Exhibit (14)(b)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form  N-14 of the  Eaton  Vance  Growth  Trust of our  report  for  Eaton  Vance
Small-Cap  Fund (a series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust) dated November 8, 2002 in
the  Prospectus  and  Information  Statement  which  constitutes  part  of  this
Registration Statement.

We also  consent to the  reference  to us under the  heading  "Experts"  in such
Prospectus and Information Statement.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

October 20, 2003
Boston, Massachusetts