EXHIBIT 23.7

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
               ---------------------------------------------------

We have issued our report dated February 8, 2002, accompanying the financial
statements of Dorchester Hugoton, Ltd. contained in the Registration Statement
and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus and to the use of our name as it appears
under the caption "Experts."




/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

GRANT THORNTON LLP


Dallas, Texas
October 21, 2002