1

              AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             ON DECEMBER 13,  1994
                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 33-56663
=============================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ________________

                                    FORM S-3

                               AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                _______________

                                   MEDITRUST
        (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN GOVERNING INSTRUMENTS)

            MASSACHUSETTS                               04-6532031
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

                                197 FIRST AVENUE
                      NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, MASSACHUSETTS 02194
                                 (617) 433-6000
    (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                  OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                                ---------------
                               ABRAHAM D. GOSMAN
                      CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                                   MEDITRUST
                                197 FIRST AVENUE
                      NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, MASSACHUSETTS 02194
                                 (617) 433-6000
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                          COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
                           MICHAEL J. BOHNEN, ESQUIRE
                            NUTTER, MCCLENNEN & FISH
                            ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE
                             BOSTON, MA 02110-2699
                                 (617) 439-2000

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:  FROM TIME
TO TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

        IF THE ONLY SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE BEING OFFERED
PURSUANT TO DIVIDEND OR INTEREST REINVESTMENT PLANS, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING
BOX.  [  ]

        IF ANY OF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE TO BE
OFFERED ON A DELAYED OR CONTINUOUS BASIS PURSUANT TO RULE 415 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OTHER THAN SECURITIES OFFERED ONLY IN CONNECTION WITH
DIVIDEND OR REINVESTMENT PLANS, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX.  [X]

        PURSUANT TO RULE 429 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE PROSPECTUS
CONTAINED HEREIN ALSO RELATES TO SECURITIES OF THE REGISTRANT PREVIOUSLY
REGISTERED ON FORM S-3 (REGISTRATION NO. 33-50835).

   2


                                                  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
====================================================================================================

TITLE OF EACH        AMOUNT TO BE         PROPOSED MAXIMUM     PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AMOUNT OF
CLASS OF             REGISTERED           OFFERING PRICE       AGGREGATE            REGISTRATION FEE
SECURITIES BEING                          PER UNIT             OFFERING PRICE       (2)
REGISTERED                                                     (1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
SHARES OF
BENEFICIAL
INTEREST AND DEBT
SECURITIES AND              
WARRANTS FOR
SHARES OF
BENEFICIAL
INTEREST AND DEBT
SECURITIES
ISSUABLE IN
SERIES(3)(4)                (5)                  (5)              $300,000,000         $103,448.28
<FN>

(1)   IN NO EVENT WILL THE AGGREGATE MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE OF ALL SECURITIES ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT EXCEED $300,000,000, OR IF ANY DEBT SECURITIES REISSUED WITH AN ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, SUCH 
GREATER AMOUNT AS SHALL RESULT IN AN AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE OF $300,000,000.  ANY SECURITIES REGISTERED 
HEREUNDER MAY BE SOLD SEPARATELY OR AS UNITS WITH OTHER SECURITIES REGISTERED HEREUNDER.

(2)   DETERMINED PURSUANT TO RULE 457(O) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.

(3)   THERE IS ALSO BEING REGISTERED AN INDETERMINATE NUMBER OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST AS WILL BE ISSUED UPON
CONVERSION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES OR EXERCISE OF THE SECURITIES WARRANTS REGISTERED HEREBY.

(4)   THERE IS ALSO BEING REGISTERED HEREUNDER AN INDETERMINATE NUMBER OF DEBT SECURITIES WARRANTS AND SHARE 
WARRANTS REPRESENTING RIGHTS TO PURCHASE DEBT SECURITIES AND SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, RESPECTIVELY, 
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

(5)   NOT APPLICABLE PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS II.D OF FORM S-3 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.


THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS
EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER
AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH
DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION
8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

   3

PROSPECTUS                                                    

                                    MEDITRUST

                         SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST,
                   DEBT SECURITIES AND/OR SECURITIES WARRANTS

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

        MEDITRUST, A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST (TOGETHER WITH ITS
SUBSIDIARIES UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, THE "COMPANY"), IS A REAL
ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED,
WHICH MAY OFFER FROM TIME TO TIME, IN ONE OR MORE SERIES, ITS DEBT SECURITIES
(THE "DEBT SECURITIES"), WARRANTS TO PURCHASE DEBT SECURITIES (THE "DEBT
SECURITIES WARRANTS"), SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, WITHOUT PAR VALUE (THE
"SHARES"), AND WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SHARES (THE "SHARE WARRANTS").  THE DEBT
SECURITIES WARRANTS AND THE SHARE WARRANTS ARE COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO HEREIN
AS THE "SECURITIES WARRANTS."  THE DEBT SECURITIES, SHARES AND SECURITIES
WARRANTS ARE COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO HEREIN AS THE "SECURITIES." THE SECURITIES
WILL HAVE AN AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE OF $444,309,017.50 AND WILL BE OFFERED ON
TERMS TO BE DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF OFFERING.

        IN THE CASE OF DEBT SECURITIES, THE SPECIFIC TITLE, THE AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT, THE PURCHASE PRICE, THE MATURITY, THE RATE AND TIME OF PAYMENT
OF ANY INTEREST, ANY REDEMPTION OR SINKING FUND PROVISIONS, ANY CONVERSION
PROVISIONS AND ANY OTHER SPECIFIC TERM OF THE DEBT SECURITIES WILL BE SET FORTH
IN AN ACCOMPANYING SUPPLEMENT TO THIS PROSPECTUS (THE "PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT"). 
IN THE CASE OF SHARES, THE SPECIFIC NUMBER OF SHARES AND ISSUANCE PRICE PER
SHARE WILL BE SET FORTH IN AN ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.  IN THE CASE
OF SECURITIES WARRANTS, THE DURATION, OFFERING PRICE, EXERCISE PRICE AND
DETACHABILITY, IF APPLICABLE, WILL BE SET FORTH IN AN ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT.  THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WILL ALSO DISCLOSE WHETHER THE SECURITIES
WILL BE LISTED ON A NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE AND IF THEY ARE NOT TO BE
LISTED, THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS THEREOF ON THEIR MARKETABILITY.

        THE SECURITIES MAY BE SOLD: (I) DIRECTLY BY THE COMPANY; (II) THROUGH
UNDERWRITING SYNDICATES REPRESENTED BY ONE OR MORE MANAGING UNDERWRITERS, OR BY
ONE OR MORE UNDERWRITERS WITHOUT A SYNDICATE; AND (III) THROUGH AGENTS
DESIGNATED FROM TIME TO TIME.  THE NAMES OF ANY UNDERWRITERS OR AGENTS OF THE
COMPANY INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF THE SECURITIES IN RESPECT OF WHICH THIS
PROSPECTUS IS BEING DELIVERED AND ANY APPLICABLE COMMISSIONS OR DISCOUNTS WILL
BE SET FORTH IN AN ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.  SEE "PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION."  THE NET PROCEEDS TO THE COMPANY FROM SUCH SALE ALSO WILL BE SET
FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

        THE COMPANY'S SHARES ARE TRADED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE
SYMBOL "MT."  ON NOVEMBER 28, 1994, THE CLOSING SALE PRICE OF THE SHARES ON THE
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE WAS $30.00.

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

          THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED
                ON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING.  ANY
                  REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.

                         -----------------------------
   THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE SALES OF SECURITIES UNLESS
ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

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

               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER 30, 1994.

   4
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024 of the offices of
the Commission, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
or at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World Trade
Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.  Copies of such
material can be obtained from the principal offices of the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates.  Reports, proxy materials and other information concerning the Company
can also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, Room 1102, New York, New York 10005.

        The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended (the "Securities
Act").  This Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement do not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain
parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission.  For further information, reference is made to the Registration
Statement, copies of which may be obtained upon payment of a fee prescribed by
the Commission, or may be examined free of charge at the principal office of
the Commission in Washington, D.C.

        Statements made in this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are
not necessarily complete, and reference is made to the copy of such contract or
other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such
statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The Company hereby incorporates by reference into this Prospectus its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and its
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 1994,
June 30, 1994 and September 30, 1994, which shall be deemed to be a part 
hereof.  The discussion of Federal income tax treatment of the Company and its
shareholders which is contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated March 4, 1992, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
updating such discussion, is hereby incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus and shall be deemed to be a part hereof.


                                      -2-
   5

        All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date
hereof and prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities offered
hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and
to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in a
subsequently filed document, as the case may be, which also is or is deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

        The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy
(without exhibits) of any or all documents incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus.  Requests for such copies should be directed to Lisa P. McAlister,
Vice President and Treasurer, Meditrust, 197 First Avenue, Needham Heights,
Massachusetts 02194, telephone (617) 433-6000.

                                _______________

        THE DECLARATION OF TRUST ESTABLISHING THE COMPANY, DATED AUGUST 6, 1985,
AS AMENDED (THE "DECLARATION"),  A COPY OF WHICH IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF
THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, PROVIDES THAT THE
NAME "MEDITRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION COLLECTIVELY AS
TRUSTEES, BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY OR PERSONALLY; AND THAT NO TRUSTEE, OFFICER,
SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE HELD TO ANY PERSONAL
LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST, THE
COMPANY.  ALL PERSONS DEALING WITH THE COMPANY, IN ANY WAY, SHALL LOOK ONLY TO
THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY
OBLIGATION.



                                      -3-

   6

                                  THE COMPANY

        Meditrust is the largest dedicated health care real estate investment
trust in the United States, based on its gross real estate investments of
approximately $1.4 billion as of September 30, 1994.  The objective of the
Company is to enable shareholders to participate in the investment in health
care related facilities held primarily for the production of cash flows to be
distributed to shareholders.  In meeting this objective, the Company invests in
high quality facilities that are managed by experienced operators and attempts
to achieve diversity in its property portfolio by sector of the health care
industry, geographic location, operator and form of investment.

        As of September 30, 1994, the Company had investments in 231 facilities,
consisting of 192 long-term care facilities, 23 rehabilitation hospitals, five
medical office buildings, two alcohol and substance abuse facilities, six
psychiatric hospitals and three retirement facilities.  The properties are
located in 34 different states and are operated by 30 health care companies.  Of
the 30 different operators, six are publicly-traded companies, (i.e., Sun
Healthcare Group, Inc., Continental Medical Systems, Inc., Geriatric and Medical
Centers, Inc., Integrated Health Services, Inc., Mariner Health Group, Inc. and
NovaCare, Inc.), and constitute over 50% of the Company's real estate
investments.

        The Company's real estate investments are either owned by the Company or
secured by a mortgage lien.  As of September 30, 1994, permanent mortgage loans
constituted 52%, sale/leaseback transactions constituted 45%, and development
mortgage financing constituted 3% of the Company's portfolio as measured by
gross real estate investments.  The leases and mortgages provide for rental or
interest rates which generally range from 10% to 13% per annum of the
acquisition price or mortgage amount.  The leases and mortgages generally
provide for an initial term of 10 years, with the leases having one or more
five-year renewal options.  The leases and mortgages also provide for additional
rent and interest which are generally based upon a percentage of increased
revenues over specific base period revenues of the related properties.  For the
year ended December 31, 1993, the aggregate amount of additional rent and
interest was $8.7 million compared to $7.6 million for the year ended December
31, 1992.

        In addition, the Company usually obtains guarantees from the parent
corporation, if any, of the operator or affiliates or individual principals of
the operator.  Most obligations are backed by letters of credit, security
deposits or pledges of certificates of deposit which cover from three to twelve
months of lease or mortgage payments.  In addition, permanent mortgage and
development mortgage loans generally are cross-collateralized with any other
mortgage and development loans, leases or other agreements between the Company
and the same operator or any affiliated operators.  Leases and mortgage loans
generally are cross-defaulted with any other leases or mortgages between the
Company and the same operator or any affiliated operators.  With respect to
development mortgage loans, the



                                      -4-

   7

Company generally requires guaranteed maximum price construction contracts,
performance completion bonds or guarantees and cost overrun guarantees.  The
Company enters into a development mortgage loan when the Company will also be
the permanent owner or mortgage lender.  In making its investment decisions,
the Company reviews, among other criteria, the operational viability of the
facility, the experience and competency of the operator and the financial
strength of the guarantor.

        The Company was organized to qualify, and intends to continue to
operate, as a real estate investment trust in accordance with Federal tax laws
and regulations.  So long as the Company so complies, with limited exceptions,
the Company will not be taxed under Federal income tax laws on that portion of
its taxable income that it distributes to its shareholders. The Company has
distributed, and intends to continue to distribute, substantially all of its
real estate investment trust taxable income to shareholders.

        In order to meet its ongoing capital requirements for additional
investments, the Company may raise additional equity capital through the sale of
Shares, Debt Securities, Share Warrants or Debt Securities Warrants or through a
securitization transaction.

        The Company's principal executive offices are located at 197 First
Avenue, Needham Heights, Massachusetts 02194, and its telephone number is (617)
433-6000.


                                      -5-

   8



                                     RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

                                                                                                         
                                       Year Ended December 31,                        Nine Months
                                       -----------------------                       Ended September
                      1989          1990          1991        1992       1993          30, 1994      
                      ---------------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                                                           
Ratio                 1.62           1.67           l.60         1.88        2.02            2.13
      

     For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the years ended December 31, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and the nine-month
period ended September 30, 1994, net income has been added to interest expense
and that sum has been divided by such interest expense.


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement which accompanies
this Prospectus, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities offered from
time to time hereby will be used for general business purposes, including the
repayment of bank lines of credit, if any, outstanding, and investments in
health care facilities.  As of November 17, 1994,  $132,000,000 was outstanding
under the Company's bank lines of credit.  All currently outstanding loans
under the Company's bank lines of credit mature prior to July 1, 1997 and
accrue interest at the lenders' respective prime rates or the London Interbank
Offering Rate plus 1.25%.  Pending such uses, the net proceeds will be invested
in short-term, interest-bearing, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States, certificates of deposit or accounts, or investment grade
commercial paper, consistent with the Company's qualification as a real estate
investment trust, the Company's Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended (the
"Declaration"), and the Company's agreements with its lenders.

                             DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

        There is no limit on the number of Shares the Company is authorized to
issue.  Shares may be issued by the Board of Trustees without any vote of the
shareholders.  The outstanding Shares are of one class and without par value. 
The following description is qualified in all respects by reference to the
Declaration and the By-laws of the Company, copies of which are incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part.

        SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST.  All Shares participate equally in
dividends and in net assets available for distribution to shareholders on
liquidation or termination of the Company, have one vote per Share on all
matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders and do not have cumulative
voting rights in the election of Trustees.  The Shares offered hereby will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable by the Company upon issuance.


                                      -6-

   9

        REDEMPTION.  For the Company to qualify as a real estate investment
trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in any
taxable year, not more than 50% of its outstanding Shares may be owned by five
or fewer individuals and Shares must be owned by 100 or more persons during at
least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of
a shorter taxable year.  In order to meet these requirements, the Trustees have
the power to redeem or prohibit the transfer of a sufficient number of Shares
selected in a manner deemed appropriate to maintain or bring the ownership of
the Shares into conformity with such requirements.  In connection with the
foregoing, if the Trustees shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the
opinion that direct or indirect ownership of at least 9.9% or more of the Shares
has or may become concentrated in the hands of one beneficial owner, the
Trustees shall have the power (i) by lot or other means deemed equitable by them
to call for the purchase from any shareholder of the Company of a number of
Shares sufficient, in the opinion of the Trustees, to maintain or bring the
direct or indirect ownership of Shares of such owner to a level of no more than
9.9% of the outstanding Shares, and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares
to any person whose acquisition of such Shares would cause a beneficial holder
to hold in excess of 9.9% of the outstanding Shares.  Further, any transfer of
Shares that would create a beneficial owner of more than 9.9% of the outstanding
Shares shall be deemed void and the intended transferee shall be deemed never to
have had an interest therein.  The purchase price for any Shares so redeemed
shall be equal to the fair market value of the Shares reflected in the closing
sales price for the Shares, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or
the average of the closing sales price for the Shares if then listed on more
than one national securities exchange, or if the Shares are not then listed on a
national securities exchange, the latest bid quotation for the Shares if then
traded over-the-counter, on the last business day immediately preceding the day
on which notices of such acquisition are sent by the Company.  From and after
the date fixed for purchase by the Trustees, the holder of any Shares so called
for purchase shall cease to be entitled to distributions, voting rights and
other benefits with respect to such Shares, except the right to payment of the
purchase price for the Shares.

        The foregoing provisions may have the effect of discouraging unilateral
tender offers or other takeover proposals which certain shareholders might deem
in their interest or in which they might receive a substantial premium.  The
provisions could also have the effect of insulating current management against
the possibility of removal and could, by possibly reducing temporary
fluctuations in market price caused by accumulations of Shares, deprive
shareholders of opportunities to sell at a temporarily higher market price.

        ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS.  The Declaration provides that annual meetings of
shareholders are to be held within six months after the end of each fiscal year
and special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the President of the
Company, a majority of the Trustees or a majority of the Independent Trustees
(defined in the Declaration) and shall be called upon the written request of the
holders of 10% or more of the outstanding Shares.

        Whenever any action is to be taken by the shareholders, it shall, except
as otherwise clearly


                                      -7-

   10

indicated in the Declaration of Trust, be authorized by holders of a majority
of the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, at all elections of Trustees, voting by shareholders shall be
conducted under the non-cumulative method and the election of Trustees shall be
by the affirmative vote of the holders of Shares representing a plurality of
the Shares then outstanding which are present in person or by proxy at a
meeting in which a quorum is present.

        Whenever shareholders are required or permitted to take any action
(unless a vote at a meeting is specifically required, as with respect to
termination or amendment of the Declaration), such action may be taken without a
meeting by written consents setting forth the action so taken, signed by the
holders of a majority (or such higher percentage as may be specified) of the
outstanding Shares that would be entitled to vote thereon at a meeting.

        Except with respect to matters on which a shareholders' vote is
specifically required by the Declaration, no action taken by the shareholders at
any meeting shall in any way bind the Trustees.

        The Shares have no preemptive, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or
appraisal rights.

        The Declaration provides that shareholders of the Company shall not be
subject to any liability for the acts or obligations of the Company and that, as
far as is practicable, each written agreement of the Company is to contain a
provision to that effect.  No personal liability will attach to the shareholders
for claims under any contract containing such a provision in writing where
adequate notice is given of such provision, except possibly in a few
jurisdictions.  With respect to all types of claims in such jurisdictions and
with respect to tort claims, contract claims where the shareholder liability is
not disavowed as described above, claims for taxes and certain statutory
liabilities in other jurisdictions, a shareholder may be held personally liable
to the extent claims are not satisfied by the Company. However, the Declaration
provides that, upon payment of any such liability, the shareholder will be
entitled to reimbursement from the general assets of the Company.  The Trustees
intend to conduct the operations of the Company, with the advice of counsel, in
such a way as to avoid, as far as is practicable, the ultimate liability of the
shareholders of the Company.  For example, almost all of the real estate and all
of the mortgages included in the assets of the Company are held by corporate
subsidiaries.  The Trustees do not intend to provide insurance covering such
risks to shareholders.

        TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR.  Fleet National Bank, Providence, Rhode
Island, acts as transfer agent and registrar of the Shares.


                                      -8-

   11

                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The Debt Securities are to be issued in one or more series under an
Indenture (the "Indenture") to be executed by the Company and a trustee (the
"Trustee"), a form of which  is included as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.  The terms of the Debt Securities
include those stated in the Indenture and those made a part of the Indenture
(before any supplements) by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended.

        The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Indenture and
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the detailed provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain
terms therein to which reference is hereby made, for a complete statement of
such provisions.  Wherever particular provisions or sections of the Indenture or
terms defined therein are referred to herein, such provisions or definitions are
incorporated herein by reference.

        GENERAL.  The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of
Debt Securities that may be issued thereunder and provides that Debt Securities
may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Prospectus Supplement
will describe certain terms of any Debt Securities offered hereby, including (i)
the title of such Debt Securities; (ii) any limit on the aggregate principal
amount of such Debt Securities and their purchase price; (iii) the date or dates
on which such Debt Securities will mature; (iv) the rate or rates per annum (or
manner in which interest is to be determined) at which such Debt Securities will
bear interest, if any, and the date from which such interest, if any, will
accrue; (v) the dates on which such interest, if any, on such Debt Securities
will be payable and the regular record dates for such interest payment dates;
(vi) any mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions; (vii)
additional provisions, if any, for the defeasance of such Debt Securities;
(viii) the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which such Debt
Securities may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption or repayment
provisions, be redeemed and the other detailed terms and provisions of any such
optional or mandatory redemption or repayment provisions; (ix) whether such Debt
Securities are to be issued in whole or in part in registered form represented
by one or more registered global securities (a "Registered Global Security")
and, if so, the identity of the depository for such Registered Global Security
or Securities; (x) certain applicable United States Federal income tax
consequences; (xi) any provisions relating to security for payments due under
such Debt Securities; (xii) any provisions relating to the conversion or
exchange of such Debt Securities into or for Shares or Debt Securities of
another series; (xiii) any provisions relating to the ranking of such Debt
Securities in right of payment as compared to other obligations of the Company;
(xiv) the denominations in which such Debt Securities are authorized to be
issued; (xv) the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable; and (xvi) any other
specific term of such Debt Securities, including any additional events of
default or covenants provided for with respect to such Debt Securities, and any
terms that may be required by or advisable


                                      -9-

   12

under applicable laws or regulations.

        CONVERSION RIGHTS.  The terms, if any, on which Debt Securities of any
series may be exchanged for or converted into Shares or Debt Securities of
another series will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. 
To protect the Company's status as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), the
holders of Debt Securities of any series ("Holders") may not convert any Debt
Security, and such Debt Security shall not be convertible by any Holder, if as a
result of such conversion any person would then be deemed to beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, 9.9% or more of the then outstanding Shares.

        The conversion price will be subject to adjustment under certain
conditions, including (i) the payment of dividends (and other distributions) in
Shares on any class of shares of the Company; (ii) subdivisions, combinations
and reclassifications of Shares; (iii) the issuance to all or substantially all
holders of Shares of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase Shares at a price per Share (or having a conversion price per Share)
less than the then current market price; and (iv) distributions to all or
substantially all holders of Shares or shares of any other class, or evidences
of indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding those rights,
warrants, dividends and distributions referred to above and dividends and
distributions not prohibited under the terms of the Indenture) of the Company,
subject to the limitation that all adjustments by reason of any of the foregoing
would not be made until they result in a cumulative change in the conversion
price of at least 1%.  In the event the Company shall effect any capital
reorganization or reclassification of its Shares or shall consolidate or merge
with or into any trust or corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in
which the Company is the surviving entity) or shall sell or transfer
substantially all its assets to any other trust or corporation, the Holders
shall, if entitled to convert such Debt Securities at any time after such
transaction, receive upon conversion thereof, in lieu of each Share into which
the Debt Securities of such series would have been convertible prior to such
transaction, the same kind and amount of stock and other securities, cash or
property as shall have been issuable or distributable in connection with such
transaction with respect to each Share.

        A conversion price adjustment made according to the provisions of the
Debt Securities of any series (or the absence of provision for such an
adjustment) might result in a constructive distribution to the Holders of Debt
Securities of such series or holders of Shares that would be subject to taxation
as a dividend.  The Company may, at its option, make such reductions in the
conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as the Board of Trustees
of the Company deems advisable to avoid or dimish any income tax to holders of
Shares resulting from any dividend or distribution of Shares (or rights to
acquire Shares) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes or for
any other reason.  The Board of Trustees will also have the power to resolve any
ambiguity or correct any error in the provisions relating to the adjustment of
the conversion price of the Debt Securities of such series and its actions in so
doing shall be final and conclusive.


                                      -10-

   13

        Fractional Shares will not be issued upon conversion, but, in lieu
thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based upon market price.

        The Holders of Debt Securities of any series at the close of business on
an interest payment record date shall be entitled to receive the interest
payable on such Debt Securities on the corresponding interest payment date
notwithstanding the conversion thereof.  However, Debt Securities surrendered
for conversion during the period from the close of business on any record date
for the payment of interest to the opening of business on the corresponding
interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the
interest payable on such interest payment date.  Holders of Debt Securities of
any series who convert Debt Securities of such series on an interest payment
date will receive the interest payable by the Company on such date and need not
include payment in the amount of such interest upon surrender of such Debt
Securities for conversion.  Except as aforesaid, no payment or adjustment is to
be made on conversion for interest accrued on the Debt Securities of any series
or for dividends on Shares.

        OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.  The Debt Securities of any series will be subject
to redemption, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time for certain
reasons intended to protect the Company's status as a REIT at the option of the
Company on at least 30 days' prior notice by mail at a redemption price equal to
100% of the principal amount, plus interest accrued to the date of redemption. 
Except as otherwise set forth in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the
Company may exercise its redemption powers solely with respect to the securities
of the security holder or holders which pose a threat to the Company's REIT
status and only to the extent deemed necessary by the Company's Board of
Trustees to preserve such status.  (See "Redemption" under "Description of
Shares".)   The Indenture does not contain any provision requiring the Company
to repurchase the Debt Securities of any series at the option of the Holders
thereof in the event of a leveraged buyout, recapitalization or similar
restructuring of the Company, even though the Company's creditworthiness and the
market value of the Debt Securities may decline significantly as a result of
such transaction.  The Indenture does not protect Holders of the Debt Securities
of any series against any decline in credit quality, whether resulting from any
such transaction or from any other cause.

        DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND ACQUISITIONS OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL
INTEREST.  The Indenture provides that the Company will not (i) declare or pay
any dividend or make any distribution on its shares of beneficial interest or to
holders of its Shares (other than dividends or distributions payable in its
shares of beneficial interest or other than as the Company determines is
necessary to maintain its status as a REIT) or (ii) purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any of its shares of beneficial interest
or permit any subsidiary to do so, if at the time of such action an Event of
Default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing or would
exist immediately after giving effect to such action.

        ADDITIONAL COVENANTS.  Any additional covenants of the Company with
respect to a series


                                      -11-

   14

of the Debt Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relative
thereto.

        MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE.  Under the Indenture, with certain
exceptions, the rights and obligations of the Company with respect to any series
of Debt Securities and the rights of Holders of such series may only be modified
by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at least a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series. 
However, without the consent of each Holder of any Debt Securities affected, an
amendment, waiver or supplement may not (i) reduce the principal of, or rate of
interest on, any Debt Securities; (ii) change the stated maturity date of the
principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Debt Securities; (iii)
waive a default in the payment of the principal amount of, or the interest on,
or any premium payable on redemption of, any Debt Securities; (iv) change the
currency for payment of the principal of, or premium or interest on, any Debt
Securities; (v) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
such payment when due; (vi) adversely affect any right to convert any Debt
Securities; (vii) reduce the amount of outstanding Debt Securities necessary to
consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver provided for in the Indenture; or
(viii) modify any provisions of the Indenture relating to the modification and
amendment of the Indenture or waivers of past defaults, except as otherwise
specified.

        EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER.  Except as otherwise set forth in
the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the following is a summary of certain
provisions of the Indenture relating to events of default, notice and waiver.

        The following are Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to
any series of Debt Securities: (i) default in the payment of interest on the
Debt Securities of such series when due and payable, which continues for 30
days; (ii) default in the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) on the
Debt Securities when due, at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, which
continues for five Business Days; (iii) failure to perform any other covenant of
the Company contained in the Indenture or the Debt Securities of such series
which continues for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture;
(iv) default under any bond, debenture or other Indebtedness (as defined in the
Indenture) of the Company or any subsidiary if (a) either (x) such event of
default results from the failure to pay any such Indebtedness at maturity or (y)
as a result of such event of default, the maturity of such Indebtedness has been
accelerated prior to its expressed maturity and such acceleration shall not be
rescinded or annulled or the accelerated amount paid within ten days after
notice to the Company of such acceleration, or such Indebtedness having been
discharged, and (b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the
principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay
principal or interest thereon, or the maturity of which has been so accelerated,
aggregates $10,000,000 or more; (v) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization relating to the Company; and (vi) any other Event of Default
provided with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.



                                      -12-

   15

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series, either the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series may
declare the Debt Securities due and payable immediately.

        The Indenture provides that the Trustee will, within 90 days after the
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series, give to the Holders of Debt Securities notice of all
uncured Defaults and Events of Default known to it, but the Trustee will be
protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of such Holders, except in the
case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on any of the Debt Securities of such series.

        The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series then outstanding may
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. The right of a
Holder to institute a proceeding with respect to the Indenture is subject to
certain conditions precedent including notice and indemnity to the Trustee, but
the Holder has an absolute right to receipt of principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on such Holder's Debt Securities on or after the respective
due dates expressed in the Debt Securities, and to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payments.

        The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of any series then outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all
Debt Securities of such series waive certain past defaults, except a default in
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt
Securities of such series or in respect of certain provisions of the Indenture
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
outstanding Debt Securities of such series affected thereby.

        The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a
statement of certain officers of the Company stating whether or not they know of
any Default or Events of Default (as defined in the Indenture) and, if they have
knowledge of a Default or Event of Default, a description of the efforts to
remedy the same.

        CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE.  The Indenture provides that
the Company may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey all or
substantially all of its assets to, any other trust or corporation, provided
that (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the successor
entity (if other than the Company) shall be an entity organized and existing
under the laws of the United States or a state thereof or the District of
Columbia (although it may, in turn, be owned by a foreign entity) and such
entity shall expressly assume by supplemental indenture all of the obligations
of the Company under the Debt Securities of any



                                      -13-

   16

series and the Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such
transactions no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, and (iii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and opinion of counsel, stating that the transaction and
supplemental indenture comply with the Indenture.

        GLOBAL SECURITIES.  The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in
whole or in part in global form (the "Global Securities").  The Global
Securities will be deposited with a depository (the "Depository"), or with a
nominee for a Depository, identified in the Prospectus Supplement.  In such
case, one or more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or
aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount
of outstanding Debt Securities of the series to be represented by such Global
Security or Securities.  Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part
for Debt Securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be transferred
except as a whole by the Depository for such Global Security to a nominee of
such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or another
nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to a
successor for such Depository or a nominee of such successor.

        The specific material terms of the depository arrangement with respect
to any portion of a series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Global
Security will be described in the Prospectus Supplement.  The Company
anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all depository
arrangements.

        Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depository for such Global
Security will credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, the
respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented by such Global
Security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such Depository
("participants").  The accounts to be credited shall be designated by any
underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of such Debt
Securities.  Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be
limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through
participants.  Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will
be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through
records maintained by the Depository for such Global Security (with respect to
interests of participants) or by participants or persons that hold through
participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). 
So long as the Depository for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of such Global Security, such Depository or such nominee as
the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Debt
Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the
Indenture; provided, however, that for purposes of obtaining any consents or
directions required to be given by the Holders of the Debt Securities, the
Company, the Trustee and its agents will treat a person as the holder of such
principal amount of Debt Securities as specified in a written statement of the
Depository.

        Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments, if any, on Debt
Securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a
Depository or its nominee will be made to such



                                      -14-
   17

Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such
Global Security.  None of the Company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent for such
Debt Securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in such Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing
any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

        The Company expects that the Depository for any Debt Securities
represented by a Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal,
premium, if any, or interest will immediately credit participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such
Depository.  The Company also expects that payments by participants will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street
names," and will be the responsibility of such participants.

        If the Depository for any Debt Securities represented by a Global
Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depository and a
successor Depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the Company
will issue each Debt Security in definitive form to the beneficial owners
thereof in exchange for such Global Security.  In addition, the Company may at
any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have any of the Debt
Securities of a series represented by one or more Global Securities and, in such
event, will issue Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in exchange
for all of the Global Security or Securities representing such Debt Securities.


        The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in Debt Securities
represented by Global Securities.

        GOVERNING LAW.  The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.


                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

        The Company may issue Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt
Securities or Shares.  Securities Warrants may be issued independently or
together with Debt Securities or Shares offered by any Prospectus Supplement and
may be attached to or separate from such Debt Securities or Shares.  Each series
of Securities Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (a
"Securities Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a
bank or trust company, as Securities Warrant agent, all as set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of offered Securities
Warrants.  The Securities


                                      -15-

   18

Warrant agent will act solely as an agent of the Company in connection with the
Securities Warrant certificates relating to the Securities Warrants and will
not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any
holders of Securities Warrant certificates or beneficial owners of Securities
Warrants.  The following summaries of certain provisions of the Securities
Warrant Agreement and Securities Warrants do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the
provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreement and the Securities Warrant
certificates relating to each series of Security Warrants which will be filed
with the Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part at or prior to the
time of the issuance of such series of Security Warrants.

        If Debt Securities Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the
following where applicable: (i) the offering price, (ii) the denominations and
terms of the series of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of such
Securities Warrants, (iii) the designation and terms of any series of Debt
Securities with which such Securities Warrants are being offered and the number
of such Securities Warrants being offered with each such Debt Security, (iv) the
date, if any, on and after which such Securities Warrants and the related series
of Debt Securities will be transferable separately, (v) the principal amount of
the series of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of each such Securities
Warrant and the price at which such principal amount of Debt Securities of such
series may be purchased upon such exercise, (vi) the date on which the right to
exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and the date (the "Expiration
Date") on which such right shall expire, (vii) whether the Securities Warrants
will be issued in registered or bearer form, (viii) any special United States
Federal income tax consequences, (ix) the terms, if any, on which the Company
may accelerate the Expiration Date and (x) any other terms of such Securities
Warrants.

        In the case of Share Warrants, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the following where
applicable: (i) the offering price, (ii) the aggregate number of Shares
purchasable upon exercise of such Securities Warrants and the exercise price,
(iii) the designation and terms of the series of Debt Securities with which such
Securities Warrants are being offered, if any, and the number of such Securities
Warrants being offered with each such Debt Security or Share, (iv) the date, if
any, on and after which such Securities Warrants and the related series of Debt
Securities or Shares will be transferable separately, (v) the date on which the
right to exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and the Expiration
Date, (vi) any special United States Federal income tax consequences and (vii)
any other terms of such Securities Warrants.

        Securities Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new Securities
Warrant certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be
presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate
trust office of the Securities Warrant agent or any other office indicated in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.  Prior to the exercise of any Debt


                                      -16-

   19

Securities Warrants, holders of such Securities Warrants will not have any of
the rights of holders of the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise,
including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on such Debt Securities or to enforce covenants in the
applicable indenture.  Prior to the exercise of any Share Warrants, holders of
such Securities Warrants will not have any rights of holders of such Shares,
including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on such Shares,
or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

        CERTAIN RISK CONSIDERATIONS.  Any Securities Warrants issued by the
Company will involve a certain degree of risk, including risks arising from the
fluctuations in the price of the underlying securities and general risks
applicable to the stock market (or markets) on which the underlying securities
are traded.

        Prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should recognize that
the Securities Warrants may expire worthless and, thus, purchasers should be
prepared to sustain a total loss of the purchase price of their Securities
Warrants.  This risk reflects the nature of a Securities Warrant as an asset
which, other factors held constant, tends to decline in value over time and
which may, depending on the price of the underlying securities, become worthless
when it expires.  The trading price of a Securities Warrant at any time is
expected to increase as the price, or, if applicable, dividend rate on the
underlying securities increases.  Conversely, the trading price of a Securities
Warrant is expected to decrease as the time remaining to expiration of the
Securities Warrant decreases and as the price or, if applicable, dividend rate
on the underlying securities, decreases. Assuming all other factors are held
constant, the more a Securities Warrant is "out of the money" (i.e., the more
the exercise price exceeds the price of the underlying securities and the
shorter its remaining term to expiration), the greater the risk that a purchaser
of the Securities Warrant will lose all or part of his or her investment.  If
the price of the underlying securities does not rise before the Securities
Warrant expires to an extent sufficient to cover a purchaser's cost of the
Securities Warrant, the purchaser will lose all or part of his or her investment
in such Securities Warrant upon expiration.

        In addition, prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should be
experienced with respect to options and option transactions and understand the
risks associated with options and should reach an investment decision only after
careful consideration, with their financial advisers, of the suitability of the
Securities Warrants in light of their particular financial circumstances and the
information discussed herein and, if applicable, the Prospectus Supplement. 
Before purchasing, exercising or selling any Securities Warrants, prospective
purchasers and holders of Securities Warrants should carefully consider, among
other things, (i) the trading price of the Securities Warrants, (ii) the price
of the underlying securities at such time, (iii) the time remaining to
expiration and (iv) any related transaction costs.  Some of the factors referred
to above are in turn influenced by various political, economic and other factors
that can affect the trading prices of the underlying securities and should be
carefully considered prior to making any investment decisions.



                                      -17-

   20

        Purchasers of the Securities Warrants should further consider that the
initial offering price of the Securities Warrants may be in excess of the price
that a purchaser of options might pay for a comparable option in a private, less
liquid transaction.  In addition it is not possible to predict the price at
which the Securities Warrants will trade in the secondary market or whether any
such market will be liquid.  The Company may, but is not obligated to, file an
application to list any Securities Warrants issued on a United States national
securities exchange.  To the extent that any Securities Warrants are exercised,
the number of Securities Warrants outstanding will decrease, which may result in
a lessening of the liquidity of the Securities Warrants.  Finally, the
Securities Warrants will constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured
obligations of the Company and as such will be subject to any changes in the
perceived creditworthiness of the Company.

        EXERCISE OF SECURITIES WARRANTS.  Each Securities Warrant will entitle
the holder thereof to purchase such principal amount of Debt Securities or
number of Shares, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall in each
case be set forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to
the offered Securities Warrants.  After the close of business on the Expiration
Date (or such later date to which such Expiration Date may be extended by the
Company), unexercised Securities Warrants will become void.

        Securities Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the Securities
Warrant agent payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of the
amount required to purchase the Debt Securities or Shares, as the case may be,
purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information set forth on
the reverse side of the Securities Warrant certificate.  Securities Warrants
will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise
price, subject to the receipt within five business days of the Securities
Warrant certificate evidencing such Securities Warrants.  Upon receipt of such
payment and the Securities Warrant certificate properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the Securities Warrant agent or any
other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the Debt Securities or Shares,
as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise.  If fewer than all of the
Securities Warrants represented by such Securities Warrant certificate are
exercised, a new Securities Warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining
amount of Securities Warrants.

        AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO SECURITIES WARRANT AGREEMENT.  The
Securities Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent
of the holders of the Securities Warrants issued thereunder, to effect changes
that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities Warrants and
that do not adversely affect the interest of the holders of the Securities
Warrants.

        SHARE WARRANT ADJUSTMENTS.  Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the exercise price of and the number of Shares covered by
a Share Warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including (i)
payment of a dividend on the Shares


                                      -18-

   21

payable in Shares and Share splits, combinations or reclassification of Shares,
(ii) issuance to all holders of Shares of rights or warrants to subscribe for
or purchase Shares at less than their current market price (as defined in the
Securities Warrant Agreement for such series of Share Warrants) and (iii)
certain distributions of evidences of indebtedness or assets (including
securities but excluding cash, dividends or distributions paid out of
consolidated earnings or retained earnings or dividends payable in Shares or of
subscription rights and warrants excluding those referred to above).

        No adjustments in the exercise price of and the number of Shares covered
by a Share Warrant will be made for regular quarterly or other periodic or
recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash dividends or distributions
to the extent paid from consolidated earnings or retained earnings.  No
adjustment will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at
least 1% in the exercise price then in effect.  Except as stated above, the
exercise price of and the number of Shares covered by a Share Warrant will not
be adjusted for the issuance of Shares or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for Shares or carrying the right or option to purchase or otherwise
acquire the foregoing in exchange for cash, other property or services.

        In the event of any (i) consolidation or merger of the Company with or
into any entity (other than consolidation or a merger that does not result in
any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding
Shares), (ii) sale, transfer, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company or (iii) reclassification, capital reorganization or
change of the Shares (other than solely a change in par value), then any holder
of a Share Warrant will be entitled, on or after the occurrence of any such
event, to receive on exercise of such Share Warrant the kind and amount of
Shares or other securities, cash or other property (or any combination thereof)
that the holder would have received had such holder exercised such holder's
Share Warrant immediately prior to the occurrence of such event.  If the
consideration to be received upon exercise of the Share Warrant following any
such event consists of common stock (or its equivalent) of the surviving entity,
then from and after the occurrence of such event, the exercise price of such
Share Warrant will be subject to the same anti-dilution and other adjustments
described in the second preceding paragraph, applied as if such common stock
were Shares.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The Company may sell the Securities in any of three ways: (i) through
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters, or by
one or more underwriters without a syndicate; (ii) through agents designated
from time to time; and (iii) directly to investors.  The names of any
underwriters or agents of the Company involved in the sale of the Securities in
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered and any applicable
commissions


                                      -19-

   22

or discounts will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.  The net proceeds
to the Company from such sale will also be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement.

        Agents and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered into
with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution
with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to
make in respect thereof.  Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions
with or perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.


                                 LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the Securities offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Nutter, McClennen & Fish.  In addition, Nutter, McClennen & Fish
will pass upon certain Federal income tax matters relating to the Company.


                                    EXPERTS

        The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 1993
and 1992 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1993, and the financial statement schedules incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants, as indicated
in their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.  Any financial statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by
reference in the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part that
have been audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants
will be so incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent
covered by consents filed with the Commission.


                                      -20-

   23



                                                                

- ----------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE
HEREIN, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
OFFERING AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS                                                               
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING                                ---------------------------------
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR
ANY OTHER PERSON.  THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL,
OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY,
ANY OF THE SECURITIES IN ANY                                                 MEDITRUST
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AT
ANY TIME DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE
INFORMATION IN THE PROSPECTUS IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO
ITS DATE.
                                                                            PROSPECTUS
- ----------------------------------------

  TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                          Page
                                          ----

Available Information..............        2
Incorporation of Certain                   
  Documents by Reference...........        2
The Company........................        4
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed                 
  Charges.........................         6                             November 30, 1994
Use of Proceeds...................         6
Description of Shares.............         6
Description of Debt                        
  Securities......................         8                                                                  
Description of Securities                                        ---------------------------------
  Warrants........................         15
Plan of Distribution..............         19
Legal Matters.....................         19
Experts...........................         19
                                   


   24
                                   SIGNATURES

   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to the
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts on
December 13, 1994.

                                        MEDITRUST


                                        By:  /s/ Abraham D. Gosman*
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Abraham D. Gosman, Chairman of
                                             the Board and Chief Executive
                                             Officer



        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this amendment to the registration statement has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature                                                         Title                                  Date
- ---------                                                         -----                                  ----
                                                                                                
/s/ Abraham D. Gosman*                                            Chairman of the
- ---------------------------------                                 Board and Chief                 
Abraham D. Gosman                                                 Executive Officer                   December 13, 1994
(Principal Executive Officer)                                                                         
                                                                  
/s/ Lisa P. McAlister*                                            Treasurer and
- -------------------------------------                             Vice President             
Lisa P. McAlister  (Principal                                                                         December 13, 1994
 Financial and Accounting Officer)                                                                    

/s/ David F. Benson*                
- ------------------------------------
David F. Benson                                                   President
                                                                  and Trustee                         December 13, 1994

/s/ Edward W. Brooke*                                             Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- ----------------------------------                                                                                     
Edward W. Brooke

/s/ Hugh L. Carey*                                                Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- ------------------------------------                                                                                   
Hugh L. Carey

/s/ Robert Cataldo*                                               Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- -------------------------------------                                                                                  
Robert Cataldo


                                                              II-1

   25


                                                                                                
/s/ Philip L. Lowe*                                               Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- -------------------------------------                                                                                  
Philip L. Lowe

/s/ Thoma J. Magovern                                             Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- ----------------------------------                                                                                     
Thomas J. Magovern

/s/ Gerald Tsai, Jr.*                                             Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- --------------------------------------                                                                                 
Gerald Tsai, Jr.

/s/ Frederick W. Zuckerman*                                       Trustee                             December 13, 1994
- --------------------------------                                                                                       
Frederick W. Zuckerman


*By: /s/ Michael J. Bohnen               
    -------------------------------------
      Michael J. Bohnen, attorney-in-fact

      A Power of Attorney was previously filed
      with the Registration Statement

 

                                                              II-2