EXHIBIT 23(B)

     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

     As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the
use of our name in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.  We further consent to the inclusion of our estimate
of reserves and present value of future net reserves in such Annual
Report.

                         /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY  
                              PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
                        
                         RYDER SCOTT COMPANY 
                         PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

Houston, Texas
March 20, 1997