EXHIBIT 23.4


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS


         The undersigned hereby consents to the incorporation by reference in
the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Amending Registration Statement Nos. 333-30055, 333-35352, 333-88780 and
333-106438) of St. Mary Land & Exploration Company of information contained
in our reserve reports as of January 1, 2002, 2003 and 2004 setting forth
estimates of revenues from St. Mary Land & Exploration Company's oil and gas
reserves.


                            /S/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
                            -------------------------------
                            Ryder Scott Company, L.P.


Denver, Colorado
June 28, 2004