STORING A ROPE 299Before putting a rope away, there are a few basic things to be done to keep it in good condition fora long time. First of all, check that the ends are not frayed. If they are, they should be cut and fused again to bind them; then uncoil the rope in the direction of the lay and seize the ends. Clean away any tar stains, and if it is twisted or kinked run it counterclockwise through a block and lay it on the ground in large turns to allow the strands to settle. Method Coil the rope (see page 18), leaving an end long enough for the following operations: make three or four turns around the coil (1, 2); folda bight and insert it into the top of the coil (3); open the bight and bend it back over the top of the coil (4); tighten it by pulling the end (5). When drawing the hitch taut, check that the turns are even; the rope should never be tightened unevenly 92