EXHIBIT 23.4

                    INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEER'S CONSENT




                We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the
   Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southern Mineral Corporation, a Nevada
   corporation (the "Company"), of the references to this firm and to its
   reports listed below for the Company's estimated domestic proved reserves
   contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
   1998.

                1. Report of Ecuador reserves as of January 1, 1998.

                2. Audit of certain domestic reserves as of January 1, 1999.


                                          /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                              PETROLEUM ENGINEERS    

                                              RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                              PETROLEUM ENGINEERS




                                                                                        
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