EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 17,
1999 included in St. Mary Land & Exploration Company's Form 10-K/A-3 for the
year ended December 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.

                                                  /S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Denver, Colorado
November 12, 1999