


5.  Portfolio Transactions.................................................21


6.  Purchase And Redemption Information....................................23


7.  Taxation...............................................................25

8.  Other Matters..........................................................29

Appendix A - Description Of Securities Ratings............................A-1

Appendix B - Miscellaneous Tables.........................................B-1

Appendix C - Performance Data.............................................C-1






<PAGE>

                                    GLOSSARY


As used in this SAI, the following terms have the meanings listed.

         "Adviser" means Austin Investment Management, Inc.

         "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


         "Custodian" means the custodian of the Fund's assets.

         "FAcS" means Forum  Accounting  Services,  LLC, the fund  accountant of
          each Fund.


         "FAdS" means Forum Administrative  Services,  LLC, the administrator of
          the Fund.


         "Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc.


         "FFS" means Forum Fund  Services,  LLC, the  distributor  of the Fund's
          shares.

          "FFSI" means Forum  Financial  Services,  Inc., the distributor of the
          Fund's shares prior to August 1, 1999.

         "FSS" means Forum Shareholder Services,  LLC, the transfer agent of the
          Fund.

         "Fund" means Austin Global Equity Fund.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service.

         "NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

         "NAV" means net asset value per share.

         "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, A Division of the McGraw Hill Companies.

         "Trust" means Forum Funds.

          "U.S. Government Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by
          the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

         "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.






                                       1
<PAGE>



                        1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS


The Fund is a diversified series of the Trust. This section discusses in greater
detail than the Fund's Prospectus certain investments that the Fund may make.

A.       SECURITY RATINGS INFORMATION

The Fund's  investments  in  convertible  securities  are subject to credit risk
relating to the financial  condition of the issuers of the  securities  that the
Fund holds.  To limit credit risk, the Fund may only invest in: (1)  convertible
debt  securities  that are rated B or higher  by  Moody's  or S&P at the time of
purchase; and (2) preferred stock rated b or higher by Moody's or B or higher by
S&P at the time of purchase.  The Fund will limit its  investment in convertible
securities  rated below BBB by S&P or bbb by Moody's to 10% of its total assets.
The  Fund  may  purchase  unrated  convertible  securities  if,  at the  time of
purchase,  the Adviser  believes  that they are of  comparable  quality to rated
securities that the Fund may purchase.

Moody's  characterizes  securities in the lowest  permissible rating category as
generally lacking  characteristics of a desirable investment and by S&P as being
predominantly  speculative.  A Fund may retain  securities whose rating has been
lowered below the lowest  permissible  rating  category (or that are unrated and
determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose rating
has been lowered below the lowest  permissible  rating  category) if the Adviser
determines  that  retaining  such security is in the best interests of the Fund.
Because a  downgrade  often  results in a reduction  in the market  price of the
security, sale of a downgraded security may result in a loss.

Moody's,  S&P and other NRSROs are private  services that provide ratings of the
credit  quality  of  debt  obligations,   including  convertible  securities.  A
description  of the range of ratings  assigned to various  types of  convertible
securities by several NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this SAI. The Fund may
use these  ratings to determine  whether to  purchase,  sell or hold a security.
Ratings are general and are not absolute  standards of quality.  Securities with
the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. If
an issue of  securities  ceases to be rated or if its rating is reduced after it
is  purchased  by a Fund,  the Adviser  will  determine  whether the Fund should
continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that the ratings given by a NRSRO
may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems,
the Adviser  will  attempt to  substitute  comparable  ratings.  Credit  ratings
attempt to evaluate  the safety of principal  and  interest  payments and do not
evaluate the risks of  fluctuations in market value.  Also,  rating agencies may
fail to make timely changes in credit  ratings.  An issuer's  current  financial
condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.

B.       EQUITY SECURITIES

1.       COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

GENERAL.  Common stock represents an equity  (ownership)  interest in a company,
and usually  possesses  voting rights and earns  dividends.  Dividends on common
stock are not fixed but are  declared at the  discretion  of the issuer.  Common
stock generally  represents the riskiest  investment in a company.  In addition,
common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation  potential
because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's
stock price.

Preferred  stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to
the payment of  dividends  and the  recovery of  investment  should a company be
liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of
the issuer.  Preferred  stock  typically  does not possess voting rights and its
market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

RISKS.  The  fundamental  risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the
risk that the value of the stock  might  decrease.  Stock  values  fluctuate  in
response to the  activities of an  individual  company or in response to general
market and/or  economic  conditions.  Historically,  common stocks have provided
greater  long-term  returns  and have  entailed  greater  short-term  risks than


                                       2
<PAGE>

preferred stocks, fixed-income and money market investments. The market value of
all  securities,  including  common  and  preferred  stocks,  is based  upon the
market's  perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or
other  objective  measure of a company's  worth.  If you invest in the Fund, you
should be willing to accept the risks of the stock market and should consider an
investment in the Fund only as a part of your overall investment portfolio.

2.       CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES


GENERAL. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in convertible  securities.
Convertible  securities  include  debt  securities,  preferred  stock  or  other
securities  that may be converted into or exchanged for a given amount of common
stock of the same or a  different  issuer  during a  specified  period  and at a
specified  price in the future.  A convertible  security  entitles the holder to
receive  interest  on  debt  or  the  dividend  on  preferred  stock  until  the
convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible
securities rank senior to common stock in a company's  capital structure but are
usually  subordinated  to  comparable  nonconvertible  securities.   Convertible
securities have unique investment  characteristics  in that they generally:  (1)
have  higher  yields  than  common  stocks,  but lower  yields  than  comparable
non-convertible  securities;  (2) are less subject to  fluctuation in value than
the  underlying  stocks  since they have fixed income  characteristics;  and (3)
provide  the  potential  for  capital  appreciation  if the market  price of the
underlying common stock increases.


A convertible  security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.  If a
convertible  security  is called for  redemption,  the Fund will be  required to
permit the issuer to redeem the security,  convert it into the underlying common
stock or sell it to a third party.

RISKS.  Investment in convertible securities generally entails less risk than an
investment in the issuer's  common stock.  Convertible  securities are typically
issued by smaller  capitalized  companies  whose  stock  price may be  volatile.
Therefore,  the price of a  convertible  security may reflect  variations in the
price of the underlying common stock in a way that nonconvertible debt does not.
The extent to which such risk is reduced, however, depends in large measure upon
the degree to which the  convertible  security  sells above its value as a fixed
income security.


3.       WARRANTS

GENERAL.  The Fund may  invest  up to 5% of the  value of its  total  assets  in
warrants.  Warrants are  securities,  typically  issued with preferred  stock or
bonds,  that give the holder the right to  purchase a given  number of shares of
common  stock at a specified  price and time.  The price  usually  represents  a
premium over the applicable  market value of the common stock at the time of the
warrant's  issuance.  Warrants  have no voting rights with respect to the common
stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
issuer.

RISKS.  Investments in warrants  involve  certain risks,  including the possible
lack of a  liquid  market  for  the  resale  of the  warrants,  potential  price
fluctuations  due to adverse  market  conditions or other factors and failure of
the price of the common stock to rise.  If the warrant is not  exercised  within
the specified time period, it becomes worthless.

4.       DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS


GENERAL.  The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored  American  Depositary
Receipts  ("ADRs").  ADRs  typically are issued by a U.S. bank or trust company,
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company, and are
designed for use in U.S.  securities  markets.  The Fund  invests in  depositary
receipts in order to obtain exposure to foreign securities markets.

RISKS.  Unsponsored depositary receipts may be created without the participation
of the foreign issuer. Holders of these receipts generally bear all the costs of
the depositary receipt facility,  whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain


                                       3
<PAGE>

costs in a sponsored depositary receipt. The bank or trust company depositary of
an  unsponsored  depositary  receipt may be under no  obligation  to  distribute
shareholder  communications  received from the foreign issuer or to pass through
voting rights. Accordingly,  available information concerning the issuer may not
be  current  and the  prices  of  unsponsored  depositary  receipts  may be more
volatile than the prices of sponsored depositary receipts.


C.       FOREIGN SECURITIES FORWARD CONTRACTS


1.       GENERAL

The Fund may conduct foreign  currency  exchange  transactions  either on a spot
(cash) basis at the spot rate  prevailing in the foreign  exchange  market or by
entering into a forward foreign  currency  contract.  A forward foreign currency
contract  ("forward  contract")  involves  an  obligation  to purchase or sell a
specific amount of a specific  currency at a future date, which may be any fixed
number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed
upon  by the  parties,  at a price  set at the  time  of the  contract.  Forward
contracts are  considered to be  "derivatives"  -- financial  instruments  whose
performance is derived,  at least in part, from the performance of another asset
(such as a security,  currency or an index of securities).  The Fund enters into
forward  contracts in order to "lock in" the exchange  rate between the currency
it will  deliver  and the  currency  it will  receive  for the  duration  of the
contract.  In  addition,  the Fund may enter  into  forward  contracts  to hedge
against risks arising from  securities the Fund owns or anticipates  purchasing,
or the U.S. dollar value of interest and dividends paid on those securities. The
Fund does not intend to enter into forward  contracts on a regular or continuing
basis.  The Fund will not have more than 25% of its total  assets  committed  to
forward  contracts,  or maintain a net exposure to forward  contracts that would
obligate  the Fund to  deliver an amount of  foreign  currency  in excess of the
value of the Portfolio's  investment  securities or other assets  denominated in
that currency.

If the Fund makes  delivery of the foreign  currency at or before the settlement
of a forward  contract,  it may be required to obtain the  currency  through the
conversion  of assets of the Fund  into the  currency.  The Fund may close out a
forward  contract  obligating  it to  purchase a foreign  currency by selling an
offsetting contract, in which case it will realize a gain or a loss.

2.       RISKS

Foreign currency  transactions  involve certain costs and risks. The Fund incurs
foreign  exchange  expenses in  converting  assets from one currency to another.
Forward  contracts  involve a risk of loss if the Adviser is  inaccurate  in its
prediction of currency  movements.  The projection of short-term currency market
movements is extremely  difficult,  and the successful execution of a short-term
hedging strategy is highly  uncertain.  The precise matching of forward contract
amounts and the value of the  securities  involved is  generally  not  possible.
Accordingly,  it may be necessary  for the Fund to purchase  additional  foreign
currency  if the  market  value of the  security  is less than the amount of the
foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver under the forward contract and
the  decision  is made to sell the  security  and make  delivery  of the foreign
currency. The use of forward contracts as a hedging technique does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities the Fund owns or intends
to acquire,  but it does fix a rate of exchange  in  advance.  Although  forward
contracts  can  reduce  the risk of loss due to a  decline  in the  value of the
hedged currencies,  they also limit any potential gain that might result from an
increase in the value of the currencies.

D.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may purchase or write (sell) put and call options to enhance the Fund's
performance  or to hedge against a decline in the value of  securities  owned by
the Fund or an  increase  in the  price  of  securities  that the Fund  plans to
purchase.  The  Fund  may  purchase  or  write  (sell)  options  on  securities,
currencies  and  stock  indices.  The Fund may also  invest  in stock  index and
foreign currency futures contracts and options on those contracts.  The Fund may
purchase put and call options written by others and may write covered calls. The
Fund may not write puts on futures  contracts  and may only  write  covered  put
options on  securities,  foreign  currencies and stock indices to effect closing
transactions.  The Fund may only invest in options  that trade on an exchange or
over-the-counter.

                                       4
<PAGE>

2.       OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES.  A call option is a contract under which the purchaser of
the call option, in return for a premium paid, has the right to buy the security
(or index)  underlying  the  option at a  specified  exercise  price at any time
during the term of the option.  The writer of the call option,  who receives the
premium,  has  the  obligation  upon  exercise  of the  option  to  deliver  the
underlying  security  against  payment of the exercise price. A put option gives
its  purchaser,  in  return  for a  premium,  the  right to sell the  underlying
security at a specified  price during the term of the option.  The writer of the
put, who receives the premium,  has the  obligation to buy, upon exercise of the
option,  the  underlying  security  (or a cash amount  equal to the value of the
index) at the exercise  price.  The amount of a premium  received or paid for an
option  is  based  upon  certain  factors,  including  the  market  price of the
underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price,
the historical  price volatility of the underlying  security,  the option period
and interest rates.

OPTIONS ON INDICES.  An index assigns  relative  values to the securities in the
index,  and the  index  fluctuates  with  changes  in the  market  values of the
securities  included in the index.  Index options operate in the same way as the
more  traditional  options on  securities  except that index options are settled
exclusively  in cash and do not  involve  delivery  of  securities.  Thus,  upon
exercise of index options, the purchaser will realize and the writer will pay an
amount based on the differences between the exercise price and the closing price
of the index.

OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCY. Options on foreign currency operate in the same way
as more  traditional  options on  securities  except that  currency  options are
settled  exclusively  in the  currency  subject  to the  option.  The value of a
currency option is dependent upon the value of the currency relative to the U.S.
dollar and has 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,  the Fund may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an
odd lot market  (generally  consisting in  transactions of less than $1 million)
for the underlying currencies at prices that are less favorable than round lots.
To the extent that the U.S.  options markets are closed while the market for the
underlying  currencies are open,  significant  price and rate movements may take
place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets.

OPTIONS  ON  FUTURES.  Options on futures  contracts  are  similar to options on
securities  except that an option on a futures  contract gives the purchaser the
right,  in  return  for the  premium  paid,  to assume a  position  in a futures
contract rather than to purchase or sell a security or currency,  at a specified
exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the
option, the delivery of the futures position to the holder of the option will be
accompanied by transfer to the holder of an accumulated balance representing the
amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of
a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise  price of the option
on the future.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. A futures contract is a bilateral
agreement where one party agrees to accept,  and the other party agrees to make,
delivery of cash,  an underlying  debt security or a currency,  as called for in
the contract,  at a specified date and at an agreed upon price. An index futures
contract  involves the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar
amount  multiplied  by the  difference  between  the index value at the close of
trading  of the  contract  and the  price  at  which  the  futures  contract  is
originally  struck. No physical delivery of the securities  comprising the index
is  made.  Generally,  these  futures  contracts  are  closed  out  prior to the
expiration date of the contracts.

3.       LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS


The Fund will not sell futures contracts, buy put options and write call options
if,  as a result,  more  than 25% of the  Fund's  total  assets  would be hedged
through the use of options and futures contracts.  The Fund will not buy futures
contracts or write put options whose  underlying value exceeds 25% of the Fund's
total  assets.  The Fund will not  purchase  call options if the value of option
premiums purchased would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.

The Fund will only  invest in futures  and  options  contracts  after  providing
notice to its  shareholders and filing a notice of eligibility (if required) and
otherwise  complying  with the  requirements  of the Commodity  Futures  Trading


                                       5
<PAGE>

Commission  ("CFTC").  The CFTC's  rules  provide  that a Fund is  permitted  to
purchase  such  futures or options  contracts  only:  (1) for bona fide  hedging
purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; provided, however, that in
the  alternative  with  respect  to each long  position  in a futures or options
contract entered into by a Fund, the underlying commodity value of such contract
at all times does not  exceed the sum of cash,  short-term  United  States  debt
obligations or other United States dollar  denominated  short-term  money market
instruments  set  aside for this  purpose  by the  Fund,  accrued  profit on the
contract held with a futures commission merchant and cash proceeds from existing
Fund investments due in 30 days; and (2) subject to certain other limitations.


4.       RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS

There  are  certain   investment  risks  associated  with  options  and  futures
transactions.  These risks include:  (1) dependence on the Adviser's  ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect  correlations between movements in the
prices of options and  movements  in the price of the  securities  (or  indices)
hedged or used for  cover  which may  cause a given  hedge  not to  achieve  its
objective;  (3) the fact that the skills and  techniques  needed to trade  these
instruments  are different from those needed to select the securities in which a
Fund  invests;  and (4) lack of assurance  that a liquid  secondary  market will
exist for any particular  instrument at any particular time, which,  among other
things, may hinder a Fund's ability to limit exposures by closing its positions.

Other  risks  include the  inability  of a Fund,  as the writer of covered  call
options, to benefit from any appreciation of the underlying securities above the
exercise  price,  and the possible  loss of the entire  premium paid for options
purchased by the Fund. In addition,  the futures  exchanges may limit the amount
of fluctuation  permitted in certain futures  contract prices on related options
during a single  trading day. A Fund may be forced,  therefore,  to liquidate or
close out a futures contract  position at a disadvantageous  price.  There is no
assurance that a counterparty in an over-the-counter  option transaction will be
able to perform its obligations.  A Fund may use various futures  contracts that
are relatively  new  instruments  without a significant  trading  history.  As a
result,  there  can be no  assurance  that an active  secondary  market in those
contracts will develop or continue to exist. A Fund's  activities in the futures
and options markets may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and additional
brokerage costs, which could reduce a Fund's yield.

E.       LEVERAGE TRANSACTIONS

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may use  leverage  to increase  potential  returns.  Leverage  involves
special risks and may involve speculative investment techniques. Leverage exists
when cash made  available to a Fund through an  investment  technique is used to
make  additional  Fund  investments.  Borrowing  for  other  than  temporary  or
emergency  purposes,   lending  portfolio  securities,   entering  into  reverse
repurchase  agreements,  and  purchasing  securities on a  when-issued,  delayed
delivery or forward commitment basis are transactions  involving  leverage.  The
Fund uses these  investment  techniques only when the Adviser  believes that the
leveraging  and the returns  available to the Fund from  investing the cash will
provide investors a potentially higher return.

REVERSE REPURCHASE.  The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements.
A reverse repurchase agreement is a transaction in which a Fund sells securities
to a bank or securities  dealer and  simultaneously  commits to  repurchase  the
security  from  the  bank  or  dealer  at an  agreed  upon  date  and at a price
reflecting  a  market  rate of  interest  unrelated  to the  sold  security.  An
investment of a Fund's assets in reverse repurchase agreements will increase the
volatility  of the Fund's net asset value per unit. A Fund will use the proceeds
of reverse repurchase agreements to fund redemptions or to make investments.


SECURITIES  LENDING.  The Fund may lend  portfolio  securities or participate in
repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions. Repurchase agreements are transactions
in which a Fund  purchases a security and  simultaneously  agrees to resell that
security to the seller at an agreed  upon price on an agreed  upon future  date,
normally,  one to  seven  days  later.  If the  Fund  enters  into a  repurchase
agreement,  it will  maintain  possession of the  purchased  securities  and any
underlying  collateral.  Securities  loans  and  repurchase  agreements  must be


                                       6
<PAGE>

continuously  collateralized  and the collateral must have market value at least
equal to the value of the Fund's loaned securities, plus accrued interest or, in
the  case  of  repurchase  agreements,  equal  to the  repurchase  price  of the
securities,   plus  accrued  interest.   In  a  portfolio   securities   lending
transaction, 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 as well as the interest on the collateral  securities,  less any fees (such
as 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.  The  terms of a Fund's  loans  permit  the Fund to  reacquire  loaned
securities  on five  business  days' notice or in time to vote on any  important
matter.  Loans  are  subject  to  termination  at the  option of the Fund or the
borrower at any time, and the borrowed securities must be returned when the loan
is terminated.

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase securities
offered  on a  "when-issued"  basis and may  purchase  or sell  securities  on a
"forward  commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated,  the price,
which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment
is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date.
Normally,  the settlement  date occurs within two months after the  transaction,
but delayed  settlements beyond two months may be negotiated.  During the period
between a  commitment  and  settlement,  no payment  is made for the  securities
purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no interest  accrues to the purchaser from
the  transaction.  At the  time  the  Fund  makes  the  commitment  to  purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed  delivery basis, the Fund will record the
transaction  as a purchase  and  thereafter  reflect  the value each day of such
securities in determining its net asset value.


2.       RISKS

Leverage  creates the risk of magnified  capital  losses.  Borrowings  and other
liabilities  that exceed the equity base of the Fund may magnify losses incurred
by a Fund. Leverage may involve the creation of a liability that requires a Fund
to pay interest (for instance, reverse repurchase agreements) or the creation of
a  liability  that does not entail any  interest  costs (for  instance,  forward
commitment costs).

The risks of leverage include a higher  volatility of the net asset value of the
Fund's  securities and the  relatively  greater effect on the net asset value of
the securities caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield from invested cash. So long as
a Fund is able to  realize a net  return  on its  investment  portfolio  that is
higher than interest expense  incurred,  if any,  leverage will result in higher
current net investment  income for the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged.
Changes  in  interest  rates  and  related  economic  factors  could  cause  the
relationship  between  the cost of  leveraging  and the  yield to change so that
rates involved in the leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative
to the yield on the  obligations  in which the proceeds of the  leveraging  have
been invested.  To the extent that the interest  expense  involved in leveraging
approaches  the net  return on a Fund's  investment  portfolio,  the  benefit of
leveraging will be reduced,  and, if the interest  expense on borrowings were to
exceed the net return to investors, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a
lower rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if
a Fund's  current  investment  income were not  sufficient  to meet the interest
expense of leveraging,  it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate  certain
of its investments at an inappropriate time.


SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. In order to attempt to reduce the risks involved in various
transactions  involving  leverage,  the  Fund's  custodian  will set  aside  and
maintain,  in a segregated  account,  cash and liquid securities.  The account's
value,  which is marked to market  daily,  will be at least  equal to the Fund's
commitments under these transactions.


F.       ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

1.       GENERAL

The Fund may not acquire securities or invest in repurchase  agreements if, as a
result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be
invested in illiquid securities.

                                       7
<PAGE>

The term  "illiquid  securities"  means  securities  that  cannot be disposed of
within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
at which the Fund has valued the securities.  Illiquid securities  include:  (1)
repurchase  agreements  not entitling the holder to payment of principal  within
seven days (2) purchased  over-the-counter options; (3) securities which are not
readily  marketable;  and (4) except as  otherwise  determined  by the  Adviser,
securities  subject to contractual or legal  restrictions on resale because they
have not been registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities").

2.       RISKS

Limitations  on resale  may have an  adverse  effect on the  marketability  of a
security and the Fund might also have to register a restricted security in order
to dispose of it,  resulting  in expense and delay.  A Fund might not be able to
dispose of restricted or illiquid  securities  promptly or at reasonable  prices
and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions.  There can be no
assurance  that a liquid  market will exist for any  security at any  particular
time. Any security, including securities determined by the Adviser to be liquid,
can become illiquid.

3.       DETERMINATION OF LIQUIDITY

The Board has the  ultimate  responsibility  for  determining  whether  specific
securities  are liquid or  illiquid  and has  delegated  the  function of making
determinations of liquidity to the Adviser,  pursuant to guidelines  approved by
the Board.  The Adviser  determines  and monitors the liquidity of the portfolio
securities and reports  periodically on its decisions to the Board.  The Adviser
takes  into  account  a number  of  factors  in  reaching  liquidity  decisions,
including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the  number  of other  potential  buyers;  (3) the  willingness  of  dealers  to
undertake  to  make  a  market  in the  security;  and  (4)  the  nature  of the
marketplace  trades,  including the time needed to dispose of the security,  the
method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of the transfer.

An  institutional  market  has  developed  for  certain  restricted  securities.
Accordingly,  contractual or legal  restrictions on the resale of a security may
not be  indicative  of the liquidity of the  security.  If such  securities  are
eligible for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the 1933 Act or other exemptions,  the Adviser may determine that the securities
are not illiquid.

G.       FOREIGN SECURITIES


The Fund may invest in  foreign  securities.  The Fund  limits the amount of its
total  assets  that may be invested  in any one  country or  denominated  in one
currency (other than the U.S.  dollar) to 25%.  Investments in the securities of
foreign issuers may involve risks in addition to those normally  associated with
investments  in the  securities of U.S.  issuers.  All foreign  investments  are
subject to risks of (1) foreign political and economic instability;  (2) adverse
movements  in foreign  exchange  rates;  (3) the  imposition  or  tightening  of
exchange controls or other  limitations on repatriation of foreign capital;  and
(4)  changes in  foreign  governmental  attitudes  towards  private  investment,
including potential nationalization,  increased taxation or confiscation of your
assets.


Dividends  payable on foreign  securities may be subject to foreign  withholding
taxes, thereby reducing the income available for distribution to you. Commission
rates payable on foreign  transactions  are generally  higher than in the United
States.  Foreign  accounting,  auditing and financial reporting standards differ
from  those  in the  United  States,  and  therefore,  less  information  may be
available about foreign  companies than is available about issuers of comparable
U.S. companies. Foreign securities also may trade less frequently and with lower
volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than United States securities.

Changes  in foreign  exchange  rates will  affect the U.S.  dollar  value of all
foreign  currency-denominated  securities  held by a Fund.  Exchange  rates  are
influenced  generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency
markets and by numerous other  political and economic events  occurring  outside
the  United  States,  many of which  may be  difficult,  if not  impossible,  to
predict.

                                       8
<PAGE>

Income  from  foreign  securities  will be  received  and  realized  in  foreign
currencies,  and a Fund is  required to compute  and  distribute  income in U.S.
dollars.  Accordingly,  a decline in the value of a particular  foreign currency
against the U.S.  dollar  after a Fund's  income has been earned and computed in
U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate  portfolio  securities to acquire
sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution.  Similarly, if the exchange rate
declines  between the time a Fund incurs  expenses in U.S.  dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional foreign
securities to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

H.       TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION

The Fund may assume a temporary  defensive position and may invest without limit
in money market  instruments  that are of prime  quality.  Prime  quality  money
market  instruments  are  those  instruments  that  are  rated in one of the two
short-term highest rating categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated, determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality.


Money market  instruments  usually have maturities of one year or less and fixed
rates of  return.  The money  market  instruments  in which the Fund may  invest
include U.S.  Government  Securities,  commercial paper, time deposits,  bankers
acceptances  and  certificates  of deposit issued by domestic  banks,  corporate
notes and  short-term  bonds and money market  mutual  funds.  The Fund may only
invest in money market mutual funds to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.


The money market  instruments  in which the Fund may invest may have variable or
floating rates of interest.  These obligations  include master demand notes that
permit  investment of fluctuating  amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant
to direct  arrangement  with the issuer of the  instrument.  The issuer of these
obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding
principal  amount of the  obligations  upon a specified  number of days' notice.
These  obligations   generally  are  not  traded,  nor  generally  is  there  an
established secondary market for these obligations.  To the extent a demand note
does  not  have a 7-day or  shorter  demand  feature  and  there  is no  readily
available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.

I.       YEAR 2000

The date  change  transition  to the Year 2000  prompted  concern  that  certain
computer systems may not process date-related  information properly on and after
January 1, 2000.  The Adviser and the Fund's  administrator  have  addressed and
continue  to  monitor  this Year 2000  issue  and its  possible  impact on their
systems. The Fund's other service providers have informed the Fund that they are
taking similar measures. Services provided to the Fund or any companies in which
it  invests  could  still be  adversely  affected  by a  computer's  failure  to
accurately process date related information and, therefore,  may lower the value
of your  shares.  While no adverse  consequences  have yet arisen,  or have been
reported  to the  Adviser  or the  Fund's  administrator,  there  is  still  the
possibility   that  certain   computer  systems  may  not  be  able  to  process
date-related information at some point during the year.


                            2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

For  purposes  of all  investment  policies  of the Fund:  (1) the term 1940 Act
includes the rules thereunder,  SEC interpretations and any exemptive order upon
which the Fund may rely;  and (2) the term Code  includes the rules  thereunder,
IRS  interpretations  and any private  letter ruling or similar  authority  upon
which the Fund may rely.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on
investment or  utilization  of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is
made, a later change in percentage  resulting from a change in the market values
of the  Fund's  assets  or  purchases  and  redemptions  of  shares  will not be
considered a violation of the limitation.

A fundamental policy of the Fund and the Fund's investment objective,  cannot be
changed  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  the  lesser  of:  (1)  50%  of the
outstanding  shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of the shares of the Fund present or
represented at a  shareholders  meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented.  A nonfundamental


                                       9
<PAGE>

policy of the Fund may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

A.       FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations, which are fundamental
policies of the Fund. The Fund may not:

1.       BORROWING

         Borrow  money,  except  that the Fund may  enter  into  commitments  to
         purchase   securities  in  accordance  with  its  investment   program,
         including  delayed-delivery  and  when-issued  securities  and  reverse
         repurchase  agreements,  provided  that the  total  amount  of any such
         borrowing does not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets.


2.       CONCENTRATION

         Purchase  securities,   other  than  U.S.  Government  Securities,  if,
         immediately  after each  purchase,  more than 25% of the  Fund's  total
         assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of issuers
         conducting their principal business activity in the same industry.

3.       DIVERSIFICATION

         With  respect  to 75% of  the  value  of  its  total  assets,  purchase
         securities,  other than U.S. Government Securities,  of any one issuer,
         if: (1) more than 5% of the Fund's  total  assets taken at market value
         would at the time of purchase be  invested  in the  securities  of that
         issuer;  or (2) such purchase  would at the time of purchase  cause the
         Fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that
         issuer.

4.       UNDERWRITING ACTIVITIES

         Act as an  underwriter  of securities of other  issuers,  except to the
         extent  that,  in  connection   with  the   disposition   of  portfolio
         securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of
         the Securities Act of 1933.

5.       MAKE LOANS

         Make loans to other  persons  except for loans of portfolio  securities
         and except  through the use of  repurchase  agreements  and through the
         purchase   of  debt   securities   which  are   otherwise   permissible
         investments.

6.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF REAL ESTATE

         Purchase or sell real estate or any interest  therein,  except that the
         Fund may invest in  securities  issued or  guaranteed  by  corporate or
         governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein, such
         as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized  mortgage obligations,  or
         issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein.

7.       PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMODITIES

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

                                       10
<PAGE>

8.       ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES

         Issue any senior  security  (as defined in the 1940 Act),  except that:
         (1) the Fund may engage in transactions that may result in the issuance
         of  senior   securities  to  the  extent   permitted  under  applicable
         regulations and  interpretations of the 1940 Act or an exemptive order;
         (2) the Fund may acquire  securities to the extent otherwise  permitted
         by its investment policies,  the acquisition of which may result in the
         issuance of a senior security, to the extent permitted under applicable
         regulations or  interpretations of the 1940 Act; and (3) subject to the
         restrictions  set forth above,  the Fund may borrow money as authorized
         by the 1940 Act.

B.       NONFUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS

The Fund has adopted the following  nonfundamental  investment  limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:

1.       BORROWING


         Borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes in an amount exceeding
         5% of the value of its total  assets at the time when the loan is made;
         provided that any such temporary or emergency  borrowings  representing
         more than 5% of the Fund's total assets must be repaid  before the Fund
         may make additional investments

         Purchase  securities for investment while any borrowing  equaling 5% or
         more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding or borrow money,  except
         for  temporary  or  emergency   purposes   (including  the  meeting  of
         redemption  requests),  in an amount  exceeding  5% of the value of the
         Fund's total assets.


2.       PLEDGING


         Pledge,  mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
         indebtedness.  The deposit in escrow of securities  in connection  with
         the writing of put and call options, collateralized loans of securities
         and  collateral   arrangements  with  respect  to  margin  for  futures
         contracts  are not  deemed to be  pledges  or  hypothecations  for this
         purpose.


3.       INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES


         Invest in securities of another registered  investment company,  except
         in   connection   with  a   merger,   consolidation,   acquisition   or
         reorganization;  and except  that the Fund may  invest in money  market
         funds and  privately-issued  mortgage related  securities to the extent
         permitted by the 1940 Act.


4.       MARGIN AND SHORT SELLING


         Purchase  securities  on  margin,  or make  short  sales of  securities
         (except short sales against the box),  except for the use of short-term
         credit  necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
         securities,  but the Fund may make margin  deposits in connection  with
         permitted  transactions  in options,  futures  contracts and options on
         futures contracts.


5.       ILLIQUID SECURITIES


         Acquire  securities or invest in repurchase  agreements with respect to
         any  securities  if, as a result,  more than (i) 15% of the  Fund's net
         assets  (taken  at  current  value)  would be  invested  in  repurchase
         agreements  not  entitling  the holder to payment of  principal  within
         seven  days  and  in  securities  which  are  not  readily  marketable,
         including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on the
         sale of such  securities to the public without  registration  under the
         Securities  Act of 1933  ("Restricted  Securities")  or (ii) 10% of the
         Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.


                                       11
<PAGE>

                       3. PERFORMANCE DATA AND ADVERTISING

A.       PERFORMANCE DATA

The Fund may quote  performance  in various ways.  All  performance  information
supplied  in  advertising,  sales  literature,   shareholder  reports  or  other
materials is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.

The Fund may compare any of its performance information with:

     o    Data published by independent  evaluators such as  Morningstar,  Inc.,
          Lipper,   Inc.,   iMoneyNet,   Inc.  (IBC   Financial   Data,   Inc.),
          CDA/Wiesenberger   or  other  companies  which  track  the  investment
          performance of investment companies ("Fund Tracking Companies").

     o    The performance of other mutual funds.

     o    The performance of recognized stock, bond and other indices, including
          but not limited to the  Standard & Poor's  500(R)  Index,  the Russell
          2000(R) Index,  the Russell  MidcapTM Index, the Russell 1000(R) Value
          Index,  the  Russell  2500(R)  Index,  the  Morgan  Stanley  - Europe,
          Australian and Far East Index, the Dow Jones Industrial  Average,  the
          Salomon  Brothers  Bond Index,  the Shearson  Lehman Bond Index,  U.S.
          Treasury bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index
          as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Performance  information may be presented  numerically or in a table,  graph, or
similar illustration.

Indices are not used in the  management  of the Fund but rather are standards by
which the Fund's  Adviser and  shareholders  may compare the  performance of the
Fund to an unmanaged  composite of securities  with similar,  but not identical,
characteristics as the Fund.

The Fund may refer to: (1) general  market  performances  over past time periods
such as those  published  by Ibbotson  Associates  (for  instance,  its "Stocks,
Bonds, Bills and Inflation Yearbook");  (2) mutual fund performance rankings and
other  data  published  by  Fund  Tracking  Companies;   and  (3)  material  and
comparative  mutual fund data and ratings  reported in independent  periodicals,
such as newspapers and financial magazines.

The Fund's performance will fluctuate in response to market conditions and other
factors.

B.       PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS

The Fund's performance may be quoted in terms of yield or total return.  Table 1
in Appendix C includes performance information for the Fund.

1.       SEC YIELD

Standardized  SEC  yields  for the Fund  used in  advertising  are  computed  by
dividing the Fund's interest  income (in accordance  with specific  standardized
rules) for a given 30 day or one month period,  net of expenses,  by the average
number of shares  entitled to receive  income  distributions  during the period,
dividing  this  figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming  compounding of income in accordance
with  specific  standardized  rules) in order to arrive at an annual  percentage
rate.

Capital gains and losses generally are excluded from these calculations.

Income  calculated for the purpose of determining  the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined  for other  accounting  purposes.  Because of the different
accounting  methods  used,  and  because  of the  compounding  assumed  in yield


                                       12
<PAGE>

calculations,  the  yield  quoted  for the  Fund  may  differ  from  the rate of
distribution  of income from the Fund over the same period or the rate of income
reported in the Fund's financial statements.

Although  published  yield  information  is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's  performance,  investors should be aware that the Fund's yield fluctuates
from  day to day and  that the  Fund's  yield  for any  given  period  is not an
indication or  representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's  shares.  Financial  intermediaries  may charge their  customers that
invest in the Fund fees in connection with that  investment.  This will have the
effect of reducing the Fund's after-fee yield to those shareholders.

The yields of the Fund are not fixed or  guaranteed,  and an  investment  in the
Fund is not insured or guaranteed.  Accordingly, yield information should not be
used to compare shares of the Fund with  investment  alternatives,  which,  like
money market instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest.
Also, it may not be appropriate to compare a Fund's yield  information  directly
to similar  information  regarding  investment  alternatives that are insured or
guaranteed.

Yield quotations are based on amounts invested in the Fund net of any applicable
sales charges that may be paid by an investor.  A computation of yield that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.  The Fund
does not charge a sales charges.

Yield is calculated according to the following formula:
                        a - b
         Yield = 2[(------ + 1)6  - 1]
                         cd
         Where:
                  a        =        dividends and interest earned during the
                                    period
                  b        =        expenses accrued for the period (net of
                                    reimbursements)
                  c        =        the  average  daily  number of shares
                                    outstanding  during the period that were
                                    entitled to receive dividends
                  d        =        the maximum offering price per share on the
                                    last day of the period

2.       TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS

The Fund's total return shows its overall change in value,  including changes in
share price and assuming all of the Fund's distributions are reinvested.


Total  return  figures  may be based on amounts  invested in a fund net of sales
charges that may be paid by an investor. A computation of total return that does
not take into account sales  charges paid by an investor  would be higher than a
similar  computation that takes into account payment of sales charges.  The Fund
does not charge a sales charge.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  Average annual total return is calculated  using a
formula  prescribed  by the SEC. To  calculate  standard  average  annual  total
returns  the  Fund:  (1)  determines  the  growth  or  decline  in  value  of  a
hypothetical  historical  investment in the Fund over a stated  period;  and (2)
calculates the annually compounded  percentage rate that would have produced the
same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the
period. For example, a cumulative return of 100% over ten years would produce an
average  annual  total  return of 7.18%.  While  average  annual  returns  are a
convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,  investors should realize
that  performance  is not constant over time but changes from year to year,  and
that average annual returns represent  averaged figures as opposed to the actual
year-to-year performance of the Fund.

                                       13
<PAGE>

Average annual total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         P(1+T)n = ERV

         Where:
                  P        =        a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
                  T        =        average annual total return
                  N        =        number of years
                  ERV      =        ending  redeemable value:  ERV is the value,
                                    at  the  end of the applicable period, of a
                                    hypothetical  $1,000  payment  made  at  the
                                    beginning  of  the applicable period

Because  average  annual  returns  tend to smooth out  variations  in the Fund's
returns,  shareholders  should  recognize  that  they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.

OTHER  MEASURES  OF  TOTAL  RETURN.  Standardized  total  return  quotes  may be
accompanied by  non-standardized  total return figures calculated by alternative
methods.

         The Fund may quote  unaveraged or cumulative total returns that reflect
         a Fund's performance over a stated period of time.

         Total  returns may be stated in their  components of income and capital
         (including  capital  gains  and  changes  in share  price)  in order to
         illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to
         total return.

Any total return may be quoted as a percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be
calculated for a single  investment,  a series of investments and/or a series of
redemptions  over any time period.  Total  returns may be quoted with or without
taking into consideration a fund's front-end sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge (if applicable).

Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:

         PT = (ERV/P-1)

         Where:
                  PT       =        period total return
                  The other definitions are the same as in average annual total
                  return above

C.       OTHER MATTERS

The  Fund  may  also  include  various  information  in its  advertising,  sales
literature,  shareholder reports or other materials  including,  but not limited
to: (1) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates, such as
portfolio  diversification  by instrument  type, by  instrument,  by location of
issuer  or  by  maturity;  (2)  statements  or  illustrations  relating  to  the
appropriateness  of types of securities and/or mutual funds that may be employed
by an investor to meet specific  financial  goals,  such as funding  retirement,
paying for children's  education and financially  supporting aging parents;  (3)
information   (including  charts  and  illustrations)  showing  the  effects  of
compounding  interest  (compounding  is  the  process  of  earning  interest  on
principal plus interest that was earned  earlier;  interest can be compounded at
different  intervals,  such as annually,  quarterly or daily);  (4)  information
relating to inflation  and its effects on the dollar;  (for  example,  after ten
years the purchasing power of $25,000 would shrink to $16,621,  $14,968, $13,465
and $12,100,  respectively, if the annual rates of inflation were 4%, 5%, 6% and
7%, respectively); (5) information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,   including  the  principal  of  dollar-cost
averaging;  (6) biographical  descriptions of the Fund's portfolio  managers and
the portfolio  management staff of the Fund's investment  adviser,  summaries of
the views of the portfolio  managers with respect to the financial  markets,  or
descriptions  of  the  nature  of  the  Adviser's  and  its  staff's  management
techniques;  (7) the  results of a  hypothetical  investment  in the Fund over a
given number of years,  including the amount that the investment would be at the
end of the period; (8) the effects of investing in a tax-deferred  account, such
as an individual  retirement account or Section 401(k) pension plan; (9) the net
asset value,  net assets or number of shareholders of the Fund as of one or more


                                       14
<PAGE>

dates; and (10) a comparison of the Fund's operations to the operations of other
funds or similar  investment  products,  such as a comparison  of the nature and
scope of regulation of the products and the products' weighted average maturity,
liquidity,  investment  policies,  and the manner of  calculating  and reporting
performance.

As an example of compounding,  $1,000 compounded  annually at 9.00% will grow to
$1,090 at the end of the first year (an  increase  in $90) and $1,188 at the end
of the second year (an increase of $98). The extra $8 that was earned on the $90
interest  from the first year is the compound  interest.  One  thousand  dollars
compounded  annually  at 9.00%  will  grow to $2,367 at the end of ten years and
$5,604 at the end of 20 years. Other examples of compounding are as follows:  at
7% and 12% annually, $1,000 will grow to $1,967 and $3,106, respectively, at the
end of ten years  and  $3,870  and  $9,646,  respectively,  at the end of twenty
years. These examples are for illustrative  purposes only and are not indicative
of a Fund's performance.

The Fund may advertise information regarding the effects of automatic investment
and  systematic  withdrawal  plans,  including  the  principal  of  dollar  cost
averaging.  In a  dollar-cost  averaging  program,  an investor  invests a fixed
dollar amount in the Fund at periodic intervals, thereby purchasing fewer shares
when prices are high and more shares when prices are low.  While such a strategy
does not  insure a profit or guard  against a loss in a  declining  market,  the
investor's  average cost per share can be lower than if fixed  numbers of shares
had been  purchased at those  intervals.  In evaluating  such a plan,  investors
should consider their ability to continue  purchasing  shares through periods of
low price levels. For example,  if an investor invests $100 a month for a period
of six months in the Fund the following will be the relationship between average
cost per share ($14.35 in the example given) and average price per share:

                        SYSTEMATIC               SHARE            SHARES
PERIOD                  INVESTMENT               PRICE           PURCHASED
- ------                  ----------               -----           ---------
   1                       $100                   $10              10.00
   2                       $100                   $12               8.33
   3                       $100                   $15               6.67
   4                       $100                   $20               5.00
   5                       $100                   $18               5.56
   6                       $100                   $16               6.25
                           ----                   ---               ----
                  TOTAL                AVERAGE               TOTAL
                INVESTED   $600         PRICE     $15.17     SHARES 41.81

In  connection  with  its  advertisements,  a Fund  may  provide  "shareholder's
letters" which serve to provide  shareholders  or investors with an introduction
into the Fund's, the Trust's or any of the Trust's service  provider's  policies
or business practices






                                       15
<PAGE>

                                  4. MANAGEMENT

A.       TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The names of the Trustees and officers of the Trust,  their  positions  with the
Trust,  address,  date of birth and principal  occupations  during the past five
years are set forth  below.  Each  Trustee  who is an  "interested  person"  (as
defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk (*).
<TABLE>
                    <S>                                                         <C>

NAME, POSITION WITH THE TRUST,               PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING
DATE OF BIRTH AND ADDRESS                    PAST 5 YEARS

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

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

John Y. Keffer*,  Chairman and President     Member and Director,  Forum  Financial Group,  LLC (a mutual fund  services
Born:  July 15, 1942                         holding  company)
Two Portland  Square                         Director,  Forum  Fund  Services,  LLC  (Trust's  underwriter)
Portland,  ME 04101                          Officer of six other  investment  companies for which Forum Financial Group,
                                             LLC provides services

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

Costas Azariadas, Trustee                    Professor of Economics, University of California-Los Angeles
Born:  February 15, 1943                     Visiting Professor of Economics, Athens University of Economics and
Department of Economics                      Business 1998 - 1999
University of California                     Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial Group,
Los Angeles, CA 90024                        LLC provides services

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

James C. Cheng, Trustee                      President, Technology Marketing Associates
Born:  July 26, 1942                         (marketing company for small and medium size businesses in New England)
27 Temple Street                             Trustee of one other investment company for which Forum Financial Group,
Belmont, MA 02718                            LLC provides services

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

J. Michael Parish, Trustee                   Partner, Thelen Reid & Priest LLP (law firm) since 1995
Born:  November 9, 1943                      Partner, Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (law firm) 1989 - 1995
40 West 57th Street                          Trustee of one other  investment  company for which Forum  Financial  Group,
New York, NY 10019                           LLC provides services

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

Stephen  J.  Barrett,  Vice  President       Manager  of Client  Services and Senior Relationship  Manager,
Born: November 14, 1968                      Financial Group, LLC since 1996
Two Portland Square                          Senior Product Manager,  Fidelity  Investments,  1994 - 1996
Portland,  Maine 04101                       Officer of four other investment companies for which Forum Financial Group,
                                             LLC provides services

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

David I. Goldstein, Vice President           Counsel and General Counsel, Forum Financial Group LLC
Born:  August 3, 1961                        Officer of five other investment companies for which Forum Financial Group,
Two Portland Square                          LLC provides services
Portland, ME 04101

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

Ronald  H.  Hirsch,   Treasurer              Managing  Director, Operations/Finance and Operations/Sales, Forum
Born:  October 14, 1943                      Financial Group, LLC since 1999
Two Portland Square                          Member of the Board - Citibank Germany 1991 - 1998
Portland, ME 04101                           Officer of six other  investment  companies  for which Forum  Financial Group,
                                             LLC provides services

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

Leslie K. Klenk, Secretary                   Assistant Counsel and Counsel, Forum Financial Group, LLC since 1998
Born:  August 24, 1964                       Associate General Counsel, Smith Barney Inc. (brokerage firm) 1993 - 1998
Two Portland Square                          Officer of one other  investment  company for which Forum  Financial  Group,
Portland, ME 04101                           LLC provides services

- -------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


B.       COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Effective  February 7, 2000,  each Trustee of the Trust will be paid a quarterly
retainer fee of $1,750 for his service to the Trust.  In addition,  each Trustee
will be paid a fee of $500 for each Board meeting attended (whether in person or


                                       16
<PAGE>

by  electronic  communication).  Trustees  are also  reimbursed  for  travel and
related  expenses  incurred in attending Board meetings.  Mr. Keffer receives no
compensation  (other than reimbursement for travel and related expenses) for his
service as Trustee of the Trust.  No officer of the Trust is  compensated by the
Trust but officers are  reimbursed for travel and related  expenses  incurred in
attending Board meetings held outside of Portland, Maine.

The  following  table sets forth the fees paid to each  Trustee by the Trust and
the Fund  Complex that  includes all series of the Trust and another  investment
company for which Forum Financial  Group,  LLC provides  services for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
          <S>                      <C>            <C>            <C>                      <C>
                          COMPENSATION                                       TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM TRUST
TRUSTEE                   FROM TRUST         BENEFITS       RETIREMENT       AND FUND COMPLEX
- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------
John Y. Keffer                   $0               $0              $0                        $0
- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------

Costas Azariadis               $11,200            $0              $0                      $18,500

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

James C. Cheng                 $12,700            $0              $0                      $20,000

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

J. Michael Parish              $12,700            $0              $0                      $20,000

- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------
</TABLE>

C.       INVESTMENT ADVISER

1.       SERVICES OF ADVISER

The Adviser  serves as investment  adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment
advisory  agreement (the "Agreement") with the Trust.  Under the Agreement,  the
Adviser  furnishes at its own expense all  services,  facilities  and  personnel
necessary  in  connection  with  managing  a Fund's  investments  and  effecting
portfolio transactions for a Fund.

2.       OWNERSHIP OF ADVISER

The Adviser is a privately-owned company controlled by Peter A. Vlachos.

3.       FEES

The  Adviser's  fee is  calculated  as a  percentage  of the Fund's  average net
assets.  The fee is  accrued  daily  by the Fund  and is paid  monthly  based on
average net assets for the previous month.

In addition to receiving  its  advisory fee from the Fund,  the Adviser may also
act and be  compensated  as  investment  manager for its clients with respect to
assets they invested in the Fund. If you have a separately  managed account with
the Adviser with assets  invested in the Fund, the Adviser will credit an amount
equal to all or a  portion  of the fees  received  by the  Adviser  against  any
investment management fee received from the client.

Table 1 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
the  Adviser,  the amount of fees  waived by the  Adviser,  and the actual  fees
received by the Adviser. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

4.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF ADVISER'S AGREEMENT

The  Agreement  remains  in effect for a period of one year from the date of its
effectiveness. Subsequently, the Agreement must be approved at least annually by
the Board or by  majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in  either  case by a
majority of the  Trustees  who are not parties to the  agreement  or  interested
persons of any such party.

The Agreement is terminable  without  penalty by the Trust regarding the Fund on
60  days'  written  notice  when  authorized   either  by  vote  of  the  Fund's
shareholders  or by a majority vote of the Board,  or by the Adviser on 60 days'
written  notice  to  the  Trust.  The  Agreement  terminates   immediately  upon
assignment.

                                       17
<PAGE>

Under the  Agreement,  the  Adviser  is not  liable  for any error of  judgment,
mistake of law,  for any loss  arising  out of any  investment,  or in any event
whatsoever except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of its duties or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement.

D.       DISTRIBUTOR

1.       DISTRIBUTOR; SERVICES AND COMPENSATION OF DISTRIBUTOR

FFS, the distributor (also known as principal  underwriter) of the shares of the
Fund,  is  located at Two  Portland  Square,  Portland,  Maine  04101.  FFS is a
registered  broker-dealer  and  is a  member  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Prior to August 1, 1999, Forum Financial Services, Inc.
("FFSI")  was the  distributor  of each  Fund  pursuant  to  similar  terms  and
compensation.


FFS, FAdS, FAcS and FSS are each controlled indirectly by Forum Financial Group,
LLC. John Y. Keffer controls forum Financial Group, LLC.


Under a distribution  agreement with the Trust (the  "Distribution  Agreement"),
FFS acts as the agent of the Trust in connection  with the offering of shares of
the Fund. FFS continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best effort basis.
FFS has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares.

FFS may enter into  arrangements  with various  financial  institutions  through
which you may  purchase or redeem  shares.  FFS may, at its own expense and from
its own resources, compensate certain persons who provide services in connection
with the sale or expected sale of shares of the Fund.

FFS may enter into  agreements  with selected  broker-dealers,  banks,  or other
financial  institutions  for distribution of shares of the Fund. These financial
institutions  may charge a fee for their  services and may receive  shareholders
service fees even though  shares of the Fund are sold without  sales  charges or
distribution fees. These financial  institutions may otherwise act as processing
agents, and will be responsible for promptly transmitting  purchase,  redemption
and other requests to the Fund.

Investors who purchase  shares in this manner will be subject to the  procedures
of the institution through whom they purchase shares, which may include charges,
investment  minimums,  cutoff  times and other  restrictions  in addition to, or
different  from,  those listed  herein.  Information  concerning  any charges or
services will be provided to customers by the financial  institution.  Investors
purchasing  shares of the Fund in this manner should  acquaint  themselves  with
their  institution's  procedures  and should read the  Prospectus in conjunction
with any materials and information provided by their institution.  The financial
institution  and not its customers will be the  shareholder of record,  although
customers  may have the right to vote shares  depending  upon their  arrangement
with the institution.

FFS does not receive any compensation for distributing the Fund's shares.  FFSI,
the Fund's distributor prior to August 1, 1999 also did not receive compensation
for distributing the Fund's shares.

2.       OTHER PROVISIONS OF DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT

The Distribution Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.

The  Distribution  Agreement  is  terminable  without  penalty by the Trust with
respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by vote of
the  Fund's  shareholders  or by a majority  vote of the Board,  or by FFS on 60
days' written notice to the Trust.

Under the Distribution Agreement,  FFS is not liable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders  for any error of judgment or mistake of law,  for any loss arising
out of any  investment  or for any act or  omission  in the  performance  of its


                                       18
<PAGE>

duties to a Fund, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence
in the  performance  of its  duties or by reason of  reckless  disregard  of its
obligations and duties under the agreement.

Under the Distribution Agreement, FFS and certain related parties (such as FFS's
officers and persons that control FFS) are  indemnified by the Trust against all
claims and expenses in any way related to alleged untrue  statements of material
fact contained in a Fund's  Registration  Statement or any alleged omission of a
material  fact  required  to be stated  in the  Registration  Statement  to make
statements  contained  therein  not  misleading.  The Trust,  however,  will not
indemnify  FSS for any such  misstatements  or  omissions  if they  were made in
reliance  upon  information  provided in writing by FSS in  connection  with the
preparation of the Registration Statement.

E.       OTHER FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

1.       ADMINISTRATOR

As administrator,  pursuant to an  administration  agreement with the Trust (the
"Admin  Agreement"),  FAdS is  responsible  for the  supervision  of the overall
management of the Trust,  providing the Trust with general office facilities and
providing persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the Trust.

For its services,  FAdS receives a fee from a Fund at an annual rate of 0.25% of
the average daily net assets of each Fund.  The fee is accrued daily by the Fund
and is paid monthly based on average net assets for the previous month.

The  Admin  Agreement  must be  approved  at least  annually  by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Admin Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by FAdS
with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under  the Admin  Agreement,  FAdS is not  liable  to the  Trust or the  Trust's
shareholders for any act or omission, except for willful misfeasance,  bad faith
or gross  negligence in the  performance  of its duties or by reason of reckless
disregard  of  its  obligations  and  duties  under  the  agreement.  Under  the
Agreement, FAdS and certain related parties (such as FAdS's officers and persons
who control  FAdS) are  indemnified  by the Trust against any and all claims and
expenses  related to FAdS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAdS's
contractual standard of care.

Table 2 in Appendix B shows the dollar  amount of the fees  payable by the Funds
to FAdS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAdS,  and the actual fees received by
FAdS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

2.       FUND ACCOUNTANT

As fund  accountant,  pursuant to an  accounting  agreement  with the Trust (the
"Accounting  Agreement"),  FAcS provides fund  accounting  services to the Fund.
These services  include  calculating the NAV per share of the Fund and preparing
the Fund's financial statements and tax returns.

For its services, FAcS receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate of $36,000
and certain  surcharges  based upon the number and type of the Fund's  portfolio
transactions  and  positions.  The fee is accrued  daily by the Fund and is paid
monthly based on the transactions and positions for the previous month.

The  Accounting  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or by
majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either  case by a  majority  of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party. The Accounting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust or by
FAcS with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.

Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS is not liable for any action or omission in
the  performance of its duties to a Fund,  except for willful  misfeasance,  bad
faith,  gross  negligence or by reason of reckless  disregard of its obligations
and duties under the agreement. Under the Accounting Agreement, FAcS and certain
related  parties  (such as FAcS's  officers  and persons  who control  FAcS) are


                                       19
<PAGE>

indemnified  by the Trust  against  any and all claims and  expenses  related to
FAcS's actions or omissions that are consistent with FAcS's contractual standard
of care.

Under the Accounting  Agreement,  in calculating a Fund's NAV per share, FAcS is
deemed  not to have  committed  an error if the NAV per share it  calculates  is
within  1/10  of 1% of the  actual  NAV per  share  (after  recalculation).  The
agreement  also provides  that FAcS will not be liable to a shareholder  for any
loss incurred due to an NAV difference if such  difference is less than or equal
1/2 of 1% or less than or equal to $10.00.  In addition,  FAcS is not liable for
the errors of others,  including the companies that supply  securities prices to
FAcS and the Fund.

Table 3 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
FAcS,  the amount of the fee waived by FAcS,  and the actual  fees  received  by
FAcS. The data are for the past three fiscal years.

3.       TRANSFER AGENT


As transfer agent and  distribution  paying agent,  pursuant to a transfer agent
agreement  with the Trust (the  "Transfer  Agent  Agreement"),  FSS maintains an
account  for each  shareholder  of  record  of the Fund and is  responsible  for
processing  purchase  and  redemption  requests  and  paying   distributions  to
shareholders of record. FSS is located at Two Portland Square,  Portland,  Maine
04101 and is registered as a transfer agent with the SEC.

For its services, FSS receives with respect to the Fund an annual fee of $12,000
plus $25 per shareholder account.


The Transfer Agent  Agreement must be approved at least annually by the Board or
by majority  vote of the  shareholders,  and in either case by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested  persons of any such
party.  The Transfer Agent Agreement is terminable  without penalty by the Trust
or by the Transfer Agent with respect to a Fund on 60 days' written notice.


Under  the  Transfer  Agent  Agreement,  FSS is not  liable  for  any act in the
performance of its duties to a Fund, except for willful  misfeasance,  bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the agreement.  Under
the  agreement,  FSS and certain  related  parties  (such as FSS's  officers and
persons who control FSS) are indemnified by the Trust against any and all claims
and expenses  related to FAdS's actions or omissions  that are  consistent  with
FAdS's contractual standard of care.


Table 4 in Appendix B shows the dollar amount of the fees payable by the Fund to
FSS, the amount of the fee waived by FSS,  and the actual fees  received by FSS.
The data are for the past three fiscal years.

4.       CUSTODIAN

As  custodian,  pursuant  to an  agreement  with the  Trust,  Forum  Trust,  LLC
safeguards and controls the Fund's cash and  securities,  determines  income and
collects interest on Fund investments. The Custodian may employ subcustodians to
provide  custody of a Fund's  domestic  and foreign  assets.  The  Custodian  is
located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.

For its services, the Custodian receives an annualized percentage of the average
daily net assets of the Fund. The Fund also pays an annual domestic  custody fee
as well as certain other  transaction  fees. These fees are accrued daily by the
Fund and are paid monthly based on average net assets and  transactions  for the
previous month.

5.       LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP, 1200 G Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20005 passes upon
legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of the Trust.


                                       20
<PAGE>


6.       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, 14th Floor,  Boston,  Massachusetts,
02116-5022,  independent auditors,  have been selected as auditors for the Fund.
The auditors audit the annual  financial  statements of the Fund and provide the
Fund with an audit opinion.  The auditors also review certain regulatory filings
of the Fund and the Fund's tax returns.

                            5. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

A.       HOW SECURITIES ARE PURCHASED AND SOLD

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are fixed income  securities
(for instance,  money market instruments and bonds, notes and bills) usually are
principal transactions. In a principal transaction, the party from whom the Fund
purchases  or to whom the Fund sells is acting on its own behalf (and not as the
agent of some other party such as its customers).  These securities normally are
purchased  directly from the issuer or from an  underwriter  or market maker for
the  securities.  There  usually  are no  brokerage  commissions  paid for these
securities.

Purchases  and sales of portfolio  securities  that are equity  securities  (for
instance common stock and preferred  stock) are generally  effected:  (1) if the
security is traded on an exchange,  through brokers who charge commissions;  and
(2) if the security is traded in the "over-the-counter"  markets, in a principal
transaction  directly from a market maker. In  transactions on stock  exchanges,
commissions   are   negotiated.   When   transactions   are   executed   in   an
over-the-counter  market,  the Adviser will seek to deal with the primary market
makers;  but when necessary in order to obtain best execution,  the Adviser will
utilize the services of others.

Purchases of securities from underwriters of the securities  include a disclosed
fixed  commission  or  concession  paid by the  issuer to the  underwriter,  and
purchases  from dealers  serving as market makers include the spread between the
bid and asked price.

In the case of fixed income and equity securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes
an undisclosed commission or markup.

B.       COMMISSIONS PAID

Table 5 in Appendix B shows the aggregate brokerage  commissions with respect to
each Fund. The data presented are for the past three fiscal years.

C.       ADVISER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PURCHASES AND SALES

The Adviser  places orders for the purchase and sale of securities  with brokers
and dealers  selected by and in the  discretion of the Adviser.  No Fund has any
obligation  to deal with any  specific  broker or  dealer  in the  execution  of
portfolio  transactions.  Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and
the frequency of transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment
and in a manner  deemed to be in the best  interest  of each Fund rather than by
any formula.

The Adviser seeks "best  execution" for all portfolio  transactions.  This means
that the Adviser seeks the most  favorable  price and execution  available.  The
Adviser's primary consideration in executing transactions for the Fund is prompt
execution  of orders in an  effective  manner  and at the most  favorable  price
available.

1.       CHOOSING BROKER-DEALERS

The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread  available.  Rather,
in determining the amount of commissions (including certain dealer spreads) paid
in  connection  with  securities  transactions,  the Adviser  takes into account


                                       21
<PAGE>

factors such as size of the order,  difficulty of  execution,  efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities  (including the research services described below)
and any risk assumed by the executing broker.

Consistent with applicable rules and the Adviser's duties,  the Adviser may: (1)
consider  sales  of  shares  of  the  Fund  as a  factor  in  the  selection  of
broker-dealers to execute  portfolio  transactions for a Fund; and (2) take into
account  payments  made by  brokers  effecting  transactions  for a Fund  (these
payments  may be made to the Fund or to other  persons on behalf of the Fund for
services  provided to the Fund for which those other  persons would be obligated
to pay.)

2.       OBTAINING RESEARCH FROM BROKERS

The Adviser may give  consideration to research services furnished by brokers to
the  Adviser  for its use and may cause  the Fund to pay these  brokers a higher
amount of  commission  than may be charged by other  brokers.  This  research is
designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and investment  strategy
capabilities.  This  research  may be used by the  Adviser  in  connection  with
services to clients  other than the Fund,  and not all research  services may be
used by the Adviser in  connection  with the Fund.  The  Adviser's  fees are not
reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of research services.

The Adviser has full brokerage discretion. It evaluates the range and quality of
a  broker's   services  in  placing  trades   including   securing  best  price,
confidentiality,  clearance and settlement capabilities, promptness of execution
and the financial stability of the broker-dealer.  Under certain  circumstances,
the  value of  research  provided  by a  broker-dealer  may be a  factor  in the
selection of a broker.  This research  would include  reports that are common in
the  industry.  Typically,  the  research  will be used  to  service  all of the
Adviser's  accounts  although a  particular  client may not benefit from all the
research  received on each  occasion.  The nature of the services  purchased for
clients include industry  research reports and periodicals,  quotation  systems,
software for portfolio management and formal databases.

Occasionally, the Adviser utilizes a broker and pay a slightly higher commission
than another  broker may charge.  The higher  commission  is paid because of the
Adviser's need for specific research,  for specific expertise a firm may have in
a particular type of transaction (due to factors such as size or difficulty), or
for  speed/efficiency  in  execution.  Since  most  of the  Adviser's  brokerage
commissions  for  research are for  economic  research on specific  companies or
industries,  and  since  the  Adviser  is  involved  with a  limited  number  of
securities, most of the commission dollars spent for industry and stock research
directly benefit the clients.

There are occasions on which portfolio  transactions  may be executed as part of
concurrent  authorizations to purchase or sell the same securities for more than
one account  served by the  Adviser,  some of which  accounts  may have  similar
investment objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could
be  either  advantageous  or  disadvantageous  to  any  one or  more  particular
accounts,  they will be effected  only when the Adviser  believes  that to do so
will be in the best  interest of the  affected  accounts.  When such  concurrent
authorizations  occur,  the  objective  will be to allocate  the  execution in a
manner  equitable  to the accounts  involved.  Clients are  typically  allocated
securities with prices averaged on a per-share or per-bond basis.

3.       COUNTERPARTY RISK

The Adviser  monitors  the  creditworthiness  of  counterparties  to each Fund's
transactions  and intends to enter into a transaction only when it believes that
the counterparty presents minimal and appropriate credit risks.

4.       TRANSACTIONS THROUGH AFFILIATES

The Adviser may effect brokerage  transactions through affiliates of the Adviser
(or affiliates of those persons) pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust.


                                       22
<PAGE>

5.       OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE ADVISER

Investment  decisions  for the Fund are made  independently  from  those for any
other account or investment  company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates.  Investment  decisions are the product of many
factors, including basic suitability for the particular client involved. Thus, a
particular  security  may be bought or sold for certain  clients  even though it
could have been 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
clients are  selling  the  security.  In some  instances,  one client may sell a
particular  security to another  client.  In  addition,  two or more clients may
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 which, in the Adviser'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 a  portfolio
security for one client could have an adverse  effect on another client that has
a position in that  security.  In addition,  when purchases or sales of the same
security  for a Fund and other  client  accounts  managed by the Adviser  occurs
contemporaneously,  the  purchase or sale orders may be  aggregated  in order to
obtain any price advantages available to large denomination purchases or sales.

6.       PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The  frequency of portfolio  transactions  of the Fund (the  portfolio  turnover
rate) will vary from year to year  depending on many factors.  From time to time
the Fund may  engage in active  short-term  trading to take  advantage  of price
movements  affecting  individual issues,  groups of issues or markets. An annual
portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of the securities in the Fund
were replaced once in a period of one year. Higher portfolio  turnover rates may
result  in  increased  brokerage  costs to a Fund  and a  possible  increase  in
short-term capital gains or losses.

D.       SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS

From  time to time the Fund  may  acquire  and  hold  securities  issued  by its
"regular  brokers and dealers" or the parents of those brokers and dealers.  For
this  purpose,  regular  brokers and dealers are the 10 brokers or dealers that:
(1) received the greatest amount of brokerage commissions during the Fund's last
fiscal year;  (2) engaged in the largest  amount of principal  transactions  for
portfolio  transactions  of the Fund during the Fund's last fiscal year;  or (3)
sold the largest amount of the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year.
Table 6 in Appendix B lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of each fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Funds'  holdings  of those
securities as of the Funds' most recent fiscal year.

                     6. PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION


A.       GENERAL INFORMATION


You may effect purchases or redemptions or request any shareholder  privilege in
person at FSS's offices located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.


The Fund accepts  orders for the purchase or redemption of shares on any weekday
except days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

Not all classes or funds of the Trust may be  available  for sale in the sate in
which you reside. Please check with your investment  professional to determine a
class or fund's availability.


                                       23
<PAGE>

B.       ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION

Shares  of the Fund are sold on a  continuous  basis by the  distributor  at net
asset  value  ("NAV")  per share  without  any sales  charge.  Accordingly,  the
offering price per share is the same as the NAV per share.

The Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase request.

Fund shares are  normally  issued for cash only.  In the  Adviser's  discretion,
however,  the Fund may  accept  portfolio  securities  that meet the  investment
objective  and  policies of the Fund as payment for Fund  shares.  The Fund will
only accept  securities  that:  (1) are not restricted as to transfer by law and
are not illiquid;  and (2) have a value that is readily  ascertainable  (and not
established only by valuation procedures).

1.       IRAS

All  contributions  into an IRA  through  the  automatic  investing  service are
treated as IRA contributions made during the year the investment is received.

2.       UGMAS/UTMAS

If the trustee's name is not in the account  registration  of a gift or transfer
to minor  ("UGMA/UTMA")  account,  the investor must provide a copy of the trust
document.

3.       PURCHASES THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

You may purchase and redeem shares  through  certain  broker-dealers,  banks and
other financial institutions.  Financial institutions may charge their customers
a fee for their services and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase,
redemption and other requests to the Fund.

If you purchase shares through a financial  institution,  you will be subject to
the institution's procedures, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable when you invest in a Fund directly. When you purchase a Fund's shares
through a financial institution, you may or may not be the shareholder of record
and,  subject  to your  institution's  procedures,  you  may  have  Fund  shares
transferred into your name. There is typically a three-day settlement period for
purchases and redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain financial institutions
may also enter purchase orders with payment to follow.

You may not be  eligible  for certain  shareholder  services  when you  purchase
shares through a financial  institution.  Contact your  institution  for further
information.  If you hold shares through a financial  institution,  the Fund may
confirm  purchases  and  redemptions  to the financial  institution,  which will
provide  you  with  confirmations  and  periodic  statements.  The  Fund  is not
responsible  for the  failure  of any  financial  institution  to carry  out its
obligations.

Investors  purchasing shares of the Fund through a financial  institution should
read any materials and  information  provided by the  financial  institution  to
acquaint  themselves  with its procedures and any fees that the  institution may
charge.

C.       ADDITIONAL REDEMPTION INFORMATION


The Fund may redeem  shares  involuntarily  to  reimburse  the Fund for any loss
sustained  by reason of the failure of a  shareholder  to make full  payment for
shares  purchased  by the  shareholder  or to  collect  any charge  relating  to
transactions  effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to a
Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus.


                                       24
<PAGE>


1.       SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The right of  redemption  may not be  suspended,  except for any  period  during
which:  (1) the New York Stock  Exchange,  Inc. is closed (other than  customary
weekend  and holiday  closings)  or during  which the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  determines that trading thereon is restricted;  (2) an emergency (as
determined  by the SEC)  exists as a result of which  disposal  by a Fund of its
securities  is not  reasonably  practicable  or as a  result  of which it is not
reasonably  practicable  for a Fund  fairly  to  determine  the value of its net
assets;  or  (3)  the  SEC  may  by  order  permit  for  the  protection  of the
shareholders of a Fund.

2.       REDEMPTION-IN-KIND

Redemption  proceeds  normally are paid in cash.  Payments may be made wholly or
partly in portfolio  securities,  however,  if the Board  determines  conditions
exist which would make payment in cash  detrimental  to the best  interests of a
Fund. If redemption proceeds are paid wholly or partly in portfolio  securities,
brokerage  costs may be incurred by the shareholder in converting the securities
to cash.  The Trust has filed an election  with the SEC pursuant to which a Fund
may  only  effect  a  redemption  in  portfolio  securities  if  the  particular
shareholder  is  redeeming  more than  $250,000  or 1% of the  Fund's  total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.

D.       NAV DETERMINATION


In determining the Fund's NAV per share,  securities for which market quotations
are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported
sales price.  If no sale price is reported,  the average of the last bid and ask
price is used. If no average price is available,  the last bid price is used. If
market quotations are not readily available,  then securities are valued at fair
value as determined by the Board (or its delegate).


E.       DISTRIBUTIONS


Distributions of net investment  income will be reinvested at the Fund's NAV per
share as of the last day of the period with respect to which the distribution is
paid. Distributions of capital gain will be reinvested at the NAV per share of a
Fund on the payment date for the  distribution.  Cash  payments may be made more
than seven days  following the date on which  distributions  would  otherwise be
reinvested.


                                   7. TAXATION


The tax  information  set forth in the  Prospectus  and the  information in this
section relates solely to U.S.  federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund
qualifies  as  a  regulated   investment  company  (as  discussed  below).  Such
information is only a summary of certain key federal  income tax  considerations
affecting  each  Fund  and  its  shareholders  that  are  not  described  in the
prospectus.  No attempt has been made to present a complete  explanation  of the
federal tax  treatment  of the Fund or the  implications  to  shareholders.  The
discussions  here and in the  prospectus  are not  intended as  substitutes  for
careful tax planning.

This  "Taxation"  section  is based on the Code and  applicable  regulations  in
effect on the date hereof. Future legislative or administrative changes or court
decisions  may  significantly  change the tax rules  applicable  to the Fund and
their  shareholders.  Any  of  these  changes  or  court  decisions  may  have a
retroactive effect.

ALL INVESTORS  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE FEDERAL,  STATE,
LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM.

A.       QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY


The  Fund  intends  for  each tax year to  qualify  as a  "regulated  investment
company"  under the  Code.  This  qualification  does not  involve  governmental
supervision of management or investment practices or policies of the Fund.


                                       25
<PAGE>

The tax  year-end  of the Fund is March 31 (the same as the Fund's  fiscal  year
end).

1.       MEANING OF QUALIFICATION

As a  regulated  investment  company,  the Fund will not be  subject  to federal
income tax on the portion of its net investment  company taxable income (such as
taxable  interest,  dividends,  net  short-term  capital gains and other taxable
ordinary  income,  net of expenses) and net capital gain (that is, the excess of
net  long-term  capital  gains  over  net  short-term  capital  losses)  that it
distributes  to  shareholders.  In order to qualify  to be taxed as a  regulated
investment company a Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

     o    The Fund  must  distribute  at  least  90% of its  investment  company
          taxable income for the tax year. (Certain distributions made by a Fund
          after  the  close  of  its  tax  year  are  considered   distributions
          attributable  to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this
          requirement.)

     o    The Fund must  derive at least 90% of its gross  income  from  certain
          types of income  derived  with respect to its business of investing in
          securities.

     o    The Fund must satisfy the following asset  diversification test at the
          close of each quarter of the Fund's tax year:  (1) at least 50% of the
          value of the Fund's  assets must consist of cash and cash items,  U.S.
          government  securities,   securities  of  other  regulated  investment
          companies,  and  securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has
          not  invested  more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
          securities  of the  issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more
          than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer);  and (2)
          no more  than  25% of the  value of the  Fund's  total  assets  may be
          invested  in the  securities  of  any  one  issuer  (other  than  U.S.
          Government  securities  and securities of other  regulated  investment
          companies),  or in two or more  issuers  which the Fund  controls  and
          which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses.

2.       FAILURE TO QUALIFY

If for any tax year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company,
all of its taxable  income  (including  its net capital gain) will be subject to
tax  at  regular   corporate  rates  without  any  deduction  for  dividends  to
shareholders,  and the dividends will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary
income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits.
A  portion  of  these   distributions   generally   may  be  eligible   for  the
dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders.

Failure to qualify as a regulated  investment company would thus have a negative
impact on a Fund's income and  performance.  It is possible that a Fund will not
qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year.

B.       FUND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Fund anticipates  distributing  substantially all of its investment  company
taxable  income for each tax year.  These  distributions  are  taxable to you as
ordinary  income.  A portion  of these  distributions  may  qualify  for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.

The Fund anticipates distributing  substantially all of its net capital gain for
each tax year. These distributions  generally are made only once a year, usually
in November or December,  but the Fund may make additional  distributions of net
capital gain at any time during the year. These distributions are taxable to you
as long-term  capital gain,  regardless of how long you have held shares.  These
distributions may not qualify for the dividends-received deduction.

                                       26
<PAGE>

Distributions  by the Fund that do not constitute  ordinary income  dividends or
capital gain dividends will be treated as a return of capital. Return of capital
distributions  reduces your tax basis in the shares and are treated as gain from
the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero.

All  distributions  by the Fund will be treated in the  manner  described  above
regardless  of  whether  the  distribution  is paid in  cash  or  reinvested  in
additional  shares  of  the  Fund  (or  of  another  Fund).  If  you  receive  a
distribution in the form of additional  shares, you will be treated as receiving
a  distribution  in an  amount  equal to the  fair  market  value of the  shares
received, determined as of the reinvestment date.

You may purchase shares whose net asset value at the time reflects undistributed
net investment income or recognized capital gain, or unrealized  appreciation in
the value of the assets of the Fund.  Distributions of these amounts are taxable
to you in the manner  described above,  although the  distribution  economically
constitutes a return of capital to you.

If you  purchase  shares of the Fund  just  prior to the  ex-dividend  date of a
distribution,  you  will be  taxed  on the  entire  amount  of the  distribution
received,  even though the net asset value per share on the date of the purchase
reflected the amount of the distribution.

Ordinarily,  you are required to take  distributions by the Fund into account in
the year in which they are made. A distribution declared in October, November or
December of any year and payable to  shareholders  of record on a specified date
in those months, however, is deemed to be received by you (and made by the Fund)
on December 31 of that  calendar  year if the  distribution  is actually paid in
January of the following year.

You will be advised  annually as to the U.S.  federal income tax consequences of
distributions made (or deemed made) to them during the year.

C.       CERTAIN TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUND'S TRANSACTIONS

For federal income tax purposes, when put and call options purchased by the Fund
expire  unexercised,  the  premiums  paid by the Fund  give  rise to  short-  or
long-term  capital losses at the time of expiration  (depending on the length of
the  respective  exercise  periods for the  options).  When put and call options
written by the Fund expire  unexercised,  the premiums received by the Fund give
rise to  short-term  capital  gains  at the  time of  expiration.  When the Fund
exercises a call, the purchase price of the underlying  security is increased by
the amount of the premium paid by the Fund.  When the Fund  exercises a put, the
proceeds from the sale of the  underlying  security are decreased by the premium
paid.  When a put or call written by the Fund is exercised,  the purchase  price
(selling  price in the case of a call) of the  underlying  security is decreased
(increased in the case of a call) for tax purposes by the premium received.

Certain  listed  options,  regulated  futures  contracts  and  forward  currency
contracts  are  considered  "Section  1256  contracts"  for  federal  income tax
purposes.  Section 1256  contracts  held by the Fund at the end of each tax year
are "marked to market" and  treated  for federal  income tax  purposes as though
sold for fair market value on the last  business  day of the tax year.  Gains or
losses  realized by the Fund on Section 1256 contracts  generally are considered
60% long-term and 40% short-term  capital gains or losses. The Fund can elect to
exempt its Section  1256  contracts,  which are part of a "mixed  straddle"  (as
described below) from the application of Section 1256.

Any option, futures contract, or other position entered into or held by the Fund
in  conjunction  with any  other  position  held by the Fund  may  constitute  a
"straddle"  for federal  income tax purposes.  A straddle of which at least one,
but not all, the positions are Section 1256  contracts,  may constitute a "mixed
straddle".  In general,  straddles  are subject to certain rules that may affect
the character and timing of the Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle
positions by  requiring,  among other  things,  that:  (1) the loss  realized on
disposition  of one position of a straddle may not be  recognized  to the extent
that the Fund has  unrealized  gains with respect to the other  position in such
straddle; (2) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended while
the straddle  exists  (possibly  resulting in gain being  treated as  short-term
capital gain rather than long-term capital gain); (3) the losses recognized with
respect to certain  straddle  positions  which are part of a mixed  straddle and
which are  non-Section  1256  positions  be  treated  as 60%  long-term  and 40%


                                       27
<PAGE>

short-term  capital loss; (4) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which would otherwise constitute  short-term capital losses be treated
as  long-term  capital  losses;  and (5) the  deduction of interest and carrying
charges  attributable  to certain  straddle  positions may be deferred.  Various
elections  are  available  to the Fund,  which may  mitigate  the effects of the
straddle rules,  particularly with respect to mixed straddles.  In general,  the
straddle  rules  described  above do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund
all of the offsetting positions of which consist of Section 1256 contracts.

D.       FEDERAL EXCISE TAX

A 4% non-deductible excise tax is imposed on a regulated investment company that
fails to  distribute  in each  calendar  year an amount equal to: (1) 98% of its
ordinary  taxable  income for the calendar year; and (2) 98% of its capital gain
net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of the calendar year. The
balance of the Fund's income must be distributed  during the next calendar year.
The Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject
to income tax for any tax year.

For purposes of  calculating  the excise tax, the Fund:  (1) reduces its capital
gain net income  (but not below its net  capital  gain) by the amount of any net
ordinary loss for the calendar year and (2) excludes  foreign currency gains and
losses  incurred  after  October  31 of any year in  determining  the  amount of
ordinary  taxable  income for the current  calendar  year. The Fund will include
foreign  currency  gains and losses  incurred  after  October 31 in  determining
ordinary taxable income for the succeeding calendar year.

The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions of its ordinary taxable income
and  capital  gain net income  prior to the end of each  calendar  year to avoid
liability  for the excise tax.  Investors  should note,  however,  that the Fund
might in certain circumstances be required to liquidate portfolio investments to
make sufficient distributions to avoid excise tax liability.

E.       SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SHARES

In general,  a shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption
of shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the difference  between the proceeds
of the  sale or  redemption  and the  shareholder's  adjusted  tax  basis in the
shares.  All or a portion of any loss so  recognized  may be  disallowed  if the
shareholder  purchases (for example,  by reinvesting  dividends) other shares of
the Fund  within 30 days  before or after  the sale or  redemption  (a so called
"wash sale"). If disallowed,  the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment
to the basis of the shares purchased.  In general, any gain or loss arising from
the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund will be considered  capital gain or
loss and will be  long-term  capital  gain or loss if the  shares  were held for
longer than one year.  Any capital loss arising from the sale or  redemption  of
shares held for six months or less,  however,  is treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain distributions  received on such
shares.  In determining the holding period of such shares for this purpose,  any
period during which a shareholder's  risk of loss is offset by means of options,
short sales or similar  transactions is not counted.  Capital losses in any year
are  deductible  only to the  extent of  capital  gains  plus,  in the case of a
noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income.

F.       WITHHOLDING TAX

The Fund will be  required in certain  cases to  withhold  and remit to the U.S.
Treasury 31% of distributions,  and the proceeds of redemptions of shares,  paid
to any  shareholder:  (1)  who  has  failed  to  provide  its  correct  taxpayer
identification  number;  (2) who is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for
failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend  income  properly;  or (3)
who has  failed  to  certify  to the  Fund  that  it is not  subject  to  backup
withholding  or that it is a  corporation  or other "exempt  recipient."  Backup
withholding  is not an  additional  tax; any amounts so withheld may be credited
against a shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.


                                       28
<PAGE>

G.       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS

Taxation of a shareholder who under the Code is a nonresident  alien individual,
foreign trust or estate,  foreign corporation,  or foreign partnership ("foreign
shareholder"),  depends on  whether  the  income  from the Fund is  "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the foreign shareholder.

If the income from the Fund is not  effectively  connected  with a U.S. trade or
business carried on by a foreign  shareholder,  distributions of ordinary income
(an short-term  capital gains) paid to a foreign  shareholder will be subject to
U.S.  withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable  treaty rate) upon
the gross amount of the distribution. The foreign shareholder generally would be
exempt from U.S.  federal  income tax on gain  realized on the sale of shares of
the  Fund and  distributions  of net  capital  gain  from  the Fund and  amounts
retained by the Fund.

If the  income  from  the Fund is  effectively  connected  with a U.S.  trade or
business   carried  on  by  a  foreign   shareholder,   then   ordinary   income
distributions,  capital gain distributions,  and any gain realized upon the sale
of shares of the Fund will be  subject to U.S.  federal  income tax at the rates
applicable to U.S. citizens or U.S. corporations.

In the case of a noncorporate foreign  shareholder,  the Fund may be required to
withhold  U.S.  federal  income tax at a rate of 31% on  distributions  that are
otherwise exempt from withholding (or taxable at a reduced treaty rate),  unless
the  shareholder  furnishes  the Fund with  proper  notification  of its foreign
status.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder  entitled to claim the benefits of
an applicable tax treaty might be different from those described herein.

The tax rules of other countries with respect to distributions from the Fund can
differ from the U.S.  federal  income  taxation  rules  described  above.  These
foreign  rules  are not  discussed  herein.  Foreign  shareholders  are urged to
consult their own tax advisers as to the  consequences of foreign tax rules with
respect to an investment in a Fund.

H.       STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The tax rules of the various  states of the U.S.  and their local  jurisdictions
with respect to  distributions  from the Fund can differ from the rules for U.S.
federal income  taxation  described  above.  These state and local rules are not
discussed herein. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers as to the
consequences  of state and local tax rules with respect to an  investment in the
Fund, distributions from the Fund and the applicability of state and local taxes
and related matters.

                                8. OTHER MATTERS


A.       THE TRUST AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION

Forum  Funds was  organized  as a business  trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware  on August 29,  1995.  On January  5, 1996 the Trust  succeeded  to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc.

The Trust is registered as an open-end,  management investment company under the
1940 Act. The Trust offers  shares of beneficial  interest in its series.  As of
the date hereof,  the Trust  consisted  of the  following  shares of  beneficial
interest:


                                       29
<PAGE>

Investors Bond Fund                                Payson Value Fund
TaxSaver Bond Fund                                 Payson Balanced Fund
Investors High Grade Bond Fund                     Austin Global Equity Fund
Maine Municipal Bond Fund                          Polaris Global Value Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund                            Investors Equity Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund(1)                    Equity Index Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Obligations Fund(1)          Investors Growth Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund(1)                          BIA Small-Cap Growth Fund
Daily Assets Government Obligations Fund(1)        BIA Growth Equity Fund
Daily Assets Municipal Fund(1)

(1)  The  Trust  offers  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in an  institutional,
institutional service, and investor share class of these series.

The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized  shares of beneficial  interest.
The Board may, without shareholder  approval,  divide the authorized shares into
an  unlimited  number of separate  series and may divide  series into classes of
shares; the costs of doing so will be borne by the Trust.


The Trust, Fund's investment adviser and the principal  underwriter have adopted
codes of ethics  under Rule  17j-1,  as  amended,  of the 1940 Act.  These codes
permit  personnel  subject  to the  codes to  invest  in  securities,  including
securities that may be be purchased or held by the Fund. The Board will consider
approving  amendments to the code of ethics for the Trust, the Funds' investment
adviser and the principal underwriter at its next regularly scheduled meeting.


The Trust and each Fund will continue indefinitely until terminated.

2.       SERIES AND CLASSES OF THE TRUST


Each  series or class of the Trust may have a  different  expense  ratio and its
expenses will affect each class' performance.  For more information on any other
class of shares of the Fund, investors may contact FSS.


3.       SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND OTHER RIGHTS

Each  share of each  series  of the Trust  and each  class of  shares  has equal
dividend,  distribution,  liquidation and voting rights,  and fractional  shares
have  those  rights  proportionately,   except  that  expenses  related  to  the
distribution  of the shares of each class (and certain  other  expenses  such as
transfer  agency,  shareholder  service and  administration  expenses) are borne
solely by those  shares  and each class  votes  separately  with  respect to the
provisions of any Rule 12b-1 plan which  pertains to the class and other matters
for which separate class voting is appropriate under applicable law.  Generally,
shares will be voted separately by individual series except if: (1) the 1940 Act
requires shares to be voted in the aggregate and not by individual  series;  and
(2) when the Trustees determine that the matter affects more than one series and
all affected  series must vote.  The Trustees may also  determine  that a matter
only  affects  certain  classes  of the Trust and thus only  those  classes  are
entitled to vote on the matter.  Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold
annual meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings
will be held only when specifically  required by federal or state law. There are
no conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust.

All shares,  when issued in accordance  with the terms of the offering,  will be
fully paid and nonassessable.

A shareholder in a series is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of all
distributions  arising from that series' assets and, upon redeeming shares, will
receive  the  portion of the  series'  net assets  represented  by the  redeemed
shares.

Shareholders  representing 10% or more of the Trust's (or a series') outstanding
shares may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust (or
series) for any purpose related to the Trust (or series), including, in the case
of a meeting  of the  Trust,  the  purpose  of voting on  removal of one or more
Trustees.


                                       30
<PAGE>

4.       CERTAIN REORGANIZATION TRANSACTIONS

The Trust or any  series  may be  terminated  upon the sale of its assets to, or
merger with, another open-end,  management investment company or series thereof,
or upon liquidation and distribution of its assets.  Generally such terminations
must be approved  by the vote of the  holders of a majority  of the  outstanding
shares of the Trust or a Fund.  The  Trustees  may,  without  prior  shareholder
approval, change the form of organization of the Trust by merger,  consolidation
or  incorporation.  Under  the  Trust  Instrument,  the  Trustees  may,  without
shareholder vote, cause the Trust or certain series to merge or consolidate into
one or more  trusts,  partnerships  or  corporations  or cause  the  Trust to be
incorporated under Delaware law, so long as the surviving entity is an open-end,
management  investment  company  that  will  succeed  to or assume  the  Trust's
registration statement.

B.       FUND OWNERSHIP

As of July 1, 1999,  the percentage of shares owned by all officers and trustees
of the Trust as a group was as follows.  To the extent officers and trustees own
less than 1% of the shares of each class of shares of a Fund (or of the  Trust),
the table reflects "N/A" for not applicable.

                                         PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
FUND (OR TRUST)                                 OWNED
The Trust                                        N/A
Austin Global Equity Fund                        N/A

Also as of that date, certain shareholders of record owned 5% or more of a class
of shares of the Fund.  Shareholders  known by a Fund to own  beneficially 5% or
more of a class of shares of the Fund are listed in Table 7 in Appendix B.

From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of the Fund.  Accordingly,  those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if
not determine) the outcome of a shareholder  vote. As of July 1, 1999, no person
beneficially owned 25% or more of the shares of the Fund (or of the Trust).

C.       LIMITATIONS ON SHAREHOLDERS' AND TRUSTEES' LIABILITY

Delaware  law  provides  that  Fund   shareholders  are  entitled  to  the  same
limitations  of  personal   liability   extended  to   stockholders  of  private
corporations  for profit.  In the past,  the Trust  believes that the 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.  The Forum Funds'
Trust  Instrument (the document that governs the operation of the Trust 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, no contractual limitation of
liability was in effect,  and the  portfolio is unable to meet its  obligations.
FAdS believes that, in view of the above, there is no risk of personal liability
to shareholders.

The  Trust  Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall not be liable to any
person  other  than the  Trust  and its  shareholders.  In  addition,  the Trust
Instrument  provides  that the  Trustees  shall  not be liable  for any  conduct
whatsoever,  provided that a Trustee is not  protected  against any liability to
which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless  disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his office.

                                       31
<PAGE>

D.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all the  information  included in the
Trust's  registration  statement  filed  with  the SEC  under  the 1933 Act with
respect to the securities offered hereby. 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  Prospectus  as to the  contents of any
contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
are  qualified  by,  reference to the copy of such  contract or other  documents
filed as exhibits to the registration statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  financial  statements of Austin Global Equity Fund for the year ended March
31, 1999,  which are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of each Fund,
are incorporated  herein by reference.  These financial  statements only include
the schedules of investments,  statements of assets and liabilities,  statements
of operations,  statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes
and independent auditors' reports.












                                       32
<PAGE>


                 APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS


A.       CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      Bonds  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 edged." 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       Bonds  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  bonds.  They are rated  lower than the best bonds
         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  risk,
         appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A        Bonds 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
         some time in the future.

BAA      Bonds 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 bonds lack  outstanding
         investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
         as well.

BA       Bonds,  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 thereby
         not well  safeguarded  during  both good and bad times over the future.
         Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

B        Bonds 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      Bonds 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  Bonds  which  are  rated  Ca  represent
         obligations  which are  speculative  in a high degree.  Such issues are
         often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

C        Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
         so rated can be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of ever
         attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE
         Moody's applies numerical  modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
         classification  from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates  that the
         obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category;  the
         modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking;  and the modifier 3 indicates
         a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION

AAA      An obligation  rated AAA has the highest rating  assigned by Standard &
         Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial  commitment on the
         obligation is extremely strong.

AA       An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated  obligations only
         in  small  degree.   The  obligor's  capacity  to  meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A        An  obligation  rated A is  somewhat  more  susceptible  to the adverse
         effects  of changes  in  circumstances  and  economic  conditions  than
         obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity
         to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB      An  obligation  rated  BBB  exhibits  adequate  protection  parameters.
         However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
         likely  to lead to a  weakened  capacity  of the  obligor  to meet  its
         financial commitment on the obligation.

NOTE     Obligations  rated  BB,  B,  CCC,  CC,  and C are  regarded  as  having
         significant speculative characteristics.  BB indicates the least degree
         of speculation and C the highest.  While such  obligations  will likely
         have  some  quality  and  protective  characteristics,   these  may  be
         outweighed  by  large  uncertainties  or  major  exposures  to  adverse
         conditions.

BB       An obligation  rated BB is less  vulnerable  to  nonpayment  than other
         speculative issues.  However,  it faces major ongoing  uncertainties or
         exposure to adverse business,  financial,  or economic conditions which
         could lead to the obligor's  inadequate  capacity to meet its financial
         commitment on the obligation.

B        An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations
         rated  BB,  but the  obligor  currently  has the  capacity  to meet its
         financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or
         economic  conditions  will  likely  impair the  obligor's  capacity  or
         willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC      An obligation rated CCC is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment,  and is
         dependent upon favorable business,  financial,  and economic conditions
         for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.  In
         the event of adverse business,  financial, or economic conditions,  the
         obligor  is not  likely  to have the  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation.

CC       An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C        The C  rating  may be used  to  cover a  situation  where a  bankruptcy
         petition has been filed or similar action has been taken,  but payments
         on this obligation are being continued.

D        An obligation rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating category is
         used when payments on an  obligation  are not made on the date due even
         if the  applicable  grace  period has not  expired,  unless  Standard &
         Poor's  believes  that such  payments  will be made  during  such grace
         period.  The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
         petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation
         are jeopardized.

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

         The  "r"  symbol  is  attached  to  the  ratings  of  instruments  with
         significant  noncredit  risks.  It  highlights  risks to  principal  or
         volatility  of expected  returns  which are not addressed in the credit
         rating.  Examples include:  obligations  linked or indexed to equities,
         currencies,  or commodities;  obligations  exposed to severe prepayment

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

         risk-such as interest-only or principal-only  mortgage securities;  and
         obligations  with  unusually  risky  interest  terms,  such as  inverse
         floaters.

3.       DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.

AAA      Highest credit  quality.  The risk factors are  negligible,  being only
         slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.

AA+
AA       High credit quality.  Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but
         may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.

A+
A,A-     Protection factors are average but adequate.  However,  risk factors
         are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.

BBB+
BBB
BBB-     Below-average  protection  factors but still considered  sufficient for
         prudent  investment.  Considerable  variability in risk during economic
         cycles.

BB+
BB
BB-      Below  investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due.
         Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according
         to industry conditions.  Overall quality may move up or down frequently
         within this category.

B+
B,B-     Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
         be met when due.  Financial  protection  factors will fluctuate  widely
         according  to  economic  cycles,  industry  conditions  and/or  company
         fortunes.  Potential  exists for frequent  changes in the rating within
         this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.

CCC      Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
         as to timely  payment of  principal,  interest or preferred  dividends.
         Protection  factors  are  narrow  and  risk  can  be  substantial  with
         unfavorable   economic/industry  conditions,  and/or  with  unfavorable
         company developments.

DD        Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
          and/or interest payments.

DP       Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.

4.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

         INVESTMENT GRADE

AAA      Highest credit quality.  `AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of
         credit risk.  They are assigned  only in case of  exceptionally  strong
         capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.  This capacity is
         highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA       Very high credit quality. `AA' ratings denote a very low expectation of
         credit risk.  They indicate very strong  capacity for timely payment of
         financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
         foreseeable events.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

A        High credit  quality.  `A' ratings  denote a low  expectation of credit
         risk.  The capacity  for timely  payment of  financial  commitments  is
         considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless,  be more vulnerable
         to changes in circumstances or in economic  conditions than is the case
         for higher ratings.

BBB      Good credit quality.  `BBB' ratings  indicate that there is currently a
         low  expectation  of credit risk.  The  capacity for timely  payment of
         financial  commitments is considered  adequate,  but adverse changes in
         circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this
         capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

         SPECULATIVE GRADE

BB       Speculative.  `BB'  ratings  indicate  that there is a  possibility  of
         credit risk developing,  particularly as the result of adverse economic
         change over time;  however,  business or financial  alternatives may be
         available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in
         this category are not investment grade.

B        Highly  speculative.  `B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk
         is  present,  but  a  limited  margin  of  safety  remains.   Financial
         commitments  are currently being met;  however,  capacity for continued
         payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
         environment.

CCC
CC,C     High  default  risk.  Default  is a real  possibility.  Capacity  for
         meeting  financial   commitments  is  solely  reliant  upon  sustained,
         favorable  business or economic  developments.  A `CC' rating indicates
         that default of some kind appears probable. `C' ratings signal imminent
         default.

DDD
DD,D      Default.  Securities  are  not  meeting  current  obligations  and are
          extremely  speculative.  `DDD'  designates  the highest  potential for
          recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities  involved.  For U.S.
          corporates, for example, `DD' indicates expected recovery of 50% - 90%
          of such  outstandings,  and `D' the lowest  recovery  potential,  i.e.
          below 50%.

B.       PREFERRED STOCK

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

AAA      An issue  which  is  rated  "aaa"  is  considered  to be a  top-quality
         preferred  stock.  This rating  indicates good asset protection and the
         least risk of dividend  impairment  within the  universe  of  preferred
         stocks.

AA       An issue  which is rated "aa" is  considered  a high-  grade  preferred
         stock.  This rating indicates that there is a reasonable  assurance the
         earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in
         the foreseeable future.

A        An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an  upper-medium  grade
         preferred stock.  While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in
         the "aaa" and "aa"  classification,  earnings and asset protection are,
         nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

BAA      An issue  which  is rated  "baa"  is  considered  to be a  medium-grade
         preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured.  Earnings
         and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
         over any great length of time.

BA       An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
         and its future  cannot be considered  well assured.  Earnings and asset
         protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
         periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
         class.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

B        An issue which is rated "b" generally  lacks the  characteristics  of a
         desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
         other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

CAA      An issue  which is rated  "caa" is likely to be in arrears on  dividend
         payments.  This rating  designation  does not  purport to indicate  the
         future status of payments.

CA       An issue  which is rated "ca" is  speculative  in a high  degree and is
         likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
         payments.

C        This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues
         so rated can thus be regarded as having  extremely  poor  prospects  of
         ever attaining any real investment standing.

NOTE     Moody's  applies  numerical  modifiers  1,  2,  and  3 in  each  rating
         classification: 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 the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in
         the lower end of its generic rating category.

2.       STANDARD & POOR'S

AAA      This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to
         a preferred  stock issue and indicates an extremely  strong capacity to
         pay the preferred stock obligations.

AA       A  preferred  stock issue rated AA also  qualifies  as a  high-quality,
         fixed-income  security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations
         is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

A        An issue  rated A is backed by a sound  capacity  to pay the  preferred
         stock  obligations,  although it is somewhat  more  susceptible  to the
         adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

BBB      An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
         the preferred stock obligations.  Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
         protection   parameters,   adverse  economic   conditions  or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity to make
         payments for a preferred  stock in this category than for issues in the
         A category.

BB
B,CCC    Preferred  stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded,  on balance,  as
         predominantly  speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
         preferred  stock  obligations.   BB  indicates  the  lowest  degree  of
         speculation  and CCC the  highest.  While such  issues will likely have
         some quality and  protective  characteristics,  these are outweighed by
         large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

CC       The  rating CC is  reserved  for a  preferred  stock  issue  that is in
         arrears on dividends or sinking  fund  payments,  but that is currently
         paying.

C        A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

D        A preferred  stock rated D is a nonpaying  issue with the issuer in
         default on debt instruments.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

N.R.     This  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.

NOTE     Plus  (+) or  minus  (-).  To  provide  more  detailed  indications  of
         preferred stock quality,  ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
         addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative  standing  within the
         major rating categories.

C.       SHORT TERM RATINGS

1.       MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE

Moody's  employs the following three  designations,  all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1  Issuers  rated  Prime-1 (or  supporting  institutions)  have a superior
         ability for repayment of senior  short-term debt  obligations.  Prime-1
         repayment  ability  will often be  evidenced  by many of the  following
         characteristics:
          o    Leading market positions in well-established industries.
          o    High rates of return on funds employed.
          o    Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset  protection.
          o    Broad  margins in  earning  coverage of fixed  financial charges
               and high internal cash generation.
          o    Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
               assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2  Issuers  rated  Prime-2  (or  supporting  institutions)  have a  strong
         ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.  This will
         normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to
         a lesser degree.  Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may
         be more subject to  variation.  Capitalization  characteristics,  while
         still appropriate,  may be more affected by external conditions.  Ample
         alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3  Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting  institutions)  have an acceptable
         ability for repayment of senior short-term  obligations.  The effect of
         industry   characteristics   and  market   compositions   may  be  more
         pronounced.  Variability  in earnings and  profitability  may result in
         changes in the level of debt  protection  measurements  and may require
         relatively high financial  leverage.  Adequate  alternate  liquidity is
         maintained.

NOT
PRIME    Issuers  rated  Not  Prime do not fall  within any of the  Prime rating
         categories.

2.       STANDARD AND POOR'S

A-1      A short-term  obligation  rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by
         Standard  &  Poor's.  The  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial
         commitment on the obligation is strong.  Within this category,  certain
         obligations  are  designated  with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
         the  obligor's  capacity  to meet  its  financial  commitment  on these
         obligations is extremely strong.

A-2      A short-term  obligation  rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
         adverse  effects of changes in  circumstances  and economic  conditions
         than obligations in higher rating  categories.  However,  the obligor's
         capacity  to  meet  its  financial  commitment  on  the  obligation  is
         satisfactory.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

A-3      A  short-term   obligation  rated  A-3  exhibits  adequate   protection
         parameters.   However,   adverse   economic   conditions   or  changing
         circumstances  are more  likely to lead to a weakened  capacity  of the
         obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B        A  short-term  obligation  rated B is  regarded  as having  significant
         speculative characteristics.  The obligor currently has the capacity to
         meet its financial  commitment  on the  obligation;  however,  it faces
         major  ongoing   uncertainties   which  could  lead  to  the  obligor's
         inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C        A short-term  obligation rated C is currently  vulnerable to nonpayment
         and is  dependent  upon  favorable  business,  financial,  and economic
         conditions  for the  obligor to meet its  financial  commitment  on the
         obligation.

D        A short-term  obligation  rated D is in payment  default.  The D rating
         category  is used when  payments on an  obligation  are not made on the
         date due even if the  applicable  grace period has not expired,  unless
         Standard & Poor's  believes that such payments will be made during such
         grace  period.  The D rating  also  will be used  upon the  filing of a
         bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
         obligation are jeopardized.

3.       FITCH IBCA, INC.

F1       Obligations  assigned this rating have the highest  capacity for timely
         repayment  under Fitch IBCA's  national  rating scale for that country,
         relative  to other  obligations  in the same  country.  This  rating is
         automatically  assigned to all obligations  issued or guaranteed by the
         sovereign  state.  Where issues  possess a  particularly  strong credit
         feature, a "+" is added to the assigned rating.

F2       Obligations  supported  by  a  strong  capacity  for  timely  repayment
         relative to other obligors in the same country.  However,  the relative
         degree of risk is slightly  higher than for issues  classified  as `A1'
         and capacity for timely repayment may be susceptible to adverse changes
         in business, economic, or financial conditions.

F3       Obligations  supported  by an adequate  capacity  for timely  repayment
         relative to other  obligors in the same country.  Such capacity is more
         susceptible  to adverse  changes in  business,  economic,  or financial
         conditions than for obligations in higher categories.

B        Obligations  for which the capacity  for timely  repayment is uncertain
         relative to other obligors in the same country. The capacity for timely
         repayment is susceptible to adverse changes in business,  economic,  or
         financial conditions.

C        Obligations for which there is a high risk of default to other obligors
         in the same country or which are in default.







                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                        APPENDIX B - MISCELLANEOUS TABLES


TABLE 1 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES

The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to the Adviser with
respect to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by the Adviser,  if any,
and the actual fee received by the Adviser.
<TABLE>
               <S>                                      <C>                    <C>                       <C>
                                               ADVISORY FEE PAYABLE    ADVISORY FEE WAIVED    ADVISORY FEE RETAINED
     AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $274,672                   $0                   $274,672
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $195,053                $24,463                 $170,590
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $118,156                $69,562                 $48,594

TABLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAdS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAdS,  if any, and the actual
fee received by FAdS.

                                               ADMINISTRATION FEE    ADMINISTRATION FEE WAIVED   ADMINISTRATION FEE
         AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND                  PAYABLE                                           RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                      $45,779                     $0                     $45,779
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                      $32,509                     $0                     $32,509
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                      $19,693                     $0                     $19,693


TABLE 3 - ACCOUNTING FEES

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FAcS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FAcS,  if any, and the actual
fee received by FAcS.


                                              ACCOUNTING FEE PAYABLE  ACCOUNTING FEE WAIVED       ACCOUNTING FEE
         AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND                                                                   RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $36,000                    $0                   $36,000
     Year Ended March 31, 1997                       $27,000                    $0                   $27,000

TABLE 4 - TRANSFER AGENCY FEES


The following  table shows the dollar amount of fees payable to FSS with respect
to the Fund,  the amount of fee that was waived by FSS,  if any,  and the actual
fee received by FSS.


                                               TRANSFER AGENCY FEE    TRANSFER AGENCY FEE     TRANSFER AGENCY FEE
         AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND                   PAYABLE                WAIVED                 RETAINED

     Year Ended March 31, 1999                       $19,647                  $0                    $19,647
     Year Ended March 31, 1998                       $25,482                  $0                    $25,482
     Nine Months Ended March 31, 1997                $20,781                  $0                    $20,781

                                      B-1
<PAGE>

TABLE 5 - COMMISSIONS

The following table shows the aggregate  brokerage  commissions  with respect to
the Fund that incurred  brokerage  costs. The data are for the past three fiscal
years or shorter period if the Fund has been in operation for a shorter period.

                                                       MARCH 31, 1999       MARCH 31, 1998        MARCH 31, 1997
AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY FUND                                  $26,205              $19,974              $11,976
</TABLE>

TABLE 6 - SECURITIES OF REGULAR BROKERS OR DEALERS

The  following  table  lists the  regular  brokers and dealers of the Fund whose
securities  (or the securities of the parent  company) were acquired  during the
past  fiscal  year and the  aggregate  value  of the  Fund's  holdings  of those
securities as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.

REGULAR BROKER DEALER                                      VALUE HELD

Dreyfus Cash Management                                     $250,000


TABLE 7 - 5% SHAREHOLDERS

The  following  table  lists the  persons  who owned of record 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of the Fund as of July 1, 1999.


NAME AND ADDRESS                                     SHARES            % OF FUND

Bear Stearns Securities Corp.
1 Metrotech Center North
Brooklyn, NY 11201                                338,239.731            23.84












                                      B-2
<PAGE>




                          APPENDIX C - PERFORMANCE DATA


TABLE 1 - TOTAL RETURNS

The average annual total return without sales charges of the Fund for the period
ended March 31, 1999, was as follows.
<TABLE>
          <S>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>             <C>
                                                   CALENDAR                                          SINCE INCEPTION
AUSTIN GLOBAL EQUITY   ONE MONTH   THREE MONTHS  YEAR TO DATE   ONE YEAR   THREE YEARS  FIVE YEARS    (ANNUALIZED)
        FUND
                         2.73%       (0.36)%        (0.36)%       9.51%      18.46%      17.08%         15.77%
</TABLE>












                                      C-1
<PAGE>


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