EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference in this  registration  statement of our report dated February 27, 1998
included in St. Mary Land & Exploration  Company's  Form 10-K for the year ended
December  31,  1997  and  to  all  references  to  our  firm  included  in  this
registration statement.



/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Denver, Colorado,
June 30, 1998



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