<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
BOX ENERGY CORPORATION'S FORM 10-K FOR THE ANNUAL PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000874992
<NAME> BOX ENERGY CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
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<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
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