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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                         CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 of our reserve report and all schedules, exhibits, and attachments
thereto and to any reference made to us on Form S-4 as a result of such
incorporation. We further consent to the reference to our report in the Form
10-K for the year ending December 31, 1997.
 
                                        Sincerely,
 
                                        /s/  RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                           PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
                                        RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                        PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
Denver, Colorado
February 20, 1998