1
Exhibit 23.1
                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-_______) pertaining to the Non-Employee Director
Deferred Stock Compensation Program of Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corp. and in
the related Prospectus of our report dated February 4, 1999 with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Louis Dreyfus Natural
Gas Corp. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 


                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
April 26, 1999