EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT Cross Timbers Oil Company Fort Worth, Texas We consent to the incorporation by reference in this post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement of Cross Timbers Oil Company on Form S-8 of our report dated March 13, 1997, appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Fort Worth, Texas September 26, 1997