1

                          Exhibit 23(b)
                          -------------


 2




                  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and related Prospectus pertaining to the
Worthen Banking Corporation 1993 Stock Option Plan of our report
dated January 19, 1995, with respect to the consolidated
financial statement of Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc. incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


St. Louis, Missouri
April 3, 1995