EXHIBIT 14(a)

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


          We consent to the references to our firm under the caption "Financial 
Statements" in the preliminary Copy dated April 5, 1999 of the Combined
Prospectus/Proxy Statement dated May 5, 1999 in the Registration Statement on
Form N-14 dated April 5, 1999, of Excelsior Funds, Inc  (the "Company"), and to
the inclusion of our report on the financial statements and financial highlights
of the Company's Income and Growth Fund and Blended Equity Fund (collectively,
the "Funds") for the year ended March 31, 1998, dated May 8, 1998, included in
the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is included in the Statement of
Additional Information included in the Registration Statement on Form N-14,
dated May 5, 1999, of Excelsior Funds, Inc.



                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                        ------------------------ 
                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
April 1, 1999