Well, there have been some correct answers. Here they all are:
1. The Hundred Years War lasted 116 years. 1337-1453
2. Russians celebrated the October Revolution on Nov. 7. Yes, the Julian calendar is behind this.
3. Panama hats are indeed made in Ecuador.
4. Peruvian Balsam comes from El Salvador. It's a medicinal herb grown in the vicinity of the Balsam Islands.
5. Puffinus puffinus is the Manx shearwater. Puffins are Fratercula or Lunda.
6. Catgut is made from the guts of sheep.
7. Moleskin trousers are made of cotton.
8. Chinese gooseberries are better known as Kiwis, from Zild, of course.
9. There were 16 French kings before Louis XVIII. The one known as Louis XVII died in prison during the Revolution without reigning.
10. The Latin name for the Canary Islands was Canariae Insulae -- Island of the Dogs.
11. King George VI's first name was Albert. Queen Victoria had expressed the wish that no future king take the name Albert out of respect for her husband.
12. As winkled out by Dr. Bill, the distinctively colored parts of purple finches are crimson.
13. A Midsummer Night's Dream takes place during the period Apr. 29 to May 1.
14. Camel's hair brushes are usually made of squirrel hair.
15. The Thirty Years War lasted for 30 years, of course. 1618-1648