EXHIBIT 23.2


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
St.  Mary Land &  Exploration  Company  and  Subsidiaries  on Form S-8 (File No.
333-61850) of our report dated March 3, 1997, except for the second paragraph of
Note 14, as to which the date is March 21, 1997,  on our audits of the financial
statements  of St.  Mary  Land &  Exploration  Company  and  Subsidiaries  as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995,  and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996 which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Denver, Colorado
March 27, 1997