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