EXHIBIT 23.1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of Layne Christensen Company on Form S-8 of our reports
dated March 19, 1999, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Layne Christensen Company for the year ended January 31, 1999.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
June 14, 1999