EXHIBIT 23.1 ------------ INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of The Midland Company on Form S-8 of our report dated February 7, 2002, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Midland Company for the year ended December 31, 2001 ("Form 10-K") and our report dated March 15, 2002 appearing in the Form 10-K. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP - ---------------------------------------- Deloitte & Touche LLP Cincinnati, Ohio November 22, 2002