Exhibit 23.1
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of Box Energy Corporation on Form S-4 (File No. 0-19967) of our report dated
March 27, 1997 on our audits of the financial statements of Box Energy
Corporation as of December 31, 1996 and for the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 28, 1997