EXHIBIT 23.1
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                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of The Midland Company on Form S-3 of our report dated February 24,
2004 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory
paragraph related to The Midland Company's adoption of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) incorporated
by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Midland Company for the
year ended December 31, 2003 ("Form 10-K") and our report dated March 12, 2004
appearing in the Form 10-K and to the references to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

         /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

         Cincinnati, Ohio

         May 10, 2004