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 Amended and Substituted 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