EXHIBIT 23.7


                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

     The undersigned hereby consents to the incorporation by references in the
joint proxy statement/prospectus constituting part of the St. Mary Land &
Exploration Company registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-
85537) of data derived from our reserve report dated January 15, 1999 relating
to the oil and gas reserves of St. Mary Land & Exploration Company at December
31, 1998. We also consent to the reference to this firm under the caption
"Experts" and elsewhere in such joint proxy statement/prospectus.

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

Denver, Colorado
November 11, 1999