les derniers, hère, the worst
6. chasseurs de France, the name of a few régiments of light cavalry. Also note chasseurs de France as opposed to chasseurs d'Afrique, a part of the French cavalry usually garrisoned in Algeria.
7. ces effacements que font les couleurs vives, thaï ("oblitération") contrast made by deep colors in a bright light.
8. Je suis bien bon de me monter la tête, I am very foolish te get excited.